It started with a hiss

Topic: It started with a hiss (Read 1555 times) previous topic - next topic

It started with a hiss

September 24, 2013, 12:22:58 pm

Had 3 leaks fixed on the leveling system located around the air tanks beside front axel . Next day parked in a space that was low on passenger side , auto leveled ok , after a few hours the passenger side air bags front and rear would raise to the limit then later would blow off and drop to almost level then a while later repeat .
Now parked on an almost level lot , auto leveled then switched system off , within a few hours the drivers side had sunk ,switched auto level on and it inflated drivers side to level , switched off and again a few hours later same thing .
Having read posts by Michele and others I am thinking leaking valves rather than sensors

Re: It started with a hiss

Reply #1 – September 24, 2013, 12:56:08 pm

Jimmy,
The more you type the more it sounds like that you have trash in one or more solenoid valves on one of your 6 packs. By chance did they happen to use Teflon tape on some of the fittings when they repaired your leaks? If so that may be the culprit.

Pamela & Mike

Re: It started with a hiss

Reply #2 – September 24, 2013, 02:14:24 pm

I don't know if they did but it started straight after the repair and I read a post by Michele which identified the same issue . If I could work out which valves I would replace with new then refurbish originals as spares

Re: It started with a hiss

Reply #3 – September 24, 2013, 02:45:37 pm

Jimmy,

It's not a big job to remove & clean the solenoid valves. There is a good write up that I think Steve posted with pics. that can be of help. (I can't find the post at present but will post a link when I find it) Make sure you block up the frame so you don't get squished. Take pics. and label the lines to make sure that everything is returned to it's proper place. The removal/ cleaning / replacement can be done with a few hand tools.

Pamela & Mike

Re: It started with a hiss

Reply #4 – September 24, 2013, 03:30:47 pm

Here's a link to Steve's write-up: Raise solenoids, Ride Height Valve, and unusual leveling behavior due to debris
Good Luck, Dave A

Re: It started with a hiss

Reply #5 – September 24, 2013, 06:11:41 pm

We are traveling / living in coach for next 2 months so pulling system apart in a CG presents a few issues , also have no blocks but could buy something ?
If I had a plan on the most luckily culprits it's possible

Re: It started with a hiss

Reply #6 – September 24, 2013, 07:05:53 pm

Jimmy, Quick solution for getting safety blocks for working under coach is to go to Lowe's or Home Depot, have them cut block's 11 inches long from either 4x4 or 4x6 lumber.
Gary B

Re: It started with a hiss

Reply #7 – September 24, 2013, 07:09:47 pm

Dave,
Thanks for the post that is the one that I was looking for but got called away.

Jimmy,
We helped a fellow member with the same problem and he lives full time in his rig. He went down to the local scrap yard with the measurements and they cut some 2" square tubing with a chop saw for him. One other thing that was not mentioned, to be clear after you block up the frame make sure that you drain all the air out of the system prior to starting to remove hoses and solenoids.

Pamela & Mike

Re: It started with a hiss

Reply #8 – September 24, 2013, 08:09:43 pm

Thanks for the advice , just rooted around and found what I believe to be a valve left by previous owner , will pull it apart tonight so I know what I am looking at

Re: It started with a hiss

Reply #9 – September 24, 2013, 09:48:59 pm

Just realized that even with the leveling system switched off the 12v air pump runs for a few minutes every 4-5 hours .
Does this point to any specific valves ?

Re: It started with a hiss

Reply #10 – September 25, 2013, 07:51:12 am

I am a little puzzled that both front and rear airbags on the same side would deflate/raise at the same time (if I understand what you have written). There are two solenoid manifolds, front and rear.
AIR LEVEL SCHEMATIC attached.

But...my diagnostic skills have been called into question before (recently even!)

