After manually leveling my 2003 U320 with a bubble level and turning off the leveling system, the coach settles to the right front after an hour or so (and moreso overnight).
I used soap bubbles in various places around the front manifold. No sign of leaks at the exhaust port, pressure switch, or air line connections. However, soap around the solenoids where they meet the manifold shows leaks around all three of the easily accessible solenoids. Two photos are attached - one just after the bubbles were slopped on and the second after 1 minute. I repeated this several times and got the the same results each time.
Tomorrow all the O-rings get replaced (or, at least, an attempt will be made). After all, Steve made it look so easy. Follow-ups will be provided.
Jim
Hey I know those bubbles :)
I'm sure you saw on the forum, but the O-Rings are #015 and a #028.
The valve is a screw on valve with two o-rings, an inner o-ring and an outer o-ring. The o-rings should be lightly lubricated before the valve is installed. I used some silicone grease Amazon.com: silicone grease (http://www.amazon.com/Novagard-Dielectric-Silicone-Compound-Mil-S-8660C/dp/B001BNZWNU/ref=sr_1_1?m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&s=automotive&ie=UTF8&qid=1372468038&sr=1-1&keywords=silicone+grease+o-ring) (find it in the plumbing area or some good old Vaseline will work) as well, helps to keep them in place and give some slide while you "snug" them down.
Be sure to clean the mating surfaces when you replace them. How tight to install, not sure if its 1/4 or 1/2 turn past finger, but you will get a feel for that when you remove the first one.
Note that you can also easily remove the coil from each valve stem, its just held on by the nut on the front and then lifts off, sometimes that gives you a bit more room to maneuver.
Have fun (it really is easy).
Any pool supply place has silicone grease. If your don't have one (or three) near by, you should move farther south!
I didn't know I had a problem with the HWH solenoids. Things seemed to work OK. I had noticed the leveling system didn't seem quite as robust as I remembered.
While at FOT I found out the coach was not fully elevating in level mode at one corner. Also found out ride height was not correct because a couple of travel valves were not operating properly. After application of some expertise by experienced FOT mechanics, and installation of three new HWH solenoids & valves ($100 each plus labor), several air powered devices work much better. Leveling and fully raising the coach for access work much better.
If you can do it yourself, you will save some $$ and be qualified as an expert. The great descriptions and pictures on the forum make the repair at home appear doable.
I don't think I'd use Vaseline for the "O" rings. Petro-stuff and rubber don't get along well.
Amen Larry. I am a manufacturing engineer and we are rebuilding air and hydraulic cylinders on a daily basis. Do not use Vaseline petroleum jelly of any kind. There are multiple assembly lubes for cylinder rebuilds. I can't think right off hand what my guys use, but the manufacturer voids any parts warranty if we use petro jelly.
Indeed there are some o-ring materials that are not compatible (same is true for silicone grease on some silicone o-rings) Reading from the O-ring design and materials guide (http://www.rlhudson.com/O-Ring%20Book/designing-environment6.html), they recommend it as safe to use on:
Hydrocarbon-based materials, such as petrolatum. As a clear to yellowish semisolid, petrolatum is better known as petroleum jelly (Vaseline®), but it is also available in liquid form. Petrolatum is typically suitable for use with
a) Nitrile (the most commonly used elastomer for O-rings and other sealing devices. Also known as Buna N)
b) Chloroprene (often referred to by the trade name Neoprene)
c) Polyurethane (Adiprene, Estane, Millathane, Morthane, Pellethane, Texin, Vibrathane)
d) Silicone (general usage)
e) Fluorosilicone (fluorovinylmethyl silicone rubber)
f) Fluorocarbon (Viton)
You can also use the following site to check for chemical compatibility with various seal materials: http://www.hitechseals.com/chemical-compatibility.asp?chemical_id=2130 (http://www.hitechseals.com/chemical-compatibility.asp?chemical_id=2130)
I was just gonna use spit.
Jim,
Spit Lubrication is good for some things but O-rings are not one of them. :o
I've sprayed my solenoids and did notice any leaking like I see here, but I didn't really douse them like you have here.
I just replace my ride hight control valve, now I feel more comfortable working on the air system. My air hoses came off very nicely. So some time soon I'll get back under and give those solenoids a good spiriting of soapy water. If need be I'll pull'em off and clean'em up.