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Sixpack rebuild about to commence

Ok, finally getting to this mainly due to the age of it all, no records and some slow leaks. Ive read just about every post I can find on the topic both here and a few other places. Appears to me more a disassemble, clean, rebuild type of job than anything.  I have the complete kits from Tom Mcloud (think I got that name right), the weather is finally tolerable for the deep south, and I am 8 weeks out from a planned trip, so  plenty of time for any inevitable.

Aside from the kits I am about to install.....is there ANY item on these critters, that you would replace due to age alone, regardless if still working or not?

Thanks for any input.
Mike in AL
2001 U295
8.3 ISC 350
Build 5918

Re: Sixpack rebuild about to commence

Reply #1 –
Carefully mark each line and take pictures so all go back in their "original position".
Brett Wolfe
EX: 1993 U240
Moderator, ForeForum 2001-
Moderator Diesel RV Club 2002-
Moderator, FMCA Forum 2009-2020
Chairman FMCA Technical Advisory Committee 2011-2020

Re: Sixpack rebuild about to commence

Reply #2 –
That would surely be a no brainer or dont even attempt.
Mike in AL
2001 U295
8.3 ISC 350
Build 5918

Re: Sixpack rebuild about to commence

Reply #3 –
If you are just rebuilding the valve themselves there is really no reason to remove the air line or the block. Just number the coils 1-6 and remove them from the valve then remove the valve from the block. IIRC there are 2 little check valves under the plugs on the side of the valve body, you might CAREFULLY take them out and check the o rings on them be careful the springs a small.
Bruce, Linda, and Macy
Zoey RIP 1/20/19
1999 U295 40' build #5400
2017 silver Jeep Wrangler, 1260 watts of solar on top
Moving around the country

Re: Sixpack rebuild about to commence

Reply #4 –
You might think that is a no-brainer but it is still easy to mess up. When I did my front six pack I was parked out in the desert at quartzsite. I carefully use zip ties of different colors on each side so I would know exactly which one went where and still somehow seem to mess it up on one. Or at least it seems so cuz later on it seemed like that circuit wasn't getting power through the wire and we had to splice in a new wire.
I did the rebuild completely under the coach.
At least I didn't remove the six pack I just removed each circuit and replace parts.. the wind was whipping underneath there as I was doing it and it was quite cold so I was in a hurry. The wrench that Tom supplies with the kit works well on removing the plungers. Soap test afterwards of course.
If I was doing it again I might think about pulling the whole thing off and cleaning it better.
But then that may open up a different can of worms.
'99 U320 40 WTFE
Build #5462,
1500 Watts Solar 600 amp Victron lithium
2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland Hemi
Instagram bobfnbw
Retired

Re: Sixpack rebuild about to commence

Reply #5 –
Have not done mine yet but would consider having the valve body glass beaded,what say you forum members?
96 U270 BUILD 4810
85 380SL
Drummonds TN.

Re: Sixpack rebuild about to commence

Reply #6 –
Quote from: John44 –
Have not done mine yet but would consider having the valve body glass beaded,what say you forum members?
All my original factory 6-pack parts cleaned up real nice just using the soft wire wheel on my bench grinder...

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: Sixpack rebuild about to commence

Reply #7 –
John44. I wouldn't recommend glass beading the actual sealing surfaces. If you want to cosmetically clean the outer housing you would probably be ok. I sonic cleaned mine and was satisfied

Re: Sixpack rebuild about to commence

Reply #8 –
Quote from: Chuck & Jeannie –
All my original factory 6-pack parts cleaned up real nice just using the soft wire wheel on my bench grinder...

Sure is pretty, like Man Jewelry.
1995 U320C SE 40'
Jeep 4x4 Commander - Limited - Hemi
"The Pack"  Yogi and Diesel our Airedales -  Charlie our Boxer/Akita mix. Gone but NEVER forgotten Jake our yellow Lab.
NRA Law Enforcement Firearms instructor - Handgun/shotgun
Regional Firearms instructor for national Armored Transp. Co.

Re: Sixpack rebuild about to commence

Reply #9 –
Quote from: Journey, Roam, Explore –
You might think that is a no-brainer but it is still easy to mess up. When I did my front six pack I was parked out in the desert at quartzsite. I carefully use zip ties of different colors on each side so I would know exactly which one went where and still somehow seem to mess it up on one. Or at least it seems so cuz later on it seemed like that circuit wasn't getting power through the wire and we had to splice in a new wire.
I did the rebuild completely under the coach.
At least I didn't remove the six pack I just removed each circuit and replace parts.. the wind was whipping underneath there as I was doing it and it was quite cold so I was in a hurry. The wrench that Tom supplies with the kit works well on removing the plungers. Soap test afterwards of course.
If I was doing it again I might think about pulling the whole thing off and cleaning it better.
But then that may open up a different can of worms.

No-brainer as in....if your crazy enough to NOT think to do such, you deserve the results you get....I mark every item on every project if only even 2 items.

I did pull the entire block as I also wanted to replace the piston that drives the step cover.
Mike in AL
2001 U295
8.3 ISC 350
Build 5918

Re: Sixpack rebuild about to commence

Reply #10 –
Quote from: bbeane –
If you are just rebuilding the valve themselves there is really no reason to remove the air line or the block. Just number the coils 1-6 and remove them from the valve then remove the valve from the block. IIRC there are 2 little check valves under the plugs on the side of the valve body, you might CAREFULLY take them out and check the o rings on them be careful the springs a small.

