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Break down

HELP...again.

We are in the middle of Mojave desert and have no air pressure...another learning experience.

Cannot locate any leak.

Any idea what to check? 

Luckily, we have on star in our toad so able to call Good Sam, but have not the slightest idea when they will show up.

Thanks, all.

We are only strangers until we meet; however, some of us are stranger than others

Re: Break down

Reply #1
Let's start the diagnostic tree:

Do the gauges indicate no air pressure?

What other air pressure issues do you have-- low PSI alarm going off? Air suspension not up to normal ride height?

If you have an air chuck for adding air to tires, what PSI are you getting there?

And I assume you have walked around the coach and can hear no air leaks.

If no air leaks, the most reasonable first suspect is the air governor-- inexpensive and easy to replace.

Brett
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: Break down

Reply #2
Let's start the diagnostic tree:

Do the gauges indicate no air pressure?

Pressure goes as low as 30psi if I tap the breaks.  Run engine @ 2,000RPM for 90 seconds and pressure will build to 70 then hold.

What other air pressure issues do you have-- low PSI alarm going off? Air suspension not up to normal ride height?

PSI alarm in inoperatable. On my things to do list. Air suspension looks low. <2"


If you have an air chuck for adding air to tires, what PSI are you getting there?

no chuck

And I assume you have walked around the coach and can hear no air leaks.

Correct. Am beginning my walk around with soap and water now

If no air leaks, the most reasonable first suspect is the air governor-- inexpensive and easy to replace.

Ok. will tell Good Sam to make sure he has one on the truck. 

Brett
We are only strangers until we meet; however, some of us are stranger than others

Re: Break down

Reply #3
JEff, it sounds like an air governor. I carry a spare and they are very common. I know where it is located on my coach but not on your year.  It is a cyclinder shape bolted onto the engine with air lines going it. It has a black cover over the nut. You can try pulling off the cover and then tighten it all the way down and then loosen it back. Count the revolutions and maybe it will free itself up enough to get you to a place to have it changed out.  I know we did that for DOn Sprouse in a campground after a rally. It is funny we were just talking about that as a spare to carry and none of us had one.  I have one now but that will not help you. I hope it will work for you.
2025 Wanderbox Outpost 32 on F600 Expedition Motorhome
2015 Born Free Royal Splendor on Ford 550 nonslide version  for sale
Former Coaches  covering. 360,000 miles
1999 34 U270
2000 36 U320
2001 42' double slide U320
2018 Jeep Rubicon

Re: Break down

Reply #4
Sorry we are not together right now.  I just yesterday bought two D2 governors, to replace a bad one and have a spare.  They are $18 bucks at truck parts places, or on the internet, for the reman.  I was quoted $36 to $61 for new ones.  My system was over pressuring, not cutting out at the set limit.  But my system was also doing full bleed down at night.

The black cap that can be removed on mine had 4 flutes on it to grip, and it just comes off the center screw that is hidden under the cap.  That screw is mentioned above and can maybe be turned as you count the rotations.

Replacement is easy, on mine I removed the two mounting bolts, then when loose and easy to handle, removed the hose connections.  On the new one, added the correct plugs to match the old pattern, plus new brass for the three hoses and re-installed on the new gasket. 

Hope your problem is just the D2.  I had the net and friends offer help and support, and Bill Chapin come by to check my work.
Dave Cobb
Buckhorn Lake Resort The Club, #6202, Kerrville TX
check the map.  I do rent it out when I am traveling!
2001, U320, 36' #5887, in Kerrville, FT Club #17006, (7/23 to present)
2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee L, Summit, white
EX: 98 U295, 36' #5219, (mid door), (4/13-10/23)
EX: 93 U225, 36' (4/11 to 4/13)

Re: Break down

Reply #5
Air dryer will do the same if the purge valve goes... No air pressure. BTDT
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: Break down

Reply #6
Thanks everyon for all the help.  Air governor is the problem. Could unhitch the toad and go get one, but....That's why I pay Good Sam's club. Was also great having information for the mechanic  when he called. (Governor-D-2),

Have to laugh. We are in the middle of the Mojave desert. Now we are getting a great lighting storm...Kool.

At least we have plenty of fuel, generator running strong, air conditioning cold, plenty of food...

Life is good on the road...
We are only strangers until we meet; however, some of us are stranger than others

Re: Break down

Reply #7
Towing is never good.  Damage to coach, remove drive shaft, fiberglass damage. . .
Always try alternatives.
Tell tow service to send mechanic with a D2 governor and save a tow.

Air governor has an open port that vents air.  Water and other debris can enter this threaded exhaust port.  We screwed a brass barb into this open port and attached a short length of rubber hose to a lower point to make it harder for junk to get into governor.

Re: Break down

Reply #8
No tow. Like your fix. Thanks
We are only strangers until we meet; however, some of us are stranger than others

Re: Break down

Reply #9
Ah Jeff. . .memories of Easter a year ago in Holbrook, AZ!  Our problem was the air dryer leaking. . .had to get a new rebuild kit.  Hope you are OK now.

Re: Break down

Reply #10
Repair accomplished after dark ... Good Sam managed to find a MECHANIC (as opposed to a parts changer) who determined that we again had an air leak related to our SMS Air Force One system!  He attached his onboard air compressor to our system and checked for leaks before assuming it was the governor.  The air line running from our compressor to the SMS (which had initially been damaged by being run between the frame and the rear axle housing by MOT) was rerouted by Texas RV Supply in San Antonio.  They tied it up and supposedly out of the way, but our long, slow climbs in the mountains heading west from Las Vegas towards Bakersfield allowed the turbo to melt a hole in the line.  Nice!  He spliced the line, rerouted it yet again, and feels we should have no more problems.  Additionally, he spotted and loose connection on our exhaust where a preformed clamp has not held properly and allowed a small leak ... evidenced by soot on the exhaust connection.  This is not good, but there are several Freightliner facilities where we can stop for a fix.  He also kindly showed us a great website <www.nttsbreakdown.com>  where we can locate repair facilities while on the road.  Loved him!!  "John" from All In One Mobile Road Service, Hesperia, CA ... my new best friend!  On the plus side, the coach ran like a dream for hours, handled the climbs with ease and only minimal rises in temps ( as reported by the Silverleaf) and was easy as pie on the long downgrades ... LOVE having a retarder!  We are just plagued by small stuff ... and irritated that the same repair work has to be done more than once!!  Grrrrrrr!
Carol & Jeff Savournin
Usta have a '93 U225 36', Usta have a '95 U320 40', Usta have a '02 U320 40'
Usta have a 2006 Born Free, Usta have a 2011 Phoenix Cruiser
Usta have a 2012 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited 4dr
"Your time is limited, so don't waste it living someone else's life."  Steve Jobs

Re: Break down

Reply #11
great link to have!
Dwayne Keith
1992 U240
3116/MD3060

Re: Break down

Reply #12
Jeff & Carol,
I am so glad you got this fixed without having to bolt on a lot of parts. I also appreciate the site on truck repairs. I have bookmarked it for future use. Hope I don't need it.

Your mobile tech was one of the better ones out there.
George Stoltz.  Retired from full-time living in a great Foretravel and now are back to living in a traditional sticks and bricks in Florida.

Re: Break down

Reply #13
For every ones info. If you adjust the air governor when it quits working sonetimes it will work until you can purchase a new one....This has worked for me in the past.

Ben
1999 u320