Foretravel Motorhome Forums => Foretravel Tech Talk => Topic started by: Jerry Whiteaker on May 29, 2009, 03:39:16 pm
Title: Pure Air Plus Air Dryer - An Ounce of Prevention...
Post by: Jerry Whiteaker on May 29, 2009, 03:39:16 pm
Yahoo Message Number: 34183 (http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/foretravel/message/34183) I am currently in the process of overhauling the air dryer. I am not sure if it has ever been serviced in 13 yrs or 56K miles. Found that it was a real mess inside with lots of vaseline like sludge. I have the DQ 6026 maintenance kit(coalescent filter, pressure relief valve, and desiccant canister) on hand, but also need the DQ 6020 kit(lower parts kit) which I am waiting for. My owners manual doesn't have a schedule for maintenace on the air dryer. I looked through the foretravel group archives and located the Haldex maintenance schedule (thanks Barry Beam). Check the dryer cannister every 3 months (moisture,purge time, heater)and replace some parts at 18 mo. A note says that 2 oz of water or less after a days use is normal and dryer is ok. Everytime I have checked the drain valves almost no water has come out, yet the dryer was severly in need of maintenance. How do some of you check your dryer? Do you unscrew the cannister and look inside to see what is there?
Jerry Whiteaker 96 U270 34'
Title: Air Dryer Maintenance
Post by: Gregory Jones on May 29, 2009, 10:15:09 pm
Yahoo Message Number: 34195 (http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/foretravel/message/34195) I just bleed off the front rear tanks once a week if traveling and never while parked, just when we are getting ready to pull out on a trip, after everything is done and hooked up and we are ready to sail, I reach under and bleed off the rear tank to see if there is any moisture, other than that nothing. If you pull the filter to "look at it" you are only introducing moisture and possibly dirt into the system. There is no need to over service the air dryers, as you said, and just like mine, it's highly unlikely that it was ever serviced before. See it lasted 13 years and did no harm.
Greg
1995 280 Se
Dry (today) in VA
Quote from: jerrywhiteaker
I am currently in the process of overhauling the air dryer. I am not sure if it has ever been serviced in 13 yrs or 56K miles. Found that it was a real mess inside with lots of vaseline like sludge. I have the DQ 6026 maintenance kit(coalescent filter, pressure relief valve, and desiccant canister) on hand, but also need the DQ 6020 kit(lower parts kit) which I am waiting for. My owners manual doesn't have a schedule for maintenace on the air dryer. I looked through the foretravel group archives and located the Haldex maintenance schedule (thanks Barry Beam). Check the dryer cannister every 3 months (moisture,purge time, heater)and replace some parts at 18 mo. A note says that 2 oz of water or less after a days use is normal and dryer is ok. Everytime I have checked the drain valves almost no water has come out, yet the dryer was severly in need of maintenance. How do some of you check your dryer? Do you unscrew the cannister and look inside to see what is there?
Jerry Whiteaker 96 U270 34'
Title: Air Dryer Maintenance
Post by: Jerry Whiteaker on May 30, 2009, 07:54:55 pm
Yahoo Message Number: 34213 (http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/foretravel/message/34213) Thanks Greg, I am probably getting a little excited over something that may not be so important. Doubt if I will ever be driving much in freezing weather when water in the brake system can cause real problems. It may have worked properly for 13 yrs. The coalescing filter fell apart when I removed it, plus there was so much sludge I don't know how air was getting through, but it was. The turbosaver valve in the bottom was falling apart regards the rubber cover on the washer that closes the air port. Will be interesting if I can tell any difference when it is reinstalled. I think I will take a look inside about every 2 years. Not too worried about moisture, but dirt yes.
