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Topic: HWH Leveling Solenoids - soap bubble test - yes, there are leaks! (Read 896 times) previous topic - next topic

HWH Leveling Solenoids - soap bubble test - yes, there are leaks!

After manually leveling my 2003 U320 with a bubble level and turning off the leveling system, the coach settles to the right front after an hour or so (and moreso overnight). 

I used soap bubbles in various places around the front manifold.  No sign of leaks at the exhaust port, pressure switch, or air line connections.  However, soap around the solenoids where they meet the manifold shows leaks around all three of the easily accessible solenoids.  Two photos are attached - one just after the bubbles were slopped on and the second after 1 minute.  I repeated this several times and got the the same results each time.

Tomorrow all the O-rings get replaced (or, at least, an attempt will be made).  After all, Steve made it look so easy.  Follow-ups will be provided.

Jim
Jim McNeece
2003 U320 40'
2017 Chevy Colorado Tow

Re: HWH Leveling Solenoids - soap bubble test - yes, there are leaks!

Reply #1 –

Hey I know those bubbles :)

I'm sure you saw on the forum, but the O-Rings are #015 and a #028. 

The valve is a screw on valve with two o-rings, an inner o-ring and an outer o-ring. The o-rings should be lightly lubricated before the valve is installed.  I used some silicone grease Amazon.com: silicone grease (find it in the plumbing area or some good old Vaseline will work) as well, helps to keep them in place and give some slide while you "snug" them down. 

Be sure to clean the mating surfaces when you replace them.  How tight to install, not sure if its 1/4 or 1/2 turn past finger, but you will get a feel for that when you remove the first one.

Note that you can also easily remove the coil from each valve stem, its just held on by the nut on the front and then lifts off, sometimes that gives you a bit more room to maneuver.

Have fun (it really is easy).

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2000 / 36' / U320 / WTFE
WildEBeest / "Striving to put right what once went wrong"

Re: HWH Leveling Solenoids - soap bubble test - yes, there are leaks!

Reply #2 –
Any pool supply place has silicone grease. If your don't have one (or three) near by, you should move farther south!
The selected media item is not currently available. Dave Head & Megan Westbrook
Titusville, FL - The Great Outdoors
'98 270 buying this month
Toad is a 2018 F150 XLT

Re: HWH Leveling Solenoids - soap bubble test - yes, there are leaks!

Reply #3 –
I didn't know I had a problem with the HWH solenoids. Things seemed to work OK. I had noticed the leveling system didn't seem quite as robust as I remembered.

While at FOT I found out the coach was not fully elevating in level mode at one corner. Also found out ride height was not correct because a couple of travel valves were not operating properly. After application of some expertise by experienced FOT mechanics, and installation of three new HWH solenoids & valves ($100 each plus labor), several air powered devices work much better. Leveling and fully raising the coach for access work much better.

If you can do it yourself, you will save some $$ and be qualified as an expert. The great descriptions and pictures on the forum make the repair at home appear doable.
J D Stevens
1997 U295 CAI 36' Build #5085
2002 Subaru Outback
Motorcade 16869
Bellville, TX

Re: HWH Leveling Solenoids - soap bubble test - yes, there are leaks!

Reply #4 –
Quote from: Steve –

The valve is a screw on valve with two o-rings, an inner o-ring and an outer o-ring. The o-rings should be lightly lubricated before the valve is installed.  I used some silicone grease Amazon.com: silicone grease (find it in the plumbing area or some good old Vaseline will work) as well,
I don't think I'd use Vaseline for the "O" rings. Petro-stuff and rubber don't get along well.
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Larry
1996 U295 36'
Build # 4805
Actually we sold it but just like to lurk

Re: HWH Leveling Solenoids - soap bubble test - yes, there are leaks!

Reply #5 –
Amen Larry.  I am a manufacturing engineer and we are rebuilding air and hydraulic cylinders on a daily basis. Do not use Vaseline petroleum jelly of any kind.  There are multiple assembly lubes for cylinder rebuilds. I can't think right off hand what my guys use, but the manufacturer voids any parts warranty if we use petro jelly. 
Curtis
1989 GV

Re: HWH Leveling Solenoids - soap bubble test - yes, there are leaks!

Reply #6 –
Indeed there are some o-ring materials that are not compatible (same is true for silicone grease on some silicone o-rings)  Reading from the O-ring design and materials guide, they recommend it as safe to use on:

Hydrocarbon-based materials, such as petrolatum. As a clear to yellowish semisolid, petrolatum is better known as petroleum jelly (Vaseline®), but it is also available in liquid form. Petrolatum is typically suitable for use with

a) Nitrile (the most commonly used elastomer for O-rings and other sealing devices. Also known as Buna N)
b) Chloroprene (often referred to by the trade name Neoprene)
c) Polyurethane (Adiprene, Estane, Millathane, Morthane, Pellethane, Texin, Vibrathane)
d) Silicone (general usage)
e) Fluorosilicone (fluorovinylmethyl silicone rubber)
f) Fluorocarbon (Viton)

You can also use the following site to check for chemical compatibility with various seal materials: http://www.hitechseals.com/chemical-compatibility.asp?chemical_id=2130
2000 / 36' / U320 / WTFE
WildEBeest / "Striving to put right what once went wrong"

Re: HWH Leveling Solenoids - soap bubble test - yes, there are leaks!

Reply #7 –
I was just gonna use spit.
Jim McNeece
2003 U320 40'
2017 Chevy Colorado Tow

Re: HWH Leveling Solenoids - soap bubble test - yes, there are leaks!

Reply #8 –
Quote from: indio192 –
I was just gonna use spit.
Jim,
Spit Lubrication is good for some things but O-rings are not one of them. :o
The selected media item is not currently available.Barry BEAM #16014
2003 U320 40' AGDS
Beamalarm, Foretravel technical help and specifications
"Whatever the mind can conceive and believe, it can achieve"
 

Re: HWH Leveling Solenoids - soap bubble test - yes, there are leaks!

Reply #9 –
I've sprayed my solenoids and did notice any leaking like I see here, but I didn't really douse them like you have here. 
I just replace my ride hight control valve, now I feel more comfortable working on the air system.  My air hoses came off very nicely.  So some time soon I'll get back under and give those solenoids a good spiriting of soapy water.  If need be I'll pull'em off and clean'em up. 
David
2004 U320
This is my good stuff