Skip to main content
Topic: 2015 IH 45 aux air pressure (Read 342 times) previous topic - next topic

2015 IH 45 aux air pressure

Hello Friends,

Having issues with my aux air pressure. The Thomas aux air compressor wont build more than 65lbs. I thought at first it was the compressor since it's 8 years old. Bought a new Thomas air compressor but that didn't fix the issue. Still wont build more than 65lbs. I drained the air tank, 3 times. Some water came out. When the air gauge reads zero, the air compressor will build pressure quickly until it reaches 55lbs then it takes 5-6 minutes to reach 65lbs and will not get above 65lbs. I replaced the one-way air valve. I replaced the 12 volt solenoid. The system will hold 65lbs for more than 24 hours. I can't hear any air leaking. What could I possibly be overlooking?

THANK YOU IN ADVANCE FOR YOUR WISDOM!

Melton Godwin
2015 ForeTravel IH 45
2019 Ford F 350
 Central Florida

Re: 2015 IH 45 aux air pressure

Reply #1
I am going to guess that you have a bad check valve that is in the back of the compartment where  your compressor is located.

Old Scout had mentioned that his was bad so I took mine out and it was bad also. Replaced and now my compressor runs way less.
Here is link to thread.
Air Leak--Check valve

While typing this my compressor came on and only ran for around 15 seconds
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: 2015 IH 45 aux air pressure

Reply #2
Thanks Turbojack. I read the referenced thread and most of the article talks about air leaks. My aux air compressor runs great and will only build air pressure to 65lbs. I have zero (if any) leaks. My system will hold air fine. The aux air compressor just wont put out more than 65lbs. (The aux air compressor works great and that's not the issue) Im changing the rear check value (Haldex N-13526-H) that is attached to the aux air tank that is mounted in from of the drive axle. Hoping this will allow my aux air system to pressurize back to 100lbs.

Let me know if there are other thoughts or ideas.

THANK YOU!
2015 ForeTravel IH 45
2019 Ford F 350
 Central Florida

Re: 2015 IH 45 aux air pressure

Reply #3
I would still go and check the check valve in the compartment that holds the compressor.  Is sounds like some check valve is bad.  Protection valves are on the three main air tanks, wet, front and rear. The protection valves are made to cut off air to non brake systems if pressure gets below 65 psi.  I just seams weird that happens to be the pressure the compressor only pumps to.
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: 2015 IH 45 aux air pressure

Reply #4
Thank You! Replaced all the check valves. Was getting frustrated. An old friend said...are you sure you checked the water bowl? Broke out the water bottle with Dawn dish soap. Guess what? Sure enough...found the leak, cracked bottom of the bowl! Parker water bowl was blowing bubbles like a 3rd grader at a birthday party. I'm going to order a new bowl. Have you tried the new liquid plastic from JB weld? The liquid plastic comes in 2 syringes. I'm going to put a layer of liquid plastic in the bottom to see if it will hold.
2015 ForeTravel IH 45
2019 Ford F 350
 Central Florida

Re: 2015 IH 45 aux air pressure

Reply #5
Thank You! Replaced all the check valves. Was getting frustrated. An old friend said...are you sure you checked the water bowl? Broke out the water bottle with Dawn dish soap. Guess what? Sure enough...found the leak, cracked bottom of the bowl! Parker water bowl was blowing bubbles like a 3rd grader at a birthday party. I'm going to order a new bowl.

Hmm... second one on an IH in very recent weeks

Air Leak--Check valve
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: 2015 IH 45 aux air pressure

Reply #6
I replaced my bowl and solenoid last week.  The connector at the bottom wasnt sealed any longer.  I never saw the bubbles though when I would test it with soap.  The new one I put in from FOT is solid on the connector.  I still have some air leaks but its much improved now.

My odd behavior is the compressor runs, fills, shuts off and is good for hours.  Then overnight/period of 12-16 hours it starts to run more frequently.  Starts to run about every 40 min for same 40 sec fill and shuts off.  If I unplug it for 24 hours and then restart it, back to same pattern of good for 12-16 hours then more frequent runs.  I was starting to think the air temperature and humidity changes here could be playing a part in this but not sure. 

Either way I just need to track down the remaining air leaks.  I also got a new check valve I need to install next (after reading through all these threads).  I am not seeing any leaks with soap in any compartments so the check valve was next before I climb back under and start checking
Tom & Rhonda
2014 IH-45 #6586 -  Ford F150 King Ranch Toad
2013 TIffin 45 LP Allegro Bus - 6 years owned - Sold
2002 Newmar 41' Dutch Star - 13 years owned - Sold

 

Re: 2015 IH 45 aux air pressure

Reply #7
My Parker water bowl was only 6 months old. Had 3 small hairline cracks in the bottom of the bowl, frustrating. I went ahead and ordered a replacement water bowl. I might do something different if it only last 6 months.
2015 ForeTravel IH 45
2019 Ford F 350
 Central Florida