D1 Air Brake Valve Conversion

[Brandon]

Hello,

Quick question.

TDH-4512 with a factory D1 foot valve for the service brakes (single circuit).

I already rebuilt the D1 however it is sounding like the age of the rebuild kit might be having an effect on the ability of the seals to not bleed off my air when parked. I've tried moving the shims around and it hasn't made a difference yet.

Anyone know if an E3 foot valve will bolt right in? It's a three bolt setup and the treadle looks VERY similar however the height of the part that contacts the treadle looks shorter? I know the E1/E3 were popular on the other series of coaches.

Here's some photos of the D1 from when I rebuilt it:
https://picasaweb.google.com/110006420902447165324/D1FootValveRebuild#

Thanks in advance!

[Scott Crosby]

I just replaced a E-2 with a new E-3 on Lances Bus.  All of the hardware and mounting was identical.  I had to reuse the part for the top that bolts onto the 3 holes and connects to the treadle pedal.  It's not an air part, it's just mechanical shim basically that sets the height.  Again all identical mounting.  These were the same fitting openings and this one over other models.  His had two smaller thread openings in the lower fittings.  Four large up top, and two large and two small on the bottom.     

[Scott Crosby]

I just looked at your pix and yours is way different, and don't know that your top would swap.  I can send you Lances trashed one if you want to see if the mounting is at all compatible.  But that top on yours has some longer internal parts and is different.  I was different top piece options when we were looking for different pedal stlyes offered though.


They have a bunch of options for treadle mounting plates.  Hopefully someone will know which one.   http://www.bendixvrc.com/itemDisplay.asp?documentID=2808

[Boomer]

Brandon, if you take it over to Brake Systems on Sandy Blvd. they can match it up with a newer valve.

[Scott Crosby]

This is a photo I took of the top part. There were three third spaced holes that attached the top to the bottom, and two opposite 9 and 3 O'clock for mounting to the pedal.

[Brandon]

Looking at the manual it appears that the top parts are removable (and could be swapped over).

I have nothing against making a riser on the lathe for the e3. I'll have to see if I can swing by the place on Sandy (they are where I got the last D1 rebuild kit from). I came in with the valve and their jaws dropped.

"Haven't seen one of these in about 15 years".

I'd prefer to just fix this one but I already have more time in it than I'd like when a new E3 is 30-40 bucks.

I'll snap some photos.

[MightyThor]

It would be handy to know what ever happened to this issue.  Did the new valve swap over or did you have to rebuild your old one again?

[Brandon]

I made a post on my blog about all the brake-system upgrades. Ended up finding some more leaks in some of the disabled air-brake systems that were for transit only (like holding brakes while doors open, emergency brakes, etc.)

http://theghostbus.org/?p=13146

Been working great since then. The E3 treadle + valve is VERY nice and has much more even braking across the throw of the pedal. I pieced it together with good NOS parts off ebay and other than modifying the bus to accept the smaller bolt pattern, hooked right up.

Cheeres!

[MightyThor]

Thanks Brandon,
My valve on The Big Dog has started to his in mid push and I think I am going to have to address it soon.  I noticed that it does not do it when the pressure is up, but at less than 65 lbs it has a noticeable sound.  Your blog and this thread is very helpful.