Jerry Whiteaker 96 U270
Quote from: Greg
I just bleed off the front rear tanks once a week if traveling and never while parked, just when we are getting ready to pull out on a trip, after everything is done and hooked up and we are ready to sail, I reach under and bleed off the rear tank to see if there is any moisture, other than that nothing. If you pull the filter to "look at it" you are only introducing moisture and possibly dirt into the system. There is no need to over service the air dryers, as you said, and just like mine, it's highly unlikely that it was ever serviced before. See it lasted 13 years and did no harm. Greg
1995 280 Se
Dry (today) in VA
Title: Air Dryer Maintenance
Post by: driddel on May 30, 2009, 02:32:57 pm
I just bleed off the front rear tanks once a week if traveling and never while parked, just when we are getting ready to pull out on a trip, after everything is done and hooked up and we are ready to sail, I reach under and bleed off the rear tank to see if there is any moisture, other than that nothing. If you pull the filter to "look at it" you are only introducing moisture and possibly dirt into the system. There is no need to over service the air dryers, as you said, and just like mine, it's highly unlikely that it was ever serviced before. See it lasted 13 years and did no harm. Greg
1995 280 Se
Dry (today) in VA
Quote from: jerrywhiteaker
I am currently in the process of overhauling the air dryer. I am not sure if it has ever been serviced in 13 yrs or 56K miles. Found that it was a real mess inside with lots of vaseline like sludge. I have the DQ 6026 maintenance kit(coalescent filter, pressure relief valve, and desiccant canister) on hand, but also need the DQ 6020 kit(lower parts kit) which I am waiting for. My owners manual doesn't have a schedule for maintenace on the air dryer. I looked through the foretravel group archives and located the Haldex maintenance schedule (thanks Barry Beam). Check the dryer cannister every 3 months (moisture,purge time, heater)and replace some parts at 18 mo. A note says that 2 oz of water or less after a days use is normal and dryer is ok. Everytime I have checked the drain valves almost no water has come out, yet the dryer was severly in need of maintenance. How do some of you check your dryer? Do you unscrew the cannister and look inside to see what is there?
Jerry Whiteaker 96 U270 34'
The desiccant deteriorates over time as some have discovered. I have had it lock open my purge valve. It is no fun to lose air pressure in heavy traffic. I keep a pipe coupling to bypass the dryer in case of emergencies.
David R. 1996 U320
Title: Air Dryer Maintenance
Post by: Bill And Mary Tate on June 03, 2009, 05:09:54 pm
Yahoo Message Number: 34347 (http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/foretravel/message/34347) We can testify that the air dryer maintenance is VERY IMPORTANT. On a recent trip to Corpus Christi , Texas we lost all power on the main interstate through Corpus on at Saturday night. After numerous hours waiting for someone to help a very nice young man from Mikes Mobile Auto Repair came to help us. The tow truck would not tow the coach because we did not have enough air . Mike had a hose made in the middle of the night to bypass the air dryer system long enough for us to drive the motor home to his shop for the night. The next day we drove to Freightliner and had them replace the entire air dryer system. This repair was very costly not to mention very inconvenient and frustrating.
Bill and Mary Tate
Abilene, TX
'97 U295
Title: Air Dryer Maintenance
Post by: Gregory Jones on June 04, 2009, 02:01:09 am
Yahoo Message Number: 34381 (http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/foretravel/message/34381) Just curious, how old was the dryer system that failed. Was it the original 1997 install and filter.
Greg
1995 280 SE
Quote from: Bill and Mary Tate
We can testify that the air dryer maintenance is VERY IMPORTANT. On a recent trip to Corpus Christi , Texas we lost all power on the main interstate through Corpus on at Saturday night. After numerous hours waiting for someone to help a very nice young man from Mikes Mobile Auto Repair came to help us. The tow truck would not tow the coach because we did not have enough air . Mike had a hose made in the middle of the night to bypass the air dryer system long enough for us to drive the motor home to his shop for the night. The next day we drove to Freightliner and had them replace the entire air dryer system. This repair was very costly not to mention very inconvenient and frustrating.
Bill and Mary Tate
Abilene, TX
'97 U295
Title: Pure Air Plus Air Dryer - An Ounce of Prevention...
Post by: Russell on December 21, 2010, 04:18:21 pm
is worth a pound of cure. We've all heard it a thousand times.
Well... I don't know how it got away from me, but I,ve not thought to check/change the desiccant cartridge and coalescing filter on the air dryer for some time, and had a hell of a time getting the coach home recently. (That's a story unto itself, but I'll spare the details.) The bottom line is that when I removed the old desiccant cartridge, it looked like a large container of talcum powder had been poured into every port, inlet, and crevice, and then hosed down with a healthy spray of water. IT WAS A MESS!
I had some problems changing out the relieve valve from Desiccant Kit # DQ6026, but other than that, things went better than I would have expected for the first time.