Re: It started with a hiss

Reply #11 – September 25, 2013, 09:07:38 am

Quote from: Jimmyjnr – September 24, 2013, 09:48:59 pm

Just realized that even with the leveling system switched off the 12v air pump runs for a few minutes every 4-5 hours .
Does this point to any specific valves ?

The aux compressor also keeps the slide bladders inflated, so it's not unusual for it to come on for a few minutes now and then. Ours is about every 12- 36 hours so 4-5 is a little more frequent but not likely indicating anything significant (or related to the leveling problem).

Michelle

Re: It started with a hiss

Reply #12 – September 25, 2013, 10:10:38 am

Michele
I had considered the slide bladders , the rear was replaced in April , I will keep an eye on it .
Barry
I am assuming to block the chassis , I should raise the air suspension then place wooden blocks under chassis then dump air ??

Re: It started with a hiss

Reply #13 – September 25, 2013, 10:43:35 am

Jimmy,
To check for a leaking raise solenoid:

Level the coach.
When you have full air pressure shun down the engine and the level system.
Measure the air bags on the side that goes up.
In about an hour remeasure the bags. If any measurement increases I would look at that raise solenoid.

Re: It started with a hiss

Reply #14 – September 25, 2013, 11:50:17 am

Jimmy,

No need to dump air beyond setting the coach firmly on the blocks.

Re: It started with a hiss

Reply #15 – September 25, 2013, 04:17:39 pm

Auto leveled the coach and switched off before bed. , this morning both front and rear passenger side had inflated to max 11" , switched on system and auto leveled again , passenger side dumped air .

Re: It started with a hiss

Reply #16 – September 25, 2013, 05:32:13 pm

So two new right raise valves ?
Where are they on coach and anybody have a dummies guide to blocking up chassis and lowering suspension and changing valve

Re: It started with a hiss

Reply #17 – September 27, 2013, 10:21:55 pm

Elliot
Looking at the schematic , I see why you have doubts about both passenger side raise valves leaking at same time !
If it was a sensor the auto level would not show high side and level when asked . ?
The only thing I can say with certainty is that each night the four passenger air bags slowly inflate without the auxiliary 12v compressor , so the assumption is slow leakage ?

Re: It started with a hiss

Reply #18 – October 02, 2013, 06:30:43 pm

Just had chance to crawl under coach and really look at what last shop did to repair leak , two pipes plus a regulator ? With pressure gauge , can't really see Teflon tape but maybe some paste ?? See photo

Re: It started with a hiss

Reply #19 – October 02, 2013, 06:34:12 pm

This is between the forward air tanks

Re: It started with a hiss

Reply #20 – October 02, 2013, 06:37:19 pm

Jimmy,

That looks like the front regulator that keeps the front bags from inflating faster than the rear bags. They have been known to leak (we have replaced ours a few times). It's normally set to around 60 psi (similar to how yours is set in the photo).

Michelle

Re: It started with a hiss

Reply #21 – October 02, 2013, 07:45:48 pm

Thanks Michele , I was just trying to figure out the raise valves and how to get them out

Re: It started with a hiss

Reply #22 – October 02, 2013, 07:47:41 pm

Is this the part number

Re: It started with a hiss

Reply #23 – October 02, 2013, 08:07:46 pm

Quote from: Jimmyjnr – October 02, 2013, 07:47:41 pm

Is this the part number

According to the HWH Parts manual The selected media item is not currently available.

(search the document for Foretravel - the 6 pack manifold is the first thing that comes up), the part is RAP1940, which includes both the solenoid and the valve. I think the number in the photo is just the solenoid.

Here's a jpeg of the parts page for the manifold

The selected media item is not currently available.

Re: It started with a hiss

Reply #24 – October 03, 2013, 12:22:10 pm

Michele
Just spoke to Foretravel and they confirm the opinion of you and others on the forum , raise valves !
Foretravel $159. Hwh $109
Just going to have another look at the manifold but am I correct in thinking 2 valves front and 2 rear , total 4 raise valves

Affiliate Notice