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Topic: New drip front of coach - condensation from air line? (Read 580 times) previous topic - next topic

New drip front of coach - condensation from air line?

I had just come down a long steep mountain pass (Siskiyou) into Oregon northbound on I-5 with lots of intermittent brake use.  (may be related to drip).

Two photos to explain and clarify.

Pic one shows area of drip under passenger side front.

Pic two directly above the pavement water spot: I'm 90% sure the water drip was coming from this gauge.  Watched it dripping.

Odorless and colorless steady drip. Not oily. I tried draining all air tanks using the remote drain valves - no moisture apparent form tank drains.  Gen had not been run all day (no heat in the area). Dash air con not in use.

Ideas or comments?



Dan - Full timing since 2009
2003 U320 40' Tag 2 slide

Re: New drip front of coach - condensation from air line?

Reply #1 –
In this photo you can see the water drop formed right at bottom of glass of the gauge getting ready to drop. Cummins engine had been off around 10 to 15 minutes. Gauge reading just under 60 psi.
Dan - Full timing since 2009
2003 U320 40' Tag 2 slide

Re: New drip front of coach - condensation from air line?

Reply #2 –
Is your windshield washer fluid reservoir mounted up above the gauge?

If yes, it might be cracked or leaking?

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: New drip front of coach - condensation from air line?

Reply #3 –
When is the last time you serviced the air drier.
96 U270 BUILD 4810
85 380SL
Drummonds TN.

Re: New drip front of coach - condensation from air line?

Reply #4 –
Quote from: John44 –
When is the last time you serviced the air drier.

November 22, 2021 at NMHS in Nacogdoches.
Dan - Full timing since 2009
2003 U320 40' Tag 2 slide

Re: New drip front of coach - condensation from air line?

Reply #5 –
Quote from: Chuck & Jeannie –
Is your windshield washer fluid reservoir mounted up above the gauge?

If yes, it might be cracked or leaking?


Reservoir is on opposite side, by gen squirrel cage blower.  But I will look at how the lines run to the passenger side wiper.  And it reminded me we had light precipitation at top of the pass.  This was the only active drip anywhere around the coach.
Dan - Full timing since 2009
2003 U320 40' Tag 2 slide

Re: New drip front of coach - condensation from air line?

Reply #6 –
Pretty sure that will be condensation from the dash A/C.  I've see it in the same spot on mine.
Keith
2003 U320 38' #6197

Re: New drip front of coach - condensation from air line?

Reply #7 –
Quote from: WS6_Keith –
Pretty sure that will be condensation from the dash A/C.  I've see it in the same spot on mine.

Even if I did not have the A/C on?  We were running the fan with heat on, but not A/C.
Dan - Full timing since 2009
2003 U320 40' Tag 2 slide

Re: New drip front of coach - condensation from air line?

Reply #8 –
The heater control valve is above that area on my coach, but it would leak coolant. Might be worth a look with a good light.
Bob & Suzy
2000 U320 4010 SPEC
2006 Honda CRV

Re: New drip front of coach - condensation from air line?

Reply #9 –
Stick your finger in the slick and  smell it.  Should be able to do the sniff test and determine if clear water (condensate), coolant or oil.
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: New drip front of coach - condensation from air line?

Reply #10 –
Quote from: wolfe10 –
Stick your finger in the slick and  smell it.  Should be able to do the sniff test and determine if clear water (condensate), coolant or oil.
It was pure water with slight tinge. Not coolant or oil. "Maybe" windshield wiper fluid (but I don't think so, no blue tinge to it).
Dan - Full timing since 2009
2003 U320 40' Tag 2 slide

Re: New drip front of coach - condensation from air line?

Reply #11 –
If dash HVAC set to defrost, the A/C compressor would be on and you would have some condensate.  But, you would likely see a drop or two on the condensate drain hose.
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: New drip front of coach - condensation from air line?

Reply #12 –
Quote from: wolfe10 –
If dash HVAC set to defrost, the A/C compressor would be on and you would have some condensate.  But, you would likely see a drop or two on the condensate drain hose.
Defrost was off, A/C was off.  Just vent and blower on.

I'll check this again on next drive. Next drive is 93 miles, then parked at least 4 months.
Dan - Full timing since 2009
2003 U320 40' Tag 2 slide

Re: New drip front of coach - condensation from air line?

Reply #13 –
Dan,  Zip tie a plastic bottle to the end of the condensate hose.  That will tell you if this is your source on your next drive.
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: New drip front of coach - condensation from air line?

Reply #14 –
Quote from: wolfe10 –
Dan,  Zip tie a plastic bottle to the end of the condensate hose.  That will tell you if this is your source on your next drive.
Great idea!
Dan - Full timing since 2009
2003 U320 40' Tag 2 slide

Re: New drip front of coach - condensation from air line?

Reply #15 –
It stopped raining here so used a flashlight and found the dash A/C condensation hose wire tied in a bundle right above the gauge.  98% sure now that is where the drip was coming from.

I relocated the hose so it won't drip right onto the gauge, and for a temporary test wire tied a plastic bottle to the hose as Wolfe suggested.

I had run the dash A/C for about 30 minutes (to lubricate seals in the system with the freon mix) around 4 hours before noticing this drip.  But we did run the dash vent with blower fan with inside and outside temp differential most of the travel day.

Next travel day I will look and make sure dash vent position is not engaging the A?C compressor in the engine compartment.

Dan - Full timing since 2009
2003 U320 40' Tag 2 slide

Re: New drip front of coach - condensation from air line?

Reply #16 –
You can disconnect the AC compressor by pulling the electrical connection at the AC compressor.

Have you purged your brake air tanks?

If your air tanks are dry, your air dryer is good and the air brakes are not the source of your problem.

Tim
Tim Dianics
Pam Sapienza
Vader PupZilla Labrador Canine Beast (AKA Pup)
Columbia, MO
1996 U320 4000
2021 Jeep Gladiator, Diesel
 

Re: New drip front of coach - condensation from air line?

Reply #17 –
Quote from: TGordon –
You can disconnect the AC compressor by pulling the electrical connection at the AC compressor.

Have you purged your brake air tanks?

If your air tanks are dry, your air dryer is good and the air brakes are not the source of your problem.

Tim


Purged the tanks - bone dry, air drier serviced November 22, 2021.
Dan - Full timing since 2009
2003 U320 40' Tag 2 slide