But after getting it all put back together, I'm getting a constant air leak from the purge valve on the very bottom of the dryer. After looking at the trouble shooting guide (https://wiki.foreforums.com/technical:air_system:air_dryer:troubleshooting_air_dryer), the problem appears to be a damaged purge valve seal, or perhaps just foreign particles on that seal. At any rate, I' guess I'm going to have to take that Purge Assembly appart, and probably replace.
I guess I have two questions: Is that something that should be left to someone who has done it before, or is it a fairly simply process? And second, if anyone had changed the purge assembly, do you remember if you were able to change it in place, or did you have to remove the air dryer?
As always, any guidance is always appreciated.
Title: Re: Pure Air Plus Air Dryer - An Ounce of Prevention...
Post by: fms on December 22, 2010, 05:33:13 pm
It can be changed on the coach, remove black plastic cover on the bottom, than remove retaining clip and purge valve will come out.
Title: Re: Pure Air Plus Air Dryer - An Ounce of Prevention...
Post by: Russell on December 23, 2010, 09:40:30 am
Thanks for the follow-up. I already had the plastic cover off. I was having a heck of a time getting the snap ring off. It had evidently rotated into a position that would not let me use the snap-wring pliers. I got frustrated enough that I ended up disconnecting the air hoses and removing the air dryer.
I'm waiting on parts now, but will take and post some pictures as I remove the purge valve for future reference here on Foreforums.
Merry Christmas everybody. You guys and gals are the best!
Title: Re: Pure Air Plus Air Dryer - An Ounce of Prevention...
Post by: Russell on December 23, 2010, 06:54:54 pm
I'm waiting on the DQ6020 Maintenance Kit that contains the Purge Valve from the local NAPA store, but thought I'd go ahead and removed the old one and clean the chamber since the sun was shining this afternoon.
HOLY COW, was it a mess! No wonder it didn't seat and was leaking air.
Posting some before/after cleaning in case any one who has not torn into their air dryer might be curious as to what it's NOT supposed to look like.
Title: Re: Pure Air Plus Air Dryer - An Ounce of Prevention...
Post by: Roadrunner on December 24, 2010, 09:39:44 am
Nice job Russell. What did you use to clean the dryer unit? Looks nice, I believe I need to put this on my to check list.
Title: Re: Pure Air Plus Air Dryer - An Ounce of Prevention...
Post by: jor on December 24, 2010, 10:09:53 am
Great photos, Russell. Thanks for taking the time to photograph your work. jor
Title: Re: Pure Air Plus Air Dryer - An Ounce of Prevention...
Post by: Russell on December 28, 2010, 11:49:50 am
Donald:
Sorry for the delay in response. Have been away from a computer during Christmas.
I used patience, a can of aresol degreaser, and paper towels. I was reluctant to spray the degreaser into the purge valve housing, as I was concerned that it would drain further into the air dryer. So I tore off small pieces of paper towels, saturated them with the degreaser, and used a small screw driver to work the paper towels into the edges and corners of the housing. It was slow and tedious, for sure, but I feel pretty good about getting all that grunge cleaned out.
I was able to pick up the DQ6020 (Major Repair Kit) from NAPA this AM and will try to further disassemble the air dryer when it warms up.
Title: Re: Pure Air Plus Air Dryer - An Ounce of Prevention...
Post by: Bill Chaplin on December 28, 2010, 12:41:30 pm
Just ordered for my '93 GV. Had much the same. Best price I found, an is a complete unit
Air Dryers For Truck Air Brakes (http://www.anythingtruck.com/commercial/airb_airdryers.mv)
Title: Re: Pure Air Plus Air Dryer - An Ounce of Prevention...
Post by: Russell on December 28, 2010, 08:39:23 pm
Thought I would post last set of photos. Perhaps they might be helpful for anyone who might take on this job in the future. The pictures show the fowled parts and the new parts.
Title: Re: Pure Air Plus Air Dryer - An Ounce of Prevention...
Post by: Barry Beam on December 28, 2010, 09:02:53 pm
Thought I would post last set of photos. Perhaps they might be helpful for anyone who might take on this job in the future. The pictures show the fowled parts and the new parts.
That really puts it into perspective. Nice photos Russell. 8)
Title: Re: Pure Air Plus Air Dryer - An Ounce of Prevention...
