Skip to main content ↑ ↓
Topic: Air questions (Read 853 times) previous topic - next topic

Air questions

I know I have several air leaks in the system, some of which are at the two tanks up front. I'm thinking that I ought to raise the coach all the way up (well, as far up as I can and still keep it level), put the safety stands in, then soap bubble test every connection. Obviously, for that to work there has to be air pressure in the tanks. I'm thinking that removing something attached to one of the tanks while the tank is pressurized is probably not a good idea. Since the air pressure drops to 0 in a couple of days anyway, I think that if I tag the leaking spots, then wait a few days, it will be safe to work on the leaking connections.

Now the questions:
1. Should I remove, clean, and then retighten each connection, or should I put something on the threads to slow future leaks?
2. If I should put something on, what should I use? Teflon tape? Something else?
3. What surprises might I find?

Re: Air questions

Reply #1 –
Quote from: kb0zke –
1. Should I remove, clean, and then retighten each connection, or should I put something on the threads to slow future leaks?
2. If I should put something on, what should I use? Teflon tape? Something else?
3. What surprises might I find?
1.  The hose ends on older coaches are usually compression fittings - they do not require any sealant...if leaking just snug them up a bit.
2.  If a threaded fitting is leaking and you remove it, clean up the threads, reinstall with a sealant (Permatex/Loctite) - not Teflon tape.
3.  Who knows?

Permatex® High Temperature Thread Sealant - Permatex

Amazon.com: Loctite 37398 592 Thread Sealant (6-Mililiter Tube): Automotive
As an Amazon Associate Foretravel Owners' Forum earns from qualifying purchases.
1993 U280 SE 40' WTBI, Build: 4359
C8.3 300hp, 6-Speed, Exhaust Brake
960 watts on the roof (6 x 160)
Sorento (or BOLT) on a Kar Kaddy SS
"Nature abhors a vacuum"

Re: Air questions

Reply #2 –
After that if you haven't already check the air hose and air chuck on the 110 compressor as well as the head gaskets on the compressor. That is my last air leak for the time being, just waiting for cooler weather to take the compressor out and re seal. we rebuilt my gast compressor last year and obviously didn't torque the head bolts tight enough. There are several places for leaks on the 110 compressor.
Dub McBride 1996 270

Re: Air questions

Reply #3 –
The step cylinder is normally missed when checking. Very suspect
Chris and Tammy White  CDA Idaho
Previous owners 1997 U295 36' 3126 Cat 300 HP Build # 4998
Former Foretravel tech & RVIA certified tech
Former owner Custom Satellite home/RV satellites 
Former owner Vans LTD  van conversions
Unemployed, panhandler, drag racer NHRA #6348
 

Re: Air questions

Reply #4 –
I've had troubles with the step off and on since we got the coach, so I'm thinking that when we're in TX I'll have OTM look at it. They've got to have someone there who knows what he is doing and can contort around the corners while standing on his head. The front part of the step is easy - the back side is what's hard.