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Topic: Found an air leak (Read 910 times) previous topic - next topic

Found an air leak

When I had the air bags replaced I asked that Beau also look for air leaks. He found and fixed some, but there are more. Today I found one. We've landed back up in the frozen north (funeral for extended family member) and it is COLD outside, so I was hurrying to get things done. That meant that I was in the small bay by the step much quicker than normal, and I heard some hissing. I wiggled the fitting and valve for the air hose and the hissing changed as I moved things. Now that I know where one large leak is, I'm not as worried. We'll be back to warmer temperatures next week, so I can putter on it then.

The valve looks like an ordinary water faucet type, and I'm wondering if there is a better choice. I'm also going to see about getting a longer hose with a straight end, which ought to make filling tires easier.

Re: Found an air leak

Reply #1 –
Replace it with a ball valve. That is no place for a gate valve, thought that is what they used then.

As a temporary measure, if leaking out the packing/stem, tighten the nut a little.
Brett Wolfe
EX: 1993 U240
Moderator, ForeForum 2001-
Moderator Diesel RV Club 2002-
Moderator, FMCA Forum 2009-2020
Chairman FMCA Technical Advisory Committee 2011-2020

Re: Found an air leak

Reply #2 –
Quote from: wolfe10 –
Replace it with a ball valve. That is no place for a gate valve, thought that is what they used then.

Is there such a gate/ball valve on ours? Have not used the air hose. You would know.  ^.^d
1993 U-240 "La Villa Grande"..CAT 3116 w/ Pacbrake PRXB...Allison 3060 6-speed..
Previous: 1983 Airstream 310 turbo diesel, 1979 Airstream 280 turbo diesel
                                      Build # 4297
                                      PNW natives
                      Home base:  'Cactus Hug' (Ajo, Arizona)
                        DW Judy & Chet the wonder dog
                        Full-Timers 'Sailing the asphalt sea'

Re: Found an air leak

Reply #3 –
Mike,
Gate valve replaced with ball valve.
Brett Wolfe
EX: 1993 U240
Moderator, ForeForum 2001-
Moderator Diesel RV Club 2002-
Moderator, FMCA Forum 2009-2020
Chairman FMCA Technical Advisory Committee 2011-2020

Re: Found an air leak

Reply #4 –
Quote from: wolfe10 –
Gate valve replaced with ball valve

Just a thought: in my life in waterworks, if a ball valve was installed, I put a warning tag on, because turning on/off quickly could do some serious damage. Not sure if air could do the same thing!
1993 U-240 "La Villa Grande"..CAT 3116 w/ Pacbrake PRXB...Allison 3060 6-speed..
Previous: 1983 Airstream 310 turbo diesel, 1979 Airstream 280 turbo diesel
                                      Build # 4297
                                      PNW natives
                      Home base:  'Cactus Hug' (Ajo, Arizona)
                        DW Judy & Chet the wonder dog
                        Full-Timers 'Sailing the asphalt sea'

Re: Found an air leak

Reply #5 –
No problem as air compresses.
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: Found an air leak

Reply #6 –
Yup air (actually all gasses) compress, liquids do NOT!
Brett Wolfe
EX: 1993 U240
Moderator, ForeForum 2001-
Moderator Diesel RV Club 2002-
Moderator, FMCA Forum 2009-2020
Chairman FMCA Technical Advisory Committee 2011-2020

Re: Found an air leak

Reply #7 –
Quote from: wolfe10 –
Replace it with a ball valve. That is no place for a gate valve
Gate valves should have been outlawed 30 years ago except for a few special applications as they are terrible valves for most applications.
BTW wasn't CM Fore IRC an engineer for Apollo Valve company which may have been the first mass producers of the ball valve?
Old Phart Phred, EIEIO
89 GV ored 36' #3405 300 hp cat 3208 ATAAC side radiator, mountain tamer exhaust brake

Re: Found an air leak

Reply #8 –
Quote from: Old phart phred –
Gate valves should have been outlawed 30 years ago except for a few special applications as they are terrible valves for most applications.
BTW wasn't CM Fore IRC an engineer for Apollo Valve company which may have been the first mass producers of the ball valve?
You are probably right, but in marine applications 8"+ size valves are common, space requirements and cost dictate gate valve use. In our coaches, I would only use ball valves, except for sewage and gray water valves.What's the Difference: Shutoff Valves - Ball, Gate, and Globe - Fine...
Jim C.
coachfree, previous 1997, 1999, 2000, and 2003 Foretravels.

Re: Found an air leak

Reply #9 –
Quote from: jcus –
You are probably right, but in marine applications 8"+ size valves are common, space requirements and cost dictate gate valve use. In our coaches, I would only use ball valves, except for sewage and gray water valves.What's the Difference: Shutoff Valves - Ball, Gate, and Globe - Fine...

Over 3" that's where butterfly valves shine on up to 150 psi for many apps.
Old Phart Phred, EIEIO
89 GV ored 36' #3405 300 hp cat 3208 ATAAC side radiator, mountain tamer exhaust brake
 

Re: Found an air leak

Reply #10 –
Quote from: Old phart phred –
Over 3" that's where butterfly valves shine on up to 150 psi for many apps.
Yes, but have found they have to be exercised on a regular basis, or they tend to seize in one position. Just my experience.
Jim C.
coachfree, previous 1997, 1999, 2000, and 2003 Foretravels.