Foretravel Owners' Forum

Foretravel Motorhome Forums => Foretravel Tech Talk => Topic started by: mikerox on June 25, 2023, 09:18:20 pm

Title: Air horn solenoid
Post by: mikerox on June 25, 2023, 09:18:20 pm
I took apart my horn solenoid because my horns weren't working, there was a click when depressing the horn button, but no horn. I removed and disassembled the solenoid, the plunger has a dimple in it, see pic, is that normal or should it be smooth. Can I get parts or do I have to replace the entire solenoid?
Title: Re: Air horn solenoid
Post by: Chuck & Jeannie on June 25, 2023, 09:31:50 pm
That looks similar to the "dimple" that you see in the plungers when you rebuild the HWH solenoids.  See photo below of old and new HWH plungers.  I think it is just a natural effect of sitting on the valve seat for long periods of time, and under pressure.  You might try putting it back together and see if it seals.  If it doesn't, then you'll probably need a whole new solenoid assembly.  I doubt parts are available, but I've been wrong many times in the past.

You can get a new solenoid from Hadley, but it might be cheaper if you find another online source.  Try a Google search.

https://hadleyadvantage.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/HADLEY-AIR-HORNS-CATALOG.pdf

Amazon.com: Hadley Horns H00550C Air Horn Solenoid : Automotive (https://www.amazon.com/Hadley-Horns-H00550C-Horn-Solenoid/dp/B001FMNU86)

Title: Re: Air horn solenoid
Post by: dsd on June 25, 2023, 09:51:19 pm
I recently purchased a cheap solenoid valve for the air horn on the bronco. Amazon like 15$. Went to copy link and it now doesn't exist. None the less it works great. Probably won't last 30 years thou.
Title: Re: Air horn solenoid
Post by: mikerox on June 25, 2023, 10:10:17 pm
Apparently I didn't empty the air, I thought by dumping the hwh system I was emptying the tank, but to my surprise it blew off when I removed the air pressure gauge hose. It was in the way to get off the solenoid. I'm assuming and hoping once reconnected the coach will repressurize the tank?
Title: Re: Air horn solenoid
Post by: Chuck & Jeannie on June 25, 2023, 10:24:29 pm
Michael,

You need to find a copy of the air system diagram for your coach.  Study the diagram to understand how air pressure is routed.  Doing so will make it much easier to diagnose air system problems and leaks.

This one should be correct for your coach:  https://www.foreforums.com/index.php?action=media;sa=album;in=194;nw;start=35

When you dump the HWH system, all you are doing is emptying the air bags.

If your dash air gauges now show zero psi, reconnecting the air hose will do nothing.  On your GV the only way to repressurize the air system is to start the engine.

Title: Re: Air horn solenoid
Post by: mikerox on June 25, 2023, 10:37:59 pm
Thanks Chuck, I'm going to order the new solenoid off Amazon. I will try to find the air system diagram. I have 2 six pack kits to rebuild some day as well. I'm still on the hamster wheel with my job and time is difficult to find for all the repairs for "This Old Coach". We love her, but definitely makes me somewhat crazy with all the different problems and upgrades we encounter. Thank the Lord for you and all the great help I receive for the many challenges "The Beast" (as we affectionately refer to her as) we encounter. Thanks again for sharing your wisdom.