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Topic: Help identifying what this is for - Air pump (Read 522 times) previous topic - next topic

Help identifying what this is for - Air pump

Hey does anyone know what this pump is for? The small black airlines that come off the bulb-looking thing are broken and I can't seem to figure out where they are supposed to go? This is located in the front panel access area of my 1995 U300.

Thanks in advance!
1995 U300SE CAT 3176B Build # 4612 ("Marvin")

Re: Help identifying what this is for - Air pump

Reply #1
That's a vacuum pump for the dash heat and a/c.  The round thing is a vacuum reservoir.
It should run periodically when the ignition is on.  When enough vacuum is attained a vacuum switch will shut it off until the vacuum level gets too low again.
John Fitzgerald
1991 U300 (SAI) Side Aisle Island Bed 40'
Detroit 6V92 with Allison Retarder
Meridian (Boise), Idaho

Re: Help identifying what this is for - Air pump

Reply #2
Any chance you know how this should be routed? The small vacuum lines have disintegrated and I have no idea where they originally ran to.
1995 U300SE CAT 3176B Build # 4612 ("Marvin")

Re: Help identifying what this is for - Air pump

Reply #3
See if the photos below help any.  Routing is basically out from pump, into reservoir, and out of reservoir to a "T".  From the "T" one line goes to vacuum switch - the other line goes up to dashboard A/C-heater control panel.  The vacuum switch controls the relay that turns power ON and OFF to pump.

BE CAREFUL MESSING WITH THE VACUUM SWITCH.  If you break it, a replacement is very hard to find.

NOTE:  Pencil drawing - wiring corrected

1993 U280 SE 40' WTBI, Build: 4359
C8.3 300hp, 6-Speed, Exhaust Brake
960 watts on the roof (6 x 160)
Sorento (or BOLT) on a Kar Kaddy SS
"Nature abhors a vacuum"

 

Re: Help identifying what this is for - Air pump

Reply #4
The vacuum pressure switch controls a relay mounted on the firewall nearby.  The relay gets power from a fuse under the lift-up dash cover.  The relay sends power to the vacuum pump.  The ignition switch must be ON for pump (fuse) to receive power.

See B-2037 12V Wiring Diagram.

1993 U280 SE 40' WTBI, Build: 4359
C8.3 300hp, 6-Speed, Exhaust Brake
960 watts on the roof (6 x 160)
Sorento (or BOLT) on a Kar Kaddy SS
"Nature abhors a vacuum"