Post by: George Stoltz on December 28, 2010, 09:40:31 pm
Russell,
Important topic and great photos. I just read this tonight for the first time and I began to wonder if this is something I should be checking? This is the kind of potential problem that can cause me to lose sleep at night. I don't even know where the canister/dryer is located.
Is this something that would fall under the heading of annual maintenance at MOT? I am going to do dig out my old receipts and check it out.
Title: Re: Pure Air Plus Air Dryer - An Ounce of Prevention...
Post by: Russell on December 28, 2010, 11:12:53 pm
Absolutely George. As most of us, I'm pretty finicky about keeping on top of maintenance, so I don't know how or why I overlooked it.
The desiccant canister and coalescing filter are actually some of the easier things to change on the coach, and had I changed them, would have prevent having to completely overhaul the air dryer like I'm having to do. Changing the desiccant and coalescing filter is an EASY do-it-yourself job. I'm not sure where the air dryer is located on "Moose", but I suspect it would be in the same location as on mine:
Opening the back engine compartment, my dryer is located on the left, bottom of the engine compartment... just as I open the rear engine door. Sorry, I don't have a picture of that to offer you just now. But perhaps tomorrow I can get that for you, if the aternoon rain holds off.
Title: Re: Pure Air Plus Air Dryer - An Ounce of Prevention...
Post by: Michelle on December 28, 2010, 11:22:52 pm
As most of us, I'm pretty finicky about keeping on top of maintenance, so I don't know how or why I overlooked it.
The desiccant canister and coalescing filter are actually some of the easier things to change on the coach
Russell,
Would you mind advising how much time had elapsed since the last air dryer service and what conditions you might have operated the coach in that would have led to such an unfortunate result? I recall reading that the air dryer is often an "out of sight, out of mind" component that James T. has warned doesn't get the attention it really needs. I'm guessing many of us are lax since it's likely not an annual item or one we're used to servicing from our 4 wheel vehicles (which reminds me, the LS is due for 60K service.....)
I'm so glad you were able to get home safely with this issue and appreciate that you took the time to upload the photos of what you found. Hopefully not too much dessicant residue dispersed beyond the air dryer itself and the clean up wasn't too bad.
Michelle
Title: Re: Pure Air Plus Air Dryer - An Ounce of Prevention...
Post by: amos.harrison on December 29, 2010, 09:04:19 am
My FT maintenance schedule calls for dryer service every 18 months. I know guys go longer and get away with it, but I follow FT's recommendation.
Title: Re: Pure Air Plus Air Dryer - An Ounce of Prevention...
Post by: Bill Chaplin on December 29, 2010, 09:52:54 am
OOP's Sorry,not did know difference. I have the older AD4, replaced with AD9 cheaper than the filters for the AD4
Title: Re: Pure Air Plus Air Dryer - An Ounce of Prevention...
Post by: amos.harrison on December 29, 2010, 10:56:06 am
Michelle,
I always follow my FT maintenance schedule, which specifies an 18 month interval for dryer service. I know some of the guys go longer, because they spend a lot of time in a dry climate, but I don't think the risk to the air system is worth it.
Title: Re: Pure Air Plus Air Dryer - An Ounce of Prevention...
Post by: Michelle on December 29, 2010, 12:07:46 pm
I always follow my FT maintenance schedule, which specifies an 18 month interval for dryer service.
Same here - whatever's in the maintenance schedule book. I'm just curious how far beyond that such an issue might occur.
Michelle
?
Once again this forum has come to the rescue for me. We had the DQ6026 Modification Kit installed 8/28/08 by MOT. That was 28 months ago. Until I read Russell Lantier's good topic yesterday -- this system was out of sight, out of mind for me. I will service this unit within the next 10 days or sooner as soon as I find out what should be replaced. Do I need another DQ6026 Kit or should I just replace the spin on desiccant filter and the coalescing filter?
Title: Re: Pure Air Plus Air Dryer - An Ounce of Prevention...
Post by: Don Hay on December 29, 2010, 04:30:22 pm
Quote
Michelle's Quote: "Same here - whatever's in the maintenance schedule book. I'm just curious how far beyond that such an issue might occur.
A local mechanic told me to check the "wet" air tank (in front of the driver's rear dual tires) frequently, and as long as it stayed free of moisture your air dryer was still doing its job. I closely kept track of the wet tank, but after 4 years, I decided to change it out anyway. The old (AD4) was still good, but who knew for how much longer?
