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Topic: Step & step-slide air control valve operating too slow. (Read 1410 times) previous topic - next topic

Step & step-slide air control valve operating too slow.


Our outside step closed fast and secure, but the let-down open-cycle had a big hesitation, which made a quick exit very dangerous, as step may not be down when leaving coach.

First diagnostic was to remove the valve's two exhaust restrictors which gave us hard slamming in both directions.  But we still had the same down-hesitation, so the air valve is likely be the problem.

Since 12 volts to the valve forces air pressure to close step, and removing power forces air pressure to open step, maybe the valve's internal piston return spring is not moving piston fast enough.

We removed our OEM original Norgren MK01CEA35AGNA step air control valve and moved it to work bench (kitchen table).  Valve's three end cap bolts have a special head, but my small Torx T10 driver fit perfectly.  After removing both end caps and piston, we cleaned all parts with aircraft cleaner, then after a smattering of liquid (plumbers) silicon grease inside valve and on all parts, we put it all back together and mounted valve.

Low and behold the step now works very fast without any hesitation in both directions, and after adjusting the exhaust restrictors, step works great and no more concerns about stepping out without a step.

Re: Step & step-slide air control valve operating too slow.

Reply #1 –
i am having a problem with this air control valve. same as barry's #MK01CEA35AGNA
over the past few years i have taken it apart, cleaned it and got it working. i would like
to replace it.  as far as i know that part number is no longer available.
does anybody have a source for a replacement.

Re: Step & step-slide air control valve operating too slow.

Reply #2 –
Quote from: wayne m –
i am having a problem with this air control valve. same as barry's #MK01CEA35AGNA
over the past few years i have taken it apart, cleaned it and got it working. i would like
to replace it.  as far as i know that part number is no longer available.
does anybody have a source for a replacement.

Just got one here. Old one not available, some remounting required:

V61 Series 12Vdc 5/2 non-locking solenoid actuated/spring return 1/4" NPT...
Chris and Tammy White  CDA Idaho
Previous owners 1997 U295 36' 3126 Cat 300 HP Build # 4998
Former Foretravel tech & RVIA certified tech
Former owner Custom Satellite home/RV satellites 
Former owner Vans LTD  van conversions
Unemployed, panhandler, drag racer NHRA #6348

Re: Step & step-slide air control valve operating too slow.

Reply #3 –
Gracerace,
what remounting did the new valve require? difficult?
Peter
Peter    Alberta Canada
'98 U320 40'  Build 5359 M11 450 HP, Aqua hot, Blu Ox

Re: Step & step-slide air control valve operating too slow.

Reply #5 –
Quote from: dicksop –
what remounting did the new valve require? difficult?
Video below is both informative and funny.  It also contained a link to another source for a replacement valve.  Check it out.

V61R517A-A312JB : Norgren V61 Series 12VDC Two-Position, Five-Way Non-Locking...

V61 Series 12Vdc 5/2 non-locking solenoid actuated/spring return 1/4" NPT...

Norgren - V61R517A-A312JB - Solenoid Valve, 5/2, 12VDC, Spring Return, 1/4...


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uJYJOwJx7KY

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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: Step & step-slide air control valve operating too slow.

Reply #6 –

I recently used this one for the step slide cover and it works great. I was not able to use the adjustable exhaust ports that vary the speed without some adapters, so just lowered the air pressure coming out of the solenoid. I can buy near 5 of these for the price of 1 OE nordgren. Ive used similar in other applications and have some that have running for years.

Amazon.com: TAILONZ PNEUMATIC 1/4"NPT Solenoid Valve 12V/24V/110V Single...

As an Amazon Associate Foretravel Owners' Forum earns from qualifying purchases.
Mike in AL
2001 U295
8.3 ISC 350
Build 5918

Re: Step & step-slide air control valve operating too slow.

Reply #7 –
I use the new Nordgren Valves and it wasn't to bad to change but after I finished a friend
said that type of valve was common so if I did it again I would use a lot cheaper valve like
Mike is suggesting.
Peter and Frieda Morin
1999 36ft. U320 Foretravel
Build # 5436
1998 Suzuki Sidekick Sport

Re: Step & step-slide air control valve operating too slow.

Reply #8 –
Quote from: dicksop –
Gracerace,
what remounting did the new valve require? difficult?
Peter
It's just finicky work because of the short lines and limited space to work with. I've been putting off replacing mine because of it.  Easy access compared to most other air system problems though... just have to get a little dirty.  I don't touch anything on my air system without all new compression fittings any more, which makes every job a little bigger.
1987 Grand Villa ORED
2001 U320 4010

Not all that wander are lost... but I often am.

Re: Step & step-slide air control valve operating too slow.

Reply #9 –
Glad that you resolved your slow step problem.

For others to consider before replacing the original step slide or step drop down pneumatic valves:

They are pretty simple and taking it apart, cleaning & lubing cylinder, cleaning & adjusting exhaust ports may put everything back in business.

No need to deal with different mounting hole issues, etc.

Some have added a 3-way valve on the step slide air line to remove pressure from its cylinder, to give the difficult to remove cylinder a much longer life.