When I had the air bags replaced I asked that Beau also look for air leaks. He found and fixed some, but there are more. Today I found one. We've landed back up in the frozen north (funeral for extended family member) and it is COLD outside, so I was hurrying to get things done. That meant that I was in the small bay by the step much quicker than normal, and I heard some hissing. I wiggled the fitting and valve for the air hose and the hissing changed as I moved things. Now that I know where one large leak is, I'm not as worried. We'll be back to warmer temperatures next week, so I can putter on it then.
The valve looks like an ordinary water faucet type, and I'm wondering if there is a better choice. I'm also going to see about getting a longer hose with a straight end, which ought to make filling tires easier.
Replace it with a ball valve. That is no place for a gate valve, thought that is what they used then.
As a temporary measure, if leaking out the packing/stem, tighten the nut a little.
Is there such a gate/ball valve on ours? Have not used the air hose. You would know. ^.^d
Mike,
Gate valve replaced with ball valve.
Just a thought: in my life in waterworks, if a ball valve was installed, I put a warning tag on, because turning on/off quickly could do some serious damage. Not sure if air could do the same thing!
No problem as air compresses.
Yup air (actually all gasses) compress, liquids do NOT!
Gate valves should have been outlawed 30 years ago except for a few special applications as they are terrible valves for most applications.
BTW wasn't CM Fore IRC an engineer for Apollo Valve company which may have been the first mass producers of the ball valve?
You are probably right, but in marine applications 8"+ size valves are common, space requirements and cost dictate gate valve use. In our coaches, I would only use ball valves, except for sewage and gray water valves.What's the Difference: Shutoff Valves - Ball, Gate, and Globe - Fine... (http://www.finehomebuilding.com/2012/11/08/whats-the-difference-shutoff-valves-ball-gate-and-globe)
Over 3" that's where butterfly valves shine on up to 150 psi for many apps.
Yes, but have found they have to be exercised on a regular basis, or they tend to seize in one position. Just my experience.