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Topic: Is some hissing normal? (Read 697 times) previous topic - next topic

Is some hissing normal?

There is a little air leaking from a device at the front middle section of the rig, in front of the front tires, mid-section. Please take a look at the photo and let me know what this device is and why it would be hissing with the engine running. Only a little air was coming out, but it loud was enough to be heard from around the front of the rig. Thanks.
1997 U270 34FT Build 5140 Cummins 8.3 Allison 3060R
Solar 1920Watts, 14KWH lithium. Orion BMS.

Re: Is some hissing normal?

Reply #1
Tim, that's your ride height valve, and air should only be coming out when it's dumping air.
Richard & Betty Bark & Keiko our Golden Doodle
2003 U320T 3820 PBDS
Build # 6215
MC # 16926
2016 Chevrolet Colorado 4X4 diesel

Re: Is some hissing normal?

Reply #2
May have slipped out of adjustment, so the lever is not "centered".  In the neutral position (at ride height) should be no air venting.  Raise the lever a little, or lower it a little, air is exhausted to adjust the suspension height.
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: Is some hissing normal?

Reply #3
Correct,

The ride height valve is a basic three position valve.

It can let air through it to the air bag(s) if ride height too low.
It does nothing (no air in or out) at ride height.
And, if ride height too high, it will exhaust air.

So, if it continues to leak air once ride height is achieved, replace it.
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: Is some hissing normal?

Reply #4
Is this leak while in Travel or Level Mode?
John Duld
1995 U320C SE 40'

Re: Is some hissing normal?

Reply #5
The hissing ride height valve is missing the bottom exhaust port weather protector boot.  Dirt and water can enter.  Many have made their own with a hose, filter material, etc.

Re: Is some hissing normal?

Reply #6
The HWH height was in the "Raise" mode, so I could crawl under the rig (with safety blocks of course).  I think it hisses at ride height, so attention is required.
1997 U270 34FT Build 5140 Cummins 8.3 Allison 3060R
Solar 1920Watts, 14KWH lithium. Orion BMS.

Re: Is some hissing normal?

Reply #7
I found on my coach, with the bags inflated all the way the ride height valve is  trying to let air out of the bags.
The selected media item is not currently available.Bill&Doris 97 U270 36'
University of Parris Island Class of 66
Semper Fi  Build# 5174 MC#17094

Re: Is some hissing normal?

Reply #8
Tim,
If you hear air venting out of the ride height control valve when in level or raise    (No green travel light) then it is either a travel solenoid or the ride height control valve. I would disconnect the two air lines that come down to the ride height control
valve from the HWH manifold ( they should T together at the control valve ) and submerge them in soap water to see if any air is leaking through the closed travel solenoids.
And your coach will go out of level if a travel solenoid is leaking . Any bubbles, you have a travel solenoid leaking. No bubbles, then probably a bad ride height control valve. 
Find out which one before you buy any parts.
John Duld
1995 U320C SE 40'

Re: Is some hissing normal?

Reply #9
Maybe I am not understanding what you are saying, but when you raise the whole coach and then just let go of the button, the normal function of all the ride height valves is to dump the air until it reaches ride height. However, if you have raised the coach and then hit the button on the top left of the HWH control panel (turn the level system back on), it will keep the coach at that height until you turn the level system off,  release the parking brake, or put it in gear (while the engine is running of course). To raise the coach to the max for frame blocking; I let the pressure build almost until cut off, hit the raise button, and when the air pressure gauge will hold at about 100 to 105 PSI while the raise button is held down, I know that the coach is raised high enough to set the frame blocks. Then I shut down the engine, hit the level button to hold it in the raised position and place the frame blocks. At this point, you should not hear any air escaping.
Don
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Don & Tys
1999 U270 3602 WTFE #5402
Xtreme Stage 1 w/Headlight, Step Conversion, etc.
2009 Honda Fit Sport with Navi
Freedom is NOT "just another word for nothing left to lose"... with apologies to Kris Kristofferson

Re: Is some hissing normal?

Reply #10
Thanks for the info. I kept holding the Raise button, but after letting go, there was loud hissing from somewhere under the rig. I will try shutting down the engine and pressing the level button in order to maintain clearance for the frame blocks.

BTW: After the engine shuts down, the front ride-adjust valve stops hissing.
1997 U270 34FT Build 5140 Cummins 8.3 Allison 3060R
Solar 1920Watts, 14KWH lithium. Orion BMS.

Re: Is some hissing normal?

Reply #11
Tim I sent you a PM.
John Duld
1995 U320C SE 40'