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Topic: Fixing air leaks (Read 1182 times) previous topic - next topic

Fixing air leaks

Not much time today but did get a couple small things done: for the first time raised the coach and put the 8,11.5" safety stands in place then dumped the air. I could have ordered 12" for the front and 12.5" for the back.    Later this weekend hope to get time to work on a couple of major air issues underneath the coach. 

Also troubleshot a leak-down issue with the bedroom slide out bladder.  Went to Target and got a monster bottle of kids bubble stuff (2L for $5).  Did some work to isolate the air leak.  Think I found the issue:  leaking 1/4" check valve between the bladder manifold and the manifold's shut off valve.  We'll see tomorrow if it's still holding pressure.
Mark Duckworth
2003 U320 4220
Build 6199, Motorcade 17971

Re: Fixing air leaks (split from Re: What did you do to your coach today VI)

Reply #1 –
The bladder held pressure overnight.  Yea!

Worked under the front and replaced 4 Haldex check valves and the front manifold air regulator.  All of those parts were identified during the PPI as defective.  The supply-side check valves in the ends of the front and rear air tanks were really hard to remove.  Took some serious persuasion to get them out.  But we're done! 

Fun day.  So thankful for the forum.
Mark Duckworth
2003 U320 4220
Build 6199, Motorcade 17971

Re: Fixing air leaks (split from Re: What did you do to your coach today VI)

Reply #2 –
Just a little show and tell.  Here are the after photos of the 4 new check valves, 2 on the front tank (photos 1 & 2) and two on the rear  (photos 3 & 4) .  Also a new pressure regulator for the front 6-pack.  After reassembly, the SMC 1/2x1/2 PTC connector on the supply side of the rear tank failed and was spewing air (no photo).  Replaced it this morning.  Thankful that our brand new NAPA store carries a selection of DOT approved SMC PTC fittings. 

I replaced the regulator but the new one failed.  It had a crack in the body axially along the threads.  Maybe a manufacturing defect or maybe I overtightened it.  Got a new one and all's good there (photo 5).

Minor leak in front output tee solved by trimming the ends of each 3/8" tube and reseating them (photo 6).

I'm pretty excited about the good condition of the coach up underneath. Only the tiniest bits of very light oxidation.  Almost none to speak of.  All the dark streaking in the photos is the bubble solution I was squirting during leak checks.  Someone on the forum suggested kids bubble solution and it works really well.  Much better than the homemade stuff I tried first.


Mark Duckworth
2003 U320 4220
Build 6199, Motorcade 17971

Re: Fixing air leaks

Reply #3 –
hey mark just curious how do the black air lines come apart from the check valves? they don't look like screw connections...

keith
The selected media item is not currently available.Keith & Jo
2003 U320T 4025 PBBS Designer series
Build 6203    Cummins 500hp
2000 U320 4010 WTFE / Build 5762 —Sold—
Motorcade #18070   
Pasadena, Texas
2015 Jeep Wrangler Sahara-Sunset Orange pearl coat
Don't argue with a fool, people watching might not be able to tell the difference.

Re: Fixing air leaks

Reply #4 –
Quote from: hdff –
...how do the black air lines come apart from the check valves?
PTC = Push To Connect.  The composite (black) fittings, and the brass fittings, both work the same way:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BBo0TYdk65g
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: Fixing air leaks

Reply #5 –
The little ring on the edge of the fitting has to be pushed toward the fitting to release the air line.
previous 1984 35 ft ORED 250 HP 3208 Cat       
previous 1998 40 ft U295 CAI 325 hp Cummins
previous 2003 40 Ft u320 build #6140 450 Cummins M11.                                                         
1999 Mazda Miata
Ron, Nancy, Tipper the cat, Max The dog
1997 U 270 36 ft build number 5174 8.3 Cummins

Re: Fixing air leaks

Reply #6 –
Nice informative thread. Chuck, your video helped, too! Good stuff and nice work, Mark.
Paul & Kathleen
1995 U320c SE 40'
Build 4681 --Cummins M11 /17511
"That Irish Girl"
Red MINI " 40"

Re: Fixing air leaks

Reply #7 –
Dang!!, this forum is awesome!!  Thanks Chuck and Red! Is the tool to to take it apart mandatory?
The selected media item is not currently available.Keith & Jo
2003 U320T 4025 PBBS Designer series
Build 6203    Cummins 500hp
2000 U320 4010 WTFE / Build 5762 —Sold—
Motorcade #18070   
Pasadena, Texas
2015 Jeep Wrangler Sahara-Sunset Orange pearl coat
Don't argue with a fool, people watching might not be able to tell the difference.

Re: Fixing air leaks

Reply #8 –
Quote from: hdff –
Dang!!, this forum is awesome!!  Thanks Chuck and Red! Is the tool to to take it apart mandatory?
I have used a small pliers that when closed is  just a little bigger than the tubing, that way, pressure is exerted equally on the collar, pushing it in evenly. Have run into some that will not come out, and had to cut off and buy a new fitting.
Jim C.
coachfree, previous 1997, 1999, 2000, and 2003 Foretravels.

Re: Fixing air leaks

Reply #9 –
Quote from: hdff –
Is the tool to to take it apart mandatory?
No, the tool is not necessary.  You can use almost anything that will fit over the tubing and push down evenly on the ring.  For instance, a suitable sized open-end wrench works very nicely.

It also helps to push the tube into the fitting slightly before you push down on the ring.  Pushing the tube in first takes some of the "griping" force off the internal teeth, and makes it easier to release the locking ring.

If you want one of those cool little (plastic & rubber) tubing cutters, this is a pretty good price (but shop around - you might do better).  Ignore the "bullet points" in the Amazon ad product description - they are incorrect.  The "product specs" are correct:

Parker Hannifin PTC-001 Plastic Tube Cutter: Industrial Tube Fittings:...
As an Amazon Associate Foretravel Owners' Forum earns from qualifying purchases.
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: Fixing air leaks

Reply #10 –
The shark bite tubing removers work well also from Home Depot.
Richard & Betty Bark & Keiko our Golden Doodle
2003 U320T 3820 PBDS
Build # 6215
MC # 16926
2016 Chevrolet Colorado 4X4 diesel

Re: Fixing air leaks

Reply #11 –
Thanks to you to jcuz.... your profile says your on the island, that's about 30 mins from me, close enough to pick your brain in person if things get bad!
The selected media item is not currently available.Keith & Jo
2003 U320T 4025 PBBS Designer series
Build 6203    Cummins 500hp
2000 U320 4010 WTFE / Build 5762 —Sold—
Motorcade #18070   
Pasadena, Texas
2015 Jeep Wrangler Sahara-Sunset Orange pearl coat
Don't argue with a fool, people watching might not be able to tell the difference.