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Topic: Thomas compressor piston removal (Read 540 times) previous topic - next topic

Thomas compressor piston removal

hello everyone

I got my major rebuild kit and I have no idea how to remove the piston and counterbalance from the axel.
any ideas??

it was very noisy and when I opened it up the shims  holding the piston to the bearing were gone.
2003 Foretravel u320 build 6066
cummins 450 ism
2008 Jeep Cherokee Toad
former Country Coach Owner.
Part time Rv er
Never afraid to learn.

Re: Thomas compressor piston removal

Reply #1 –
See if Steve's write up on our old blog has relevant info:  HWH Pump Rebuild
Learn every day, but especially from the experiences of others. It's cheaper!  - John C. Bogle

2000 U320 36' non-slide / WildEBeest Rescue
2003 U320

Re: Thomas compressor piston removal

Reply #2 –
I did and it does not detail anything about the painfull removal of the bearing and counter balance.


i went to the part store and got a pulley puller and i managed to damage the  piston rod

back to square one.. i need to find a piston rod replacement.

After i pulled the old piston and counter balance off( it was hard because of their offset and first i pulled the bearing and the counter balance  and then i had to pull the center piece that goes inside the bearing and that its offset as well an i was only able to pull from the sleeve that is behind it.)

after i reinserted the new piston rod i inserted the counter balance at the same time and moved them towards the end together  and then i realized that the metal shaft pin would not go inn because the counter balance was smashed  and i should have pushed them in one at the time and instaling the rod pin right after the piston was inserted.

I will call on Monday see if they have just the new piston Assy.
2003 Foretravel u320 build 6066
cummins 450 ism
2008 Jeep Cherokee Toad
former Country Coach Owner.
Part time Rv er
Never afraid to learn.

Re: Thomas compressor piston removal

Reply #3 –
I'm not sure what you paid for the rebuild kit, and now add more parts to that, but maybe a replacement pump would be a more economical option?  Not to mention there are much higher CFM pumps available.

Here's what I did:  Aux air pump system replacement
Keith
2003 U320 38' #6197

Re: Thomas compressor piston removal

Reply #4 –
what did the whole project cost


and yes how many days worth of work?
2003 Foretravel u320 build 6066
cummins 450 ism
2008 Jeep Cherokee Toad
former Country Coach Owner.
Part time Rv er
Never afraid to learn.

Re: Thomas compressor piston removal

Reply #5 –

My project total was more time and cost, but fourdayoff just did the pump swap.  The Air Zenith pump runs $369 on Amazon.  It pulls 35 amps, about 7 more than the Thomas.  The circuit breaker for the Thomas pump is a 40a.  I used the same wiring and left it on that circuit breaker.  No issues.

Amazon.com: Air-Zenith OB2 Fast-Fill Heavy Duty Air Compressor : Automotive

As an Amazon Associate Foretravel Owners' Forum earns from qualifying purchases.
Keith
2003 U320 38' #6197

Re: Thomas compressor piston removal

Reply #6 –
On a new note .
I called Zoro and explained what happened and they will warranty me a new part. Great customer service from Zoro.
2003 Foretravel u320 build 6066
cummins 450 ism
2008 Jeep Cherokee Toad
former Country Coach Owner.
Part time Rv er
Never afraid to learn.
 

Re: Thomas compressor piston removal

Reply #7 –
As Keith stated I did just replace the Thomas compressor, I was able to modify the original muffler to use also and I'm very happy with it. I was going to go the route you did but just could not justify the cost then still have a 20yr old compressor. Jim. 
Jim and Dona
2002 U295 36'
Lily, blue healer. Our fury person
Manx mid travel Ecotec turbo
2022 Bronco badlands Sasquatch
Trail 90 and 110cc