HWH auxiliary air issue.

Topic: HWH auxiliary air issue. (Read 1078 times) previous topic - next topic

HWH auxiliary air issue.

December 05, 2017, 09:58:19 am

Recently found my auxiliary air pump wasn't working. Chased it to being a solenoid problem, replaced and it now does run, but way more than it seems like it should. Just about only shuts off when the coach is full pressured by the engine compressor and I currently have it disconnected to keep it shut off (can't find a fuse to pull). When I first tested the fix with the solenoid replacement, the air line was off and I could all but hold the pump pressure back with a finger. Also, the pump was stuck initially and took a "little" tap before coming on. Wonder if the my impression that the pump wasn't putting out much indicates need for a pump rebuild? Seems like air should have been farting all around my finger when I tried to hold it. Don't think I have any bad leaks. Wife has ears like a bat and can't hear anything after big engine shutdown. If my guess sounds right, suggestions for where to get the rebuild kit?

Re: HWH auxiliary air issue.

Reply #1 – December 05, 2017, 10:14:05 am

What year model your coach? Without knowing, sounds like one option may be a leak at the small vertical glass or plastic cylinde on back side of compressir.

But that just a quick guess without all info....so, what coach? (Msybe was in your post and I overlooked that)

Re: HWH auxiliary air issue.

Reply #2 – December 05, 2017, 10:17:32 am

Sorry, not sure I've posted. Need to get a fancy signature box together for on here.

2001 U295.

Re: HWH auxiliary air issue.

Reply #3 – December 05, 2017, 10:37:50 am

Mike

Easy to take pump and remove the end plate and "head" to see what it looks like inside - I suspect it is already in need of a re-build - these pumps have a pretty short duty cycle and are not designed for 45 - 60 minute continuous run time - when you have air system problems, theses small pumps take a beating - FT went to larger pump in later years.

Tim Fiedler

Sure Start Soft Start

TCER Direct generator-gas-prod 630 240-9139
Gen-Pro

Re: HWH auxiliary air issue.

Reply #4 – December 05, 2017, 11:05:35 am

Dude....IF you running 45 minutes, do not. Will "burn up" the compressor as Tim wrote you. The dang things are expensive.

I learned that if all was normal, I should pressurize from the bottom 65 psi to the 85 full psi in 3.5 minutes. If longer than that, something amiss.....bladder leak or check valve problem or the condensate bowl leak or other. With the condensate bowl leak it tried to take ten minutes to reach full pressure before I turned it off (at that time pulling the fuse). Keith Davis advised me to simply turn it off too if store the coach, not take chance it run for hours if perchance something let go while stored, put the aux in situation trying to air a fully open line....but that another subject.

Tim, I installed a rocker switch after I got tired of pulling the fuse to stop mine from running, put this on Forum once in a fairly lengthy report I made on this long ago. Also the pressure gauge, been very valuable.

Dude, Tim and I telling you same, so hate to repeat, but maybe we say a little different and helps. I got finally to where when parked the aux compressor would/will go three days before adding air back into the third air tank, so leaks pretty well contained. And that allows for living in the coach, moving about such as to create a re-level at times or some very small leak.

01 295 is excellent coach year, model. I forget if this your first coach, in any case be glad chat with you on phone about any questions.

Re: HWH auxiliary air issue.

Reply #5 – December 05, 2017, 12:37:01 pm

Thanks for the replies guys. Also got your pm Mike. Guess I'll see what I can find out about the rebuild kit online. Think I saw some links on other posts. Pretty sure it ran a long, long time when I had a previous problem with a pop off valve failure and again when I ended up disconnecting the other night.

Re: HWH auxiliary air issue.

Reply #6 – December 05, 2017, 05:39:04 pm

If you have a "tank switch"on the left panel at the driver seat, has it inadvertently been switched on? That would cause the little pump to run forever when parked by -attempting to pressurize the other tanks too.
Jim

2002U320

Re: HWH auxiliary air issue.

Reply #7 – December 05, 2017, 06:16:27 pm

Leak is the most common cause of aux pump running more often. On mine, when I got a leak at the bladder manifold pressure regulator, the pump turned on every 20 minutes but no more than 2 minutes at a time. I also could not hold back air with my finger at the pump.
I believe that your pump is not strong enough anymore. Please share your finding.

