| Author |
Message |
Dave 102 C3
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, June 18, 2006 - 3:26 pm: | |
I have developed an air leak on the tag axle of my 1991 MCI 102C3 and have to leave tomorrow for Alaska from New Mexico.
When I shut the air valve off to the tags the axle rises and of course the leak is gone.
My question is can I address this problem while on the road and drive with the tag up. I will have a couple days to work on it in about 1000 miles.
Tires are new and I would be under the factory stated GVW of the 2 axles I would be running on.
My options are few but safty is priorty!
Thanks,
Dave 102 C3 |
Dave 102 C3
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, June 18, 2006 - 3:31 pm: | |
Almost forgot that I wanted to say Happy Fathers Day to all you Dads and Grand Dads.
I have learned much from all I have read on this BBS and appreciate the wisdom and advice I have received the few times I have posted.
So thanks again and have a great day!
Dave 102 C3
New Mexico |
Richard Bowyer (Drivingmisslazy)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, June 18, 2006 - 3:32 pm: | |
If it was me I suspect I would run all the time with the tag up. Probably would get a better ride as long as you are not exceeding any of the specifications
Richard |
truthhunter@shaw.ca
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, June 18, 2006 - 4:24 pm: | |
Don't know for certain about the construction of 102 C , but NO Way should you drive far without the tags on a MC 8 or MC 9. The operators manuals states that-1. with the axle partially unloaded (15 psi rather than full 30 psi) you are not to drive above a very low speed (30 mph if I recall) . 2. With one tag chained off the ground with the tire removed - drive only to get to the somewhere safe (if I recall). Driving with tag unloaded by the drivers switch (only half pressure) also could cause brake lock up on the tag and caution is warned. It is obvious that it is not safe to drive with no pressure (valve turn off)on the tag with tires still on ground; much more danger than very easily tag brake lock up would likely result at highway speeds braking. Also on a long trip (just guessing ) possible bent or broken frame should be expect.
From the few quick peeks I have had under a 102 C I do not see obvious difference in the rear frame and the suspension attachment locations, so I would have to guess NO way on the 102 C.
Perhaps you should crawl under there with a spray bottle of soap, a good light (block the bus up for safety) and find the leak source before you can determine the risk of driving. If it is fittings maybe tightening them will work if there are no fractures in the line/fittings. If it is seals at the valves and If the leak is not to big and not caused by a fitting/line/valve fracture it may be lower risk to drive. If the leak cause is the bag cracks, you must fix it as the bag is most likely cracked further and could rupture on the 1,000 mile trip, leaving you needing a repair miles from help.
At the least know exactly what is leaking before you decide what the risk of big time problems is. Ignorance, guessing and wishing doesn't negate negligence and exponential larger damage costs.
Drive responsibly so as the price doesn't teach you expensive lessons that others may have to pay part of. |
truthhunter@shaw.ca
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, June 18, 2006 - 4:54 pm: | |
Also , on my MC 8, the tag does not go up when I turn those dump valves off (located in the side engine door compartment). When you unload all the air from the tags the bus actually sinks until the drive axle inflates to compensate for the extra weight added, I also suspect the frame bends a wee bit to take up the extra load of the engine. Try that with a tape measure in hand and you may see what I am talking about when I say that I should be convince to follow the operator manuals warnings until I truely know it all.
I first discovered this when trying to get "unstuck" from ice in a truck wash bay once . The drives were barely touching the sloped concrete floor after I finsihed washing the coach and started it up to drive out. A tip to remember that might help one get unstuck from the snow/ice some day. Just don't drive far or fast with the tags completely dumped by the manual valve (especially with a trail loaded on the back of your MCI). |
Bryce Gaston (Busted_knuckle)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, June 19, 2006 - 9:29 pm: | |
The axle does not lift when you "dump the air to it" it just takes most of the pressure off it I suggest you get it up on some ramps(long ones that'll support both the drives and tags), hook to shop air, get a spray bottle with a water/soap solution (childrens blow bubbles works great too), crawl under it and start spraying things, when you hit the leak the bubbles will show it! Then fix as necessary! Just my way! Hope it helps! BK |
Dave 102 C3
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, June 20, 2006 - 2:41 am: | |
The air bags are in good codition and are not leaking. The leak became more noticable after I had taken the tag wheels off for a brake inspection.
After driving around the block the leak has decreased quite abit.
I am thinking that the bag might have seated after airing up a couple times?
Anyway thanks for the adminition to put safty first.
Deadlines sometimes make us do things we know better not to do.
So with the tag down and holding air were off for the great NW.
Thanks again,
Dave 102 C3
New Mexico |
Richard Bowyer (Drivingmisslazy)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, June 20, 2006 - 5:37 pm: | |
Well, I take back my idea about running all the time with the tag up. I thought it was like the dump trucks I see that always pick up one or more axles when they are running empty.
Richard |