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Topic: Likely air leak locations  (Read 3720 times) previous topic - next topic

Re: Likely air leak locations

Reply #40 –
It' the little things in life that make it so much fun b^.^d

Larry

Re: Likely air leak locations

Reply #42 –
I removed the solenoid assembly again to have a go at it but I'm not sure how it comes apart and I don't want to break it trying to figure it out.  I'm not too smart with this stuff, that's why I opted for a mechanical valve rather than an electric one on the door step, and if I break this assembly there's a good chance we'll be stuck here.  It might be best to reinstall it and look for another one somewhere. 

Re: Likely air leak locations

Reply #43 –
Wish I could help with the solenoid assembly, but I have not tried to take ours apart.  It is not obvious from your photos how it comes apart.  Best not to break it, unless you have another one in hand.  I am afraid that will be a very difficult part to find.  I'll see if I can find you any help.  Some guys at one of the Bluebird forums were pretty deep into working on these systems.  I'll see if I can find some contact info for that group.

Re: Likely air leak locations

Reply #44 –
Here's a link to the Wanderlodge Owners Group.  Some of their coaches use the Bendix cruise system.

Right above where it says: Welcome to the Wanderlodge Owners Group" there is a search box.  Put "bendix cruise control" in there and search.  You'll get lots of hits to read through.  Perhaps you will find something about a source for used solenoid assemblies?  Worth a look.

Wanderlodge Owners Group - Powered by vBulletin

Re: Likely air leak locations

Reply #45 –
Quote from: Chuck & Jeannie –
Some guys at one of the Bluebird forums were pretty deep into working on these systems.  I'll see if I can find some contact info for that group.

Thanks Chuck!  I'm on the WOG site frequently just perusing the 'for sale' section as I have a real soft spot in my heart for the Wanderlodge.  I'll sign up for an account and ask around as well.  It's really cool how these things cross brand lines, like the Newell guys with our air conditioner problem. 

Re: Likely air leak locations

Reply #46 –
Found a old post that may help, if you do want to disassemble the solenoids.  Check this out (Reply #329):

What did you do to your coach today VII

RVtinker (Mike & Lilli) is active on the Forum - was here today.  Might send him a PM if you need help chasing air leaks!

Re: Likely air leak locations

Reply #47 –
Dang Chuck, you're really on it!

A was able to find a part number which is 065030 according to some old bendix parts catalog.  I'll check out that link and see what I can do!

Re: Likely air leak locations

Reply #48 –
Followed rvtinker's instructions and the solenoids came off easy as can be!  :))  I am feeling 100x better than I was a few minutes ago!    I'll get some new o-rings tomorrow and see if that solves the problem!  Thanks so much to everyone for your help!

Re: Likely air leak locations

Reply #49 –
Don't forget the Super Lube!

Re: Likely air leak locations

Reply #51 –
Whenever I work on any of the air system valves or components, I always use the Super Lube.  I coat every O-ring and every metal part lightly with lube before reassembling and installing it.  Don't get carried away - just a thin coating.  Helps hold things in correct position while you assemble the valve.  Protects the rubber O-ring surface from "friction" damage between moving parts.  It will also actually help fill in microscopic defects in the sealing surfaces within the valve, and thereby (hopefully) forestall minor leaks.

Will not degrade rubber parts, tolerant of high and low temperature operating conditions, water resistant, chemically inert.  Excellent stuff!

Re: Likely air leak locations

Reply #52 –
Went and got o-rings today.  Could not find metric ones anywhere but found some at Lowe's that were a near exact match.  The box had half of them missing and since it was the only one they had they let me have them for half the price, for a grand total of $1.53.  Could not find super lube anywhere but the throttle rebuild kit came in today so I used some of the silicone grease that came with it.  No more leaking from the solenoids!  I'm pretty pumped that I was able to fix it! :)) The tanks are holding much better now, only lost about 15psi in an hour.  There's still some  leaks to be found but it's getting better! 

Re: Likely air leak locations

Reply #53 –
Got the throttle out and rebuilt last night.  Removal, rebuild and reinstall was pretty easy.  Getting the foot pedal back in place was kind of a bugger but I used a piece of braided fishing line tied to the top of the spring to hold up on it and a mirror behind the pedal so I could see what was going on.  The pedal took about 15 minutes to install and the rebuild took about the same.  I checked for leaks and also the actuation of the throttle cable as per the instructions.  There are no leaks and the throttle moves as it should although I'm not sure how to check if it's moving the proper amount.  All in all it was a fun project.  We're still losing air steadily from somewhere so the search continues!

Re: Likely air leak locations

Reply #54 –
Quote from: 1985 –
i found a leak in my parking brake switch and one that i chased forever was an air chamber diaphragm

I'm not sure what the air chamber diaphragm is but would like to check it.  Can anyone enlighten me?

Re: Likely air leak locations

Reply #55 –
Quote from: The Soft Boulders –
Getting the foot pedal back in place was kind of a bugger...
Took me a LOT longer than you to get that pedal reinstalled......

Ah, to be young and flexible again.  My old body don't fold up so good anymore, and looking through trifocals makes working in close quarters more difficult than it should be.

Glad you got this project done successfully!  That's one item that won't need repair again for about 20-30 years.  ^.^d

Re: Likely air leak locations

Reply #56 –
Quote from: The Soft Boulders –
I'm not sure what the air chamber diaphragm is but would like to check it.  Can anyone enlighten me?
Only "air chamber diaphragm" I can think of is a part of the brake assemblies.  Air pressure is used to release the spring brakes (parking brake) on the rear axle.  Don't mess with the air brakes or rear spring brake mechanism unless you know what you are doing.  That's a job for qualified brake techs.

Photo (not very good) of rear brake can below:

Re: Likely air leak locations

Reply #58 –
Quote from: Chuck & Jeannie –
Only "air chamber diaphragm" I can think of is a part of the rear brake assemblies.  Air pressure is used to release the spring brakes (parking brake) on the rear axle.  Don't mess with the air brakes or rear spring brake mechanism unless you know what you are doing.  That's a job for qualified brake techs.

That's what I was coming up with when I did a search but wasn't for sure.  When I was under the coach look for our wet tank I noticed that our brake cans were pretty badly corroded.  I'm definitely not comfortable with messing with our brakes!

Re: Likely air leak locations

Reply #59 –
The brake chambers won't leak until the brake pedal is pushed.