Title: Re: Pure Air Plus Air Dryer - An Ounce of Prevention...
Post by: George Stoltz on December 29, 2010, 04:38:54 pm
Michelle's Quote: "Same here - whatever's in the maintenance schedule book. I'm just curious how far beyond that such an issue might occur.
A local mechanic told me to check the "wet" air tank (in front of the driver's rear dual tires) frequently, and as long as it stayed free of moisture your air dryer was still doing its job. I closely kept track of the wet tank, but after 4 years, I decided to change it out anyway. The old (AD4) was still good, but who knew for how much longer?
Don,
Can I spin off the canister and take a look or is the canister like the engine air filter in that once you take it off, you have to replace it?
Title: Re: Pure Air Plus Air Dryer - An Ounce of Prevention...
Post by: George Stoltz on December 29, 2010, 04:40:41 pm
Donald: /snip/ I was able to pick up the DQ6020 (Major Repair Kit) from NAPA this AM and will try to further disassemble the air dryer when it warms up.
Russell: Ballpark price of the kit?
Title: Re: Pure Air Plus Air Dryer - An Ounce of Prevention...
Post by: Barry Beam on December 29, 2010, 05:04:27 pm
Donald: /snip/ I was able to pick up the DQ6020 (Major Repair Kit) from NAPA this AM and will try to further disassemble the air dryer when it warms up.
Russell: Ballpark price of the kit?
Ryder Fleet Products $37.67 Haldex-Midland Kit major dryer DQ6020 (http://tinyurl.com/2fhq379)
Title: Re: Pure Air Plus Air Dryer - An Ounce of Prevention...
Post by: Don Hay on December 29, 2010, 05:09:02 pm
George,
Others more knowledgeable will have to give you a definitive answer, but my AD9 has at least 8 nuts at the base, and 2 wide bands around the cannister that have to be loosened. In our coach, the dryer is tucked away in the far passenger-side corner of the engine compartment behind the hydraulic reservoir for the power steering pump. The only way to get clear access to the dryer is to drop it out of the bottom of the compartment. Not an easy task in the '92 U-280.
My impression has been that the outer cannister just protects the other components (heater, dessicant, purge valve, etc.), so I don't know why it would hurt to open it up, but again, others on this forum are more qualified to answer this.
Title: Re: Pure Air Plus Air Dryer - An Ounce of Prevention...
Post by: Russell on December 29, 2010, 08:34:29 pm
Michelle:
I can't say how long since the last dryer service, since we've only had the coach for 3 years and I don't have access to the previous service records. I really wish I knew. It would have been so easy to remove the desiccant and save hour upon hour of cleaning up the mess. (It really was bad.) I just know, that I wouldn't let it go any more than a year without at least checking the desiccant canister in the future.
George: DQ6020 (Major Repair Kit) is about $40 bucks, but you shouldn't need to change that one if the desiccant canister and coalescing filter are changed regularly.
DQ6026 (Air Dryer Cartridge plus repair kit) is about $135.
and one thing further George, if it were me, I'd only change the desiccant canister and coalescing filter, unless I found something to indicate further investigation.
Title: Re: Pure Air Plus Air Dryer - An Ounce of Prevention...
Post by: George Stoltz on December 29, 2010, 08:48:25 pm
Russell,
Based on your experience, is it safe to remove the cover and look at the desiccant and coalescing filter? The last time I just happened to look at a filter it was the engine air filter and it cost we about $125 to replace a filter that was about 6 weeks old because I am told that filter if removed MUST be replaced. My current desiccant and coalescing filter are 28 months old.
I am not trying to put you on the spot, just want to know your opinion.
Title: Re: Pure Air Plus Air Dryer - An Ounce of Prevention...
Post by: Russell on December 29, 2010, 09:22:04 pm
George, I honestly don't know the Haldex answer. I just know that if it were me, I'd remove the cartridge to check it out. And quite frankly, given the mess that I had, and the time and effort it's cost me, I'd gladly have paid the price of a new canister to have avoided this headache.
Title: Re: Pure Air Plus Air Dryer - An Ounce of Prevention...