Thanks,
Michael

Re: HWH auxiliary air issue.

Reply #8 – December 05, 2017, 07:42:44 pm

Quote from: Thedude – December 05, 2017, 09:58:19 am

suggestions for where to get the rebuild kit?

Auxiliary Compressor Rebuild

Value Brand Major Service Kit .630 C87866-P | Zoro.com

Re: HWH auxiliary air issue.

Reply #9 – December 05, 2017, 07:48:36 pm

Another alternative. 450C Compressor | VIAIR Corporation

Re: HWH auxiliary air issue.

Reply #10 – December 05, 2017, 07:56:20 pm

I don't think that's it Jim. The pump will cycle of when pressure comes up with the big engine pump.

I found the pump online at ZORO for a little north of $350, but would prefer the service kit for a little more than a third of that. Google linked me to "Service kit for 5Z349, MFR# SK405DCMAJ" at ZORO, but I can't see how to specifically cross reference to my pump "Model No. 405ADC38/12F" on the housing. Coach is 2001 U295. Anybody happen to for sure know that kit #? Guess I'll call them in the AM if no-one chimes in with that.

Re: HWH auxiliary air issue.

Reply #11 – December 05, 2017, 07:57:45 pm

Just saw the 2 last posts. will consider before going further.

Re: HWH auxiliary air issue.

Reply #12 – December 05, 2017, 08:13:39 pm

Quote from: jcus – December 05, 2017, 07:48:36 pm

Another alternative. 450C Compressor | VIAIR Corporation

I like the Viair but never could find out how many hours between rebuilds.

Re: HWH auxiliary air issue.

Reply #13 – December 05, 2017, 08:17:55 pm

Quote from: Thedude – December 05, 2017, 09:58:19 am

Recently found my auxiliary air pump wasn't working. Chased it to being a solenoid problem, replaced and it now does run, but way more than it seems like it should. Just about only shuts off when the coach is full pressured by the engine compressor and I currently have it disconnected to keep it shut off (can't find a fuse to pull). When I first tested the fix with the solenoid replacement, the air line was off and I could all but hold the pump pressure back with a finger. Also, the pump was stuck initially and took a "little" tap before coming on. Wonder if the my impression that the pump wasn't putting out much indicates need for a pump rebuild? Seems like air should have been farting all around my finger when I tried to hold it. Don't think I have any bad leaks. Wife has ears like a bat and can't hear anything after big engine shutdown. If my guess sounds right, suggestions for where to get the rebuild kit?

The pump running a lot and not producing pressure can be caused by a clogged intake filter.

Re: HWH auxiliary air issue.

Reply #14 – December 05, 2017, 08:24:49 pm

Is this 450c a pretty easy direct bolt up? Is it a higher quality than the stock?

Re: HWH auxiliary air issue.

Reply #15 – December 05, 2017, 08:37:18 pm

Quote from: hdff – December 05, 2017, 08:24:49 pm

Is this 450c a pretty easy direct bolt up? Is it a higher quality than the stock?

You will have to drill some new holes in base plate for mounting, but other than that pretty easy. It is very popular with the off road clubs. Do a search for it on Amazon and read the reviews. About $190. Do a forum search, has been done before.

Re: HWH auxiliary air issue.

Reply #16 – December 05, 2017, 08:40:33 pm

My concern about a pump switch also. don't think I'm ready to fabricate a new mounting.

Re: HWH auxiliary air issue.

Reply #17 – December 05, 2017, 08:42:13 pm

Hmmm.

Re: HWH auxiliary air issue.

Reply #18 – December 05, 2017, 08:51:44 pm

Quote from: Thedude – December 05, 2017, 08:40:33 pm

My concern about a pump switch also. don't think I'm ready to fabricate a new mounting.

If you are talking about replacement, no switch needed, use existing pressure switch and relay. Only change two power wires. No fabrication, remove old compressor, mark where new compressor feet go, drill holes and bolt compressor down, maybe 45 min total.

Re: HWH auxiliary air issue.

Reply #19 – December 06, 2017, 06:23:26 am

I was referring to swapping pumps, but I'm also most definitely putting a rocker switch inline to ease fooling with it. This 450c is what some have gone to with no subsequent issues (other than everything wears out sooner or later)?

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