Skip to main content ↑ ↓
Topic: Air Fitting Leaking (Read 516 times) previous topic - next topic

Air Fitting Leaking

Noticed yesterday when started up coach air pressure was at zero.  Today when I started had no air pressure again.  As fast as it was leaking I figured It would be easy to find.  I did find a hose was leaking around a fitting.  I took the fitting off the check valve but can not figure out how to remove the fitting.  I tried pushing down on the gray part but that did not work.  I tried pulling the gray part and that did not work.  What do I need to do to fix this leak?
2014 ih45  (4th Foretravel owned)
 1997 36' U295 Sold in 2020, owned for 19 years
  U240 36' Sold to insurance company after melting in garage fire
    33' Foretravel on Dodge Chassis  Sold very long time ago

Re: Air Fitting Leaking

Reply #1 –
If it was mine, I would cut the line as close as possible to the fitting on each end of the check valve. Then replace both of the fittings with DOT compression fittings. You will probably have to have no air pressure in order to be able to push the gray part enough to release the air line b
previous 1984 35 ft ORED 250 HP 3208 Cat       
previous 1998 40 ft U295 CAI 325 hp Cummins
previous 2003 40 Ft u320 build #6140 450 Cummins M11.                                                         
1999 Mazda Miata
Ron, Nancy, Tipper the cat, Max The dog
1997 U 270 36 ft build number 5174 8.3 Cummins

Re: Air Fitting Leaking

Reply #2 –
Quote from: red tractor –
Then replace both of the fittings with DOT compression fittings.

Do I get these at a heavy duty truck parts?  Or can I get them anywhere.
2014 ih45  (4th Foretravel owned)
 1997 36' U295 Sold in 2020, owned for 19 years
  U240 36' Sold to insurance company after melting in garage fire
    33' Foretravel on Dodge Chassis  Sold very long time ago

Re: Air Fitting Leaking

Reply #3 –
Push the gray rings towards the valve while pulling on the black tubing.
1999 40 ft. U-320 wtfe build 5563 Chuck & Lynda's "Rollin' Inn"  2030 watts solar
prev. mh's 71 GMC 5 yrs. 73 Pace Setter 1 yr. 78 Vogue 5 yrs 81 FTX 40ft all electric 18 yrs. 1996 Monaco Signature 3 yrs.
2014 Grand Cherokee Overland
Dream as if you will live forever. Live as if you will die today.  James Dean

Re: Air Fitting Leaking

Reply #4 –
I will add to what Craneman said by after pushing down on the gray ring, push down on the tubing before pulling it out. It seemed to make a difference for me when I was working on my air lines. I also used an open end wrench of the appropriate size that fits over the air tubing and rests on the gray ring to help move it. There's horse shoe shaped tools made for removing those fittings.
Richard & Betty Bark & Keiko our Golden Doodle
2003 U320T 3820 PBDS
Build # 6215
MC # 16926
2016 Chevrolet Colorado 4X4 diesel

Re: Air Fitting Leaking

Reply #5 –
Quote from: craneman –
Push the gray rings towards the valve while pulling on the black tubing.
So after doing this do I cut the very end of the fitting off and push back on?  or  do I get just cut off and get a new fitting?

Do you think NAPA stocks the fittings?
2014 ih45  (4th Foretravel owned)
 1997 36' U295 Sold in 2020, owned for 19 years
  U240 36' Sold to insurance company after melting in garage fire
    33' Foretravel on Dodge Chassis  Sold very long time ago

Re: Air Fitting Leaking

Reply #6 –
They make a special tool for getting those shark bite fittings off but I just use a crows foot to
Press them down. You can cut them too.  Abandon them all together and get compression fittings from your local HDT supply. My local NAPA Carrie's them too

I hate those damn things, they leak like crazy and should never be used on a Foretravel
1987 Grand Villa ORED
2001 U320 4010

Not all that wander are lost... but I often am.

Re: Air Fitting Leaking

Reply #7 –

This is a kit I keep on hand. Pretty compact case, and hopefully it will contain enough to cover any issues that may arise.

Amazon.com: Legines 38 Pcs Brass D.O.T Air Brake Nylon Tubing Fitting...

As an Amazon Associate Foretravel Owners' Forum earns from qualifying purchases.
Mark & Bev
2001 U295 36' Slide
Cummins ISC 8.3 350HP
Build #5802
Jeep Wrangler Toad

Re: Air Fitting Leaking

Reply #8 –
Quote from: Elliott –

I hate those damn things, they leak like crazy and should never be used on a Foretravel
X2.  Easy to install. Pain to maintain. I carry several for emergency use only.
Scott

Re: Air Fitting Leaking

Reply #9 –
I have used press lock fittings for years in liquid and air applications with very few leaks.  Different brands may vary.  It it leaks you do not want to reuse, so cut it off and replace with fitting of your choice.  The press lock fittings are available at hardware stores, big box stores, amazon.  I always bought mine from Kleen-Rite or Grainger.  Had equally good results with the plastic ones and brass ones. 
Bill and Joyce, The House2 and Dashboard Pig III
2000 U320 4210 CAI (The House2)
Build # 5733
2019 F150 King Ranch FX4

Re: Air Fitting Leaking

Reply #10 –
Most important thing when using press lock fittings is to be sure you have a clean/square cut on the tubing
Ralph
96 U270

Re: Air Fitting Leaking

Reply #11 –
The push on fittings are just fine for many applications like OTR trucking where the vehicles have a continuous source of air. A tiny leak here or there isn't going to affect those applications. They're easy to find DOT approved and millions of drivers are using them every day. The key difference is that those rigs aren't trying to hold air for weeks on end while parked. If you're working on any part of your air system that's used for leveling, slide bladders, or is fed by your aux compressor, you're just asking to be leaking hunting again in a couple years by using those push-ons.
1987 Grand Villa ORED
2001 U320 4010

Not all that wander are lost... but I often am.

Re: Air Fitting Leaking

Reply #12 –
I got the old fitting off and got new from Napa. There's has a metal ring instead of original plastic. Do I need to cur the end?  I guess I can try without and see if it leaks
2014 ih45  (4th Foretravel owned)
 1997 36' U295 Sold in 2020, owned for 19 years
  U240 36' Sold to insurance company after melting in garage fire
    33' Foretravel on Dodge Chassis  Sold very long time ago

Re: Air Fitting Leaking

Reply #13 –
You are pushing the tubing through an O ring just make sure there is no sharp edge on the tubing
1999 40 ft. U-320 wtfe build 5563 Chuck & Lynda's "Rollin' Inn"  2030 watts solar
prev. mh's 71 GMC 5 yrs. 73 Pace Setter 1 yr. 78 Vogue 5 yrs 81 FTX 40ft all electric 18 yrs. 1996 Monaco Signature 3 yrs.
2014 Grand Cherokee Overland
Dream as if you will live forever. Live as if you will die today.  James Dean
 

Re: Air Fitting Leaking

Reply #14 –
As Chuck said no sharp ends so filing a bevel on the tubing will make a big difference.
Peter and Frieda Morin
1999 36ft. U320 Foretravel
Build # 5436
1998 Suzuki Sidekick Sport