Post by: George Stoltz on December 29, 2010, 09:30:46 pm
George, I honestly don't know the Haldex answer. I just know that if it were me, I'd remove the cartridge to check it out. And quite frankly, given the mess that I had, and the time and effort it's cost me, I'd gladly have paid the price of a new canister to have avoided this headache.
I think I will call Mike Rogers at MOT and ask him.
Title: Re: Pure Air Plus Air Dryer - An Ounce of Prevention...
Post by: Dick S on December 30, 2010, 01:24:22 am
George, Let us know what you find out.
Title: Re: Pure Air Plus Air Dryer - An Ounce of Prevention...
Post by: George Stoltz on December 30, 2010, 12:25:44 pm
I spoke with Mike Rodgers this morning while driving from Clarkesville, GA to Valdosta, GA. Mike said they are now recommending that the desiccant and coalescing filter be changed annually. Mike also told me something else very important: to open the valve on the air tank in front of the rear wheels. This is absolutely something I would not have done.
A subsequent note of clarification here: When Mike told me to open the valve, he did so to tell me to do this as a safety measure before I service the Haldex Air Dryer. He was not instructing me to check the air for moisture. Sorry, my original post was not clear on that point
Because we are at 28 months I am going to service the unit. While the air coming out of the bleed valve is dry, I see no reason to push my luck -- especially after Russell Lantier's experience.
Without ForeForums I would be making a lot more errors and spending a lot of money needlessly. Thank you all.
Title: Re: Pure Air Plus Air Dryer - An Ounce of Prevention...
Post by: Don Hay on December 30, 2010, 01:35:25 pm
Quote
George Stoltz's Quote: "Mike also told me something else very important: to open the valve on the air tank in front of the rear wheels. This is absolutely something I would not have done."
George, this is in line with my previous comment: " A local mechanic told me to check the "wet" air tank (in front of the driver's rear dual tires) frequently".
Over the years, there have been previous threads mentioning checking the wet tank on the Yahoo Group.
Title: Re: Pure Air Plus Air Dryer - An Ounce of Prevention...
Post by: George Stoltz on December 30, 2010, 01:53:54 pm
George Stoltz's Quote: "Mike also told me something else very important: to open the valve on the air tank in front of the rear wheels. This is absolutely something I would not have done."
George, this is in line with my previous comment: " A local mechanic told me to check the "wet" air tank (in front of the driver's rear dual tires) frequently".
Over the years, there have been previous threads mentioning checking the wet tank on the Yahoo Group.
Don,
I am well aware of some of those discussions and I have been pretty good about bleeding air from that valve. However, I am not one to wait until the Haldex air dryer system needs to be serviced. If MoT recommends annual servicing and I am at 28 months, then I am in favor of doing the servicing now. As to letting air out of the tank before performing the Haldex service -- I had not idea this would be necessary. I don't know if I could have been hurt or could have damaged something. But in either case, I am glad that Mike took the time to walk me through the steps.
Title: Re: Pure Air Plus Air Dryer - An Ounce of Prevention...
Post by: Michelle on December 30, 2010, 02:29:40 pm
As to letting air out of the tank before performing the Haldex service -- I had not idea this would be necessary.
That makes it more clear as to what you meant. The earlier post sounded more like Mike was reminding you to check the wet tank. Relieving the air pressure on the system before tackling the air dryer maintenance is of course necessary. REMEMBER to have your coach on a perfectly level site and CHOCK THE WHEELS so the coach can't roll when you do this.
Michelle
Title: Re: Pure Air Plus Air Dryer - An Ounce of Prevention...
Post by: George Stoltz on December 30, 2010, 02:43:58 pm
As to letting air out of the tank before performing the Haldex service -- I had not idea this would be necessary.
That makes it more clear as to what you meant. The earlier post sounded more like Mike was reminding you to check the wet tank. Relieving the air pressure on the system before tackling the air dryer maintenance is of course necessary. REMEMBER to have your coach on a perfectly level site and CHOCK THE WHEELS so the coach can't roll when you do this.
Michelle
Thanks, Michelle.
I try to write so that others will clearly understand. This is sooooo important. Thanks for informing me of the need to chock the wheels. Once again. I probably would not have thought of this.
Title: Re: Pure Air Plus Air Dryer - An Ounce of Prevention...
Post by: Chad and Judy on December 30, 2010, 04:20:37 pm
Now I'm a little confused? The service brakes will not work without an air-source, but the coach should not be able to move, as without air-pressure the park-brake is "set". Or am I missing something? When our air-dryer failed on the road, we were unable to move the coach until I plumbed around the Halidex unit.
