| Author |
Message |
Joe Fantazia
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, March 29, 2006 - 9:03 pm: | |
1982 Bluebird wonderlodge with CAT 3208 stranded in Pheniox Arizona. Won't fully air up and warning buzzer never goes off. Not leaning to one side just never fully airs up. Don't hear any air leaks. I suspect the compressor. What is the best way to systematicly test the system? Where can I pick up a new compressor? Normal psi to lift the coach? Could I use an electric compressor to get the coach home. What are my driving risks related to the air break system? |
Michael Malloy (Busnut06)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, March 29, 2006 - 10:04 pm: | |
Joe, What do you mean "fully air up" what do you have on your gauges? How is your compressor driven, belts or direct coupled to the engine.
Michael |
Dave Wilson
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, March 29, 2006 - 10:25 pm: | |
Iwould check needle valves in the top of compreser, change or a little wd40 then maybe it could be the govenor they all use standard bendix. |
Joe Fantazia
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, March 30, 2006 - 11:40 pm: | |
In response to Questions: "Fully air up". My Bluebird usally sits low when it is not running (air tanks dumped). When I start the bus it usally takes about about 3 min for the bus to rise to a height where it can be driven and the pressure warning buzzer goes off. Currently it stays in the lower position (normally rises at least 5 to 7 inches). Gauges are below 80. Compressor is twin v-drive belt driven and it has a govener on the side of the compressor Thanks for your help |
FAST FRED
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, March 31, 2006 - 5:23 am: | |
If the bus has air brakes youre operating 30lbs low on air pressure.Should be 110 or 120 lbs.
Sounds like the gov is shot , a $20 buck item you should be able to replace in a half hour.
FAST FRED. |
Michael Malloy (Busnut06)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, March 31, 2006 - 8:15 pm: | |
Joe, I agree with Fred, unless you have a tremendous amount of belt slippage, your compressor regulator is failing or has something blocking it's function. Unless you are mechanically inclined, just replace it. Probably just a couple of bolts and a gasket. It is mounted on the compressor, about 3.5 inches by 1.5 inch cylandrical shape.
Michael |
Buswarrior (Buswarrior)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, March 31, 2006 - 9:05 pm: | |
Hello Joe.
Good advice so far!
Replacing the governor is an inexpensive preventive maintenance item, so change it out and see what happens.
Are you able to tell if the compressor is pumping or not? There are subtle changes in noise when it is pumping and when it isn't.
If it still misbehaves, I am suspicious about the air pressure coming up part way and stopping without filling the air suspension.
Makes me wonder if you have a leak somewhere in the suspension or other air accessories, or if there is stuck or blocked valving.
The coach should have a pressure protection valve, set around the point your gauges are showing. A leak in the suspension won't show itself until the protection valve opens.
The protection valve typically directs all of the air compressor's efforts to the brake related plumbing, and around the pressure you have, it will open to allow air to go to the suspension and other accessories.
In other words, the brakes get priority up to this point. Keeps an accessory or suspension failure from creating a dangerously low air pressure condition while driving.
Having an assistant with good hearing work quickly around the outside right after you shut off the engine, they may catch the leak, if it can't be heard over the engine noise.
Another trick is try opening drain valves in the various tanks both while the engine is running and shut down and see what is or isn't filling or holding air.
Let us know how you are making out!
happy coaching!
buswarrior |
Buswarrior (Buswarrior)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, March 31, 2006 - 9:16 pm: | |
Hello Joe.
Sorry, I forgot to review your original post.
You are stranded out there!
If you have access to a shop compressor, try airing the coach up with that. If it builds up normally, you know to blame your compressor and/or governor, and you have options for self-recovery.
If it won't build up with a shop compressor either, the problem is deeper in the system and you'll have to find the leak or stuck valving.
As for "recovery methods"...If the brakes have a reliable source of air that is able to be maintained at operating pressures.... well, the brakes will function as intended.... whether the federales will appreciate the unorthodox methods if they catch you.... Best to not have the temporary airlines draped down the exterior of the coach, or dragging on the ground....darkness is a great equalizer?
Let us know!
happy coaching!
buswarrior |