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Air horn solenoid

I took apart my horn solenoid because my horns weren't working, there was a click when depressing the horn button, but no horn. I removed and disassembled the solenoid, the plunger has a dimple in it, see pic, is that normal or should it be smooth. Can I get parts or do I have to replace the entire solenoid?
Michael & Roxene, Aussie the wonder dog & his daughter Luna the lunatic.
1993 Grand Villa Unihome 280 build #4203
36' 8.3 Cummins 300 hp- 2001 Chevrolet Tracker toad

Re: Air horn solenoid

Reply #1 –

That looks similar to the "dimple" that you see in the plungers when you rebuild the HWH solenoids.  See photo below of old and new HWH plungers.  I think it is just a natural effect of sitting on the valve seat for long periods of time, and under pressure.  You might try putting it back together and see if it seals.  If it doesn't, then you'll probably need a whole new solenoid assembly.  I doubt parts are available, but I've been wrong many times in the past.

You can get a new solenoid from Hadley, but it might be cheaper if you find another online source.  Try a Google search.

https://hadleyadvantage.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/HADLEY-AIR-HORNS-CATALOG.pdf

Amazon.com: Hadley Horns H00550C Air Horn Solenoid : Automotive

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: Air horn solenoid

Reply #2 –
I recently purchased a cheap solenoid valve for the air horn on the bronco. Amazon like 15$. Went to copy link and it now doesn't exist. None the less it works great. Probably won't last 30 years thou.

Re: Air horn solenoid

Reply #3 –
Apparently I didn't empty the air, I thought by dumping the hwh system I was emptying the tank, but to my surprise it blew off when I removed the air pressure gauge hose. It was in the way to get off the solenoid. I'm assuming and hoping once reconnected the coach will repressurize the tank?
Michael & Roxene, Aussie the wonder dog & his daughter Luna the lunatic.
1993 Grand Villa Unihome 280 build #4203
36' 8.3 Cummins 300 hp- 2001 Chevrolet Tracker toad

Re: Air horn solenoid

Reply #4 –
Michael,

You need to find a copy of the air system diagram for your coach.  Study the diagram to understand how air pressure is routed.  Doing so will make it much easier to diagnose air system problems and leaks.

This one should be correct for your coach:  https://www.foreforums.com/index.php?action=media;sa=album;in=194;nw;start=35

When you dump the HWH system, all you are doing is emptying the air bags.

If your dash air gauges now show zero psi, reconnecting the air hose will do nothing.  On your GV the only way to repressurize the air system is to start the engine.

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: Air horn solenoid

Reply #5 –
Thanks Chuck, I'm going to order the new solenoid off Amazon. I will try to find the air system diagram. I have 2 six pack kits to rebuild some day as well. I'm still on the hamster wheel with my job and time is difficult to find for all the repairs for "This Old Coach". We love her, but definitely makes me somewhat crazy with all the different problems and upgrades we encounter. Thank the Lord for you and all the great help I receive for the many challenges "The Beast" (as we affectionately refer to her as) we encounter. Thanks again for sharing your wisdom.
Michael & Roxene, Aussie the wonder dog & his daughter Luna the lunatic.
1993 Grand Villa Unihome 280 build #4203
36' 8.3 Cummins 300 hp- 2001 Chevrolet Tracker toad