Title: Re: Pure Air Plus Air Dryer - An Ounce of Prevention...
Post by: Peter & Beth on December 30, 2010, 04:34:16 pm
Chad, I think you're right about the brakes. Not only is the "Park" feature enabled, but all brake positions will be locked w/o 60 psi pressure available to release the brakes. I believe the level ground is sound advice. Chocking the tires is always advisable...no harm done.
Title: Re: Pure Air Plus Air Dryer - An Ounce of Prevention...
Post by: Michelle on December 30, 2010, 04:58:20 pm
Now I'm a little confused? The service brakes will not work without an air-source, but the coach should not be able to move, as without air-pressure the park-brake is "set". Or am I missing something?
Technically, you're right, but one should never rely on the parking brake exclusively, especially when working on the vehicle and having no way to activate the service brakes as an auxiliary measure. Depending on the slope, condition of the mating surfaces, etc., a coach CAN move even if the parking brake is set. I've seen it first hand. Better safe than sorry :)
Michelle
Title: Re: Pure Air Plus Air Dryer - An Ounce of Prevention...
Post by: Dave M (RIP) on December 30, 2010, 05:00:56 pm
Lil Note; The only park brakes / emergency brakes are the double chanber units on the drive axle. The front wheels and tag axle brakes are the single chamber, non parking brake type. They also only operate from the foot brake valve, this is the front and tag, not from the emergency nor park circuit. Happy New Year
Title: Re: Pure Air Plus Air Dryer - An Ounce of Prevention...
Post by: Peter & Beth on December 30, 2010, 05:38:13 pm
Lil Note; The only park brakes / emergency brakes are the double chanber units on the drive axle. The front wheels and tag axle brakes are the single chamber, non parking brake type. They also only operate from the foot brake valve, this is the front and tag, not from the emergency nor park circuit. Happy New Year
Dave, Thanks for the clarification. To amplify and not leave any doubt for the foot brake actuated air brakes...are these locked in the brake on position in the absence of air pressure?
Title: Re: Pure Air Plus Air Dryer - An Ounce of Prevention...
Post by: Dave Head on December 30, 2010, 07:04:36 pm
Actually they won't lock until you dip below 50 psi. BTDT driving home a blown air dryer....
Title: Re: Pure Air Plus Air Dryer - An Ounce of Prevention...
Post by: George Stoltz on December 30, 2010, 07:07:04 pm
Actually they won't lock until you dip below 50 psi. BTDT driving home a blown air dryer....
Dave,
What the heck does BTDT mean????
Title: Re: Pure Air Plus Air Dryer - An Ounce of Prevention...
Post by: Dave Head on December 30, 2010, 07:50:04 pm
Been There Done That (with or w/o the T-shirt)
Title: Re: Pure Air Plus Air Dryer - An Ounce of Prevention...
Post by: Russell on January 01, 2011, 01:47:04 pm
George:
Thanks for the follow up after talking to Mike at MOT.
By the way, did you specifically ask him about replacing the desiccant canister after removing it to examine it?
Title: Re: Pure Air Plus Air Dryer - An Ounce of Prevention...
Post by: Jim Frerichs on January 01, 2011, 03:44:04 pm
Hi Russell,
Do you happen the remember the size of the Allen wrench used to remove check valve on the bottom of the Haldex air dryer?
Happy New Year
Jim 2002 U320
Title: Re: Pure Air Plus Air Dryer - An Ounce of Prevention...
Post by: George Stoltz on January 01, 2011, 03:54:17 pm
Russell,
No. I decided if I were going to order the kit then I'd replace it anyway. He said they recommend an annual replacement so after 28 months I figured I would not fool around with trying to determine if it was still viable. I do not want to go through what you went through.
Happy New Year
Title: Re: Pure Air Plus Air Dryer - An Ounce of Prevention...
Post by: Russell on January 03, 2011, 08:29:07 pm
Thanks George. Was just wondering.
Jim: It should be 3/8" . But my notes are in the coach. I'll check tomorrow and verify.
Title: Re: Pure Air Plus Air Dryer - An Ounce of Prevention...
Post by: Russell on January 04, 2011, 05:01:20 pm