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Topic: Auxiliary Air Compressor only able to pump up to 60 PSI  (Read 953 times) previous topic - next topic

Auxiliary Air Compressor only able to pump up to 60 PSI

My aux air system is giving me fits.  Everything I have read says the compressor should come on at 70 to 80 psi and kick off at 90 psi.  My compressor will go up to 60 psi and just set there and pump, will finally go up to 65 or so but that is it.  As long as the well switch is set to kick off at 60 everything works fine.  I replaced the compressor and have pretty close to the same issue.  I have not isolated the compressor at this point to verify it is not the compressor but am wondering if anyone else has had a similar problem and if it might be one of the check valves.  The system holds pressure pretty well and pumps up just fine on the compressor off of the engine.
If the facts disprove the theory, trust the facts and get a new theory!
Matt & Kim Wilhelmson
2006 Nimbus 340

Re: Auxiliary Air Compressor only able to pump up to 60 PSI

Reply #1
I would do what you have suggested and check the check valve and then isolate it. That's the best way
to trouble shoot it.
Peter and Frieda Morin
1999 36ft. U320 Foretravel
Build # 5436
1998 Suzuki Sidekick Sport

Re: Auxiliary Air Compressor only able to pump up to 60 PSI

Reply #2
My guess is you have an air leak somewhere.  I had this happen once and it was the solenoid valve that empties the water trap when the compressor turns off.
Does the system stay at 65 psi when you shut off the compressor? If no you have a leak down stream of the check valves. Slide room bladders and associated plumbing would be suspect in that case. A leak that large should be fairly easy to find just using your ears.
Do you have a toggle switch in line with the wire supplying power to the compressor? If not I would highly recommend doing that.
Steve
Steve & Sandy
2003 U320 4220 WCDS, build#6160
Motorcade #17794
USMC '67-'71

Re: Auxiliary Air Compressor only able to pump up to 60 PSI

Reply #3
Yeah Steve it holds air just fine.  Pumps up to 60 psi and compressor will not come back on for 3 or 4 hours.  My water solenoid was leaking around the seal in the bowl, I fixed that and was confident it would solve the problem.  It made it much better, I just bought the coach and it is obvious someone had been adjusting on the well switch before, i figured it was that leak but no such luck.  Also it pumps up from 40 to 60 psi in 2 or 3 minutes and I am pretty confident it could not do that with a big leak and as you said you should be able to hear that one.
If the facts disprove the theory, trust the facts and get a new theory!
Matt & Kim Wilhelmson
2006 Nimbus 340

Re: Auxiliary Air Compressor only able to pump up to 60 PSI

Reply #4
I would assume that all of your slide rooms are in and the HWH panels are turned off and no red or yellow lights are visible? I remember leaving a slide room key switch on for some time and the HWH pump will run continuously as it tries to keep the bladder deflated.
Steve & Sandy
2003 U320 4220 WCDS, build#6160
Motorcade #17794
USMC '67-'71

Re: Auxiliary Air Compressor only able to pump up to 60 PSI

Reply #5
Matt, you may want to check the pressure switch on the compressor.  I had a similar issue, mine would get to 80 psi and keep running.
Put on the new pressure switch and its been fine since.

Square D by Schneider Electric 9013FHG2J27 Air-Compressor Pressure Switch, 100 Psi Set Off, 20 Psi Fixed Differential, 1/4" Npsf Internal: Electrical Equipment: Amazon.com: Industrial & Scientific
Mark & Bev
2001 U295 36' Slide
Cummins ISC 8.3 350HP
Build #5802
Jeep Wrangler Toad


Re: Auxiliary Air Compressor only able to pump up to 60 PSI

Reply #7

Agree with your post.  OP can take the cover off and adjust it for different pressure. 
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Dan - Full timing since 2009
2003 U320 40' Tag 2 slide

Re: Auxiliary Air Compressor only able to pump up to 60 PSI

Reply #8
thanks for all the input.  I will post on here once I figure it out.  Struggling to think it is the pressure switch as it is what i am adjusting to make the compressor kick off at 60 psi.  My compressor is rated to 150 psi so as the switch is adjusted up the compressor should continue to create more pressure and then kick off.  Going on vacation for the next week so I am sure i will be messing with it while i am gone.  If I dont get it figured out will start isolating and checking valves and solenoids one by one when I get back home.  Worst case scenario have to start the engine and let that compressor build pressure  back up a couple times over the week.
If the facts disprove the theory, trust the facts and get a new theory!
Matt & Kim Wilhelmson
2006 Nimbus 340

Re: Auxiliary Air Compressor only able to pump up to 60 PSI

Reply #9
If system can hold 60psi with compressor off and compressor will only build pressure to 60 psi then I would suspect bad compressor  or bad safety pop off but would think you could hear pop off.
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: Auxiliary Air Compressor only able to pump up to 60 PSI

Reply #10
I agree 100%. Got a 2nd new compressor should be here tonight. Will see what it does
If the facts disprove the theory, trust the facts and get a new theory!
Matt & Kim Wilhelmson
2006 Nimbus 340

Re: Auxiliary Air Compressor only able to pump up to 60 PSI

Reply #11
Quick answer, the air filter with the electric drain was not sealing where the bowl seals to the filter.  It was leaking bad enough that soap did not show it and as soon as the compressor kicked off the leak was gone as the solenoid would immediately blow and drop pressure on that part of the circuit to 0.  Could not hear the leak over the compressor running but this is why once the compressor kicked off the system would hold because check valves keep that circuit at 0 when the compressor is off.
If the facts disprove the theory, trust the facts and get a new theory!
Matt & Kim Wilhelmson
2006 Nimbus 340

 

Re: Auxiliary Air Compressor only able to pump up to 60 PSI

Reply #12
I had a large leak there. Fortunately twig had an o-ring that worked. Still leaks a little bit though.
'99 U320 40 WTFE
Build #5462,
1500 Watts Solar 600 amp Victron lithium
2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland Hemi
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Retired