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Topic: 2003 Slide Seal Issue - Resolved (Read 2202 times) previous topic - next topic

Re: 2003 Slide Seal Issue - Resolved

Reply #25
Paul, Sorry you are having a problem with this. I have recently been up in the middle of the night for the same reason. 12 vdc compressor running endlessly. What I found was the unloader solenoid (the brass thing at the bottom of the attached photo) failed to close during the compressor ON cycle. This solenoid is Normally Open (NO). When the compressor starts, 12 volts is applied and the solenoid closes in order to pressurize the system. When the compressor reaches pressure the solenoid opens again to relieve the pressure on the compressor piston so it will start easier next time. There are check valves to prevent losing pressure from the entire system.
In my case when I went out to turn the compressor at 0230 hours, I could hear the air gushing out of the output port of that solenoid and when I put my finger over the port it confirmed it.
All that does not help you solve the problem. Here's what I have done. I replaced a small circuit board located by the compressor relay (photo); that wasn't the problem. Then I replaced the Square D pressure switch ( I knew that was it). Wrong! Lastly, I decided to take apart the Parker particulate filter and unloader solenoid. I found there is a filter in the top of it. It has not been serviced for years. The bowl and the insert at the bottom had hairline cracks. I replaced the filter head from Amazon for reasonable price. The bowl is SPECIAL!! Only available from Foretravel; $97.00. For about $15 I bought a bowl from Amazon, it wouldn't work, but the folks t Parker Pneumatics gave me a part number for an insert that would work for $38. Anyway, I put it all together and the unloader would not close completely. That solenoid from Foretravel is $167 plus shipping. I used a workable solenoid from Amazon for $25. The system is now working correctly.
Long story, hope it helps. Let me know if I can help and what you finally find as your solution
Dick
Dick, '03 U320 40' Tag, 2 slides, Coach #6075
Full Timers
2009 Honda CR-V

Re: 2003 Slide Seal Issue - Resolved

Reply #26
Dick S
I would be interested in exactly what solenoid from Amazon you are talking about. Big difference in price.
Glenn and Amy Beinfest
2001 36' U320
#5812
2014 Honda CRV

No Whining on the YACHT

Re: 2003 Slide Seal Issue - Resolved

Reply #27
Was this a factory installation, and what is the exact purpose....Seems funny this would be needed if the system was engineered correctly.

The toggle switch may have been installed to shut the power off to the compressor when changing the desiccant, as it's easier than pulling the fuse.

Re: 2003 Slide Seal Issue - Resolved

Reply #28
Paul, that switch was put on by a previous owner.  If there is an air leak, (which you apparently have) that will keep it from running to excess or waking you in the night.  We put a switch on our 2002 and will probably put one on this 2003 we just bought.    It's nice to flip a switch rather than having to pull a fuse if there is a failure and the pump keeps running.  Some folks have put that switch on the inside of the coach for convenience.  You don't want water intrusion from the bladder not being inflated in a heavy rain so don't turn it off and forget it.

I believe those pumps are activitied both by the pressure for the slide seal and by the leveling system.  If the switch is off, it may still run when the HWH tells it to.  I've seen them run with the fuse pulled because the leveling system was calling for air.

I suspect that the modification that James talked about at the Grandvention will take care of your issue, especially since you likely have the new style seal.  I should have paid more attention when he talked about that.

Rick & Rhonda
2003 U320 4220  Build #6199
Was
91 36' GV 300 Caterpillar, 92 40' U280 300 Cummins, 97 36' U295 300 Cummins, 2002
U320 450 Cummins
(Guess we're hooked)

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Re: 2003 Slide Seal Issue - Resolved

Reply #29

Glenn,
The solenoid I am using is here; 1/4" Brass 12V DC Electric Solenoid Valve NPT NBR SEAL Normally Open (Air,...
I could not find many choices for a N/O 12 vdc solenoid. It seems to be working fine.

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Dick, '03 U320 40' Tag, 2 slides, Coach #6075
Full Timers
2009 Honda CR-V