Bruce,
 My lower back issues barely allow me enough time to get all the stuff out, staying under there for a few hours and I'd be too bent to get back out. But I also wanted to replace a badly leaking Step cover piston.
Thanks for the tip about the check valve Orings, I plan to fully disassemble and clean it completely
Mike in AL
2001 U295
8.3 ISC 350
Build 5918

Re: Sixpack rebuild about to commence

Reply #11 –
 Has anyone ever given thought to putting a bowl type filter on the inlet air for the block?

 All is off but not apart yet, But I do see that the white powder from a previous to me Air dryer failure is everywhere under every fitting.
I do plan to put one on the inlet air for the step slide and step cover as I have had to clean those solenoid valves a time or two due to the dust in the system, be a lot easier to occasionally clean a pre-bowl.
Mike in AL
2001 U295
8.3 ISC 350
Build 5918

Re: Sixpack rebuild about to commence

Reply #12 –
You can get those check valves from Northwest RV Supply | Eugene, Oregon and most other HWH parts.
Bruce, Linda, and Macy
Zoey RIP 1/20/19
1999 U295 40' build #5400
2017 silver Jeep Wrangler, 1260 watts of solar on top
Moving around the country

Re: Sixpack rebuild about to commence

Reply #14 –
Exhaust ports of the sixpack manifold.....is it norm to have these open to the elements?... I dont see any pics or write-ups about them having any sort of stone/muffler etc....as I have mud daubers by the millions here in the deep south, wondering if anyone has ever used any sort of screen, muffler stone etc?
Mike in AL
2001 U295
8.3 ISC 350
Build 5918

Re: Sixpack rebuild about to commence

Reply #15 –
Quote from: mkc1962 –
Exhaust ports of the sixpack manifold.....is it norm to have these open to the elements?...

Yup. 

I vaguely recall a post a couple of years ago regarding putting some sort of screen on them, but I don't think it was more than a question.  And yeah, mud daubers. 
Learn every day, but especially from the experiences of others. It's cheaper!  - John C. Bogle

2000 U320 36' non-slide / WildEBeest Rescue
2003 U320

Re: Sixpack rebuild about to commence

Reply #16 –
That little spring on the check valve very easily flys away never to be found again. Don't ask me how I know.
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: Sixpack rebuild about to commence

Reply #17 –
I drilled and tapped my front one for threaded in screens. I can take a photo of them. No more mud dabbers. I haven't got around to doing the rear. Need to. ^.^d
1994 U280
Build #4451
"If everyone is thinking alike, then somebody isn't thinking"

Re: Sixpack rebuild about to commence

Reply #18 –
Quote from: Hammer2100 –
I drilled and tapped my front one for threaded in screens. I can take a photo of them. No more mud dabbers. I haven't got around to doing the rear. Need to. ^.^d

working on the front one at the moment, all clean just need to reassemble and test. My exhaust ports are already tapped but dont know of a threaded screen to source. I have some nice fine mesh SS screen on hand that is open enough for great air passage but too small for any critter to worry with messing with it. Giving thought to just covering the holes and holding with rivets....or just use a small pipe nipple with a cap full of small drilled holes.
Mike in AL
2001 U295
8.3 ISC 350
Build 5918

Re: Sixpack rebuild about to commence

Reply #19 –
Quote from: mkc1962 –
working on the front one at the moment, all clean just need to reassemble and test. My exhaust ports are already tapped but dont know of a threaded screen to source. I have some nice fine mesh SS screen on hand that is open enough for great air passage but too small for any critter to worry with messing with it. Giving thought to just covering the holes and holding with rivets.

JB weld on the outer side of the hole.
1999 40 ft. U-320 wtfe build 5563 Chuck & Lynda's "Rollin' Inn"  2030 watts solar
prev. mh's 71 GMC 5 yrs. 73 Pace Setter 1 yr. 78 Vogue 5 yrs 81 FTX 40ft all electric 18 yrs. 1996 Monaco Signature 3 yrs.
2014 Grand Cherokee Overland
Dream as if you will live forever. Live as if you will die today.  James Dean

Re: Sixpack rebuild about to commence

Reply #21 –
 Sintered Bronze Liter. This is just an example. Think  you need smaller for the port holes, but dont know the exact size

https://www.grainger.com/product/1A326?gucid=N:N:PS:Paid:GGL:CSM-2295:4P7A1P:20501231&gclid=CjwKCAjwu4WoBhBkEiwAojNdXnZ4oj0FMODvUSORFdxSNji_70lf9dmY6nelM6NVJ_Js4doqxKrKvhoCzz0QAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

Re: Sixpack rebuild about to commence

Reply #22 –
Quote from: mkc1962 –
My exhaust ports are already tapped but dont know of a threaded screen to source.
Amazon.com: IVLPHA Pneumatic Air Muffler, Sintered Bronze Air Breather Vent...

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: Sixpack rebuild about to commence

Reply #23 –
Scott / Chuck

thought about the bronze stone type but wondered if it might be a bit of obstruction as they are usually pretty dense. I assume you 2 are having good results with these? air release ok....I was looking for one with a screen but at the size of the port cant find any that small, find these you guys mention all over.
Mike in AL
2001 U295
8.3 ISC 350
Build 5918

Re: Sixpack rebuild about to commence

Reply #24 –
Recent projects have used them as mufflers for air release. I dont have anything on mine but would install if I was rebuilding. Probably just a little tighter than hand title. The external cones would provide more surface area also than the flat ones