Skip to main content ↑ ↓
Topic: Good timing massive air leak today (Read 517 times) previous topic - next topic

Good timing massive air leak today

We were 1/2 way out of the campground in Sweetwater TX today when one air line on the park brake valve blew off the valve.

We quickly looped back around to the space we just left before near/total air loss and likely rear brake lockup. Glad this did not happen on a surface road or the interstate.

I had been hearing a air hiss in the area (when coach off) and had it on the list for service in Nacagdoches.  Lifting the top of the dash revealed the blown out air line -right at the fitting of the air valve.

It did not look like any hose to fitting I had seen before, surprised it lasted ths long.  A Loves truck stop was just across the street, walked over to their service dept.  He had a push on fitting that worked.  No charge - I tipped $10.  I prefer screw on fitting with crushed braass over the push style, but it worked. 

Stationary for 6 days, will pick up some spares and likely change the push fitting out.  Photo in a minute.  (The one on the right blew out, no other parts to it.  The one on the left is in there now.

Air valve pic too. 2 electrical connectors to the yellow park brake pull handle, two hoses.  (I did not follow the 2 wires - may go to horn instead)
Dan - Full timing since 2009
2003 U320 40' Tag 2 slide

Re: Good timing massive air leak today

Reply #1 –
Glad you made it back to your Site. 
2014 ih45  (4th Foretravel owned)
 1997 36' U295 Sold in 2020, owned for 19 years
  U240 36' Sold to insurance company after melting in garage fire
    33' Foretravel on Dodge Chassis  Sold very long time ago

Re: Good timing massive air leak today

Reply #2 –
 :o

Really glad you were at low, local speed when that happened! 

That cut-off fitting does look really odd.  I wonder if the "crimp ring" that's on the hose bit is what's left of the internals of the push part, i.e. the gripper inside what would be the black/grey plastic fitting.

I've been searching, but can't find any pictures of what the push fitting's components themselves look like.
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: Good timing massive air leak today

Reply #3 –
Quote from: Michelle –
:o

Really glad you were at low, local speed when that happened! 

That cut-off fitting does look really odd.  I wonder if the "crimp ring" that's on the hose bit is what's left of the internals of the push part, i.e. the gripper inside what would be the black/grey plastic fitting.

I've been searching, but can't find any pictures of what the push fitting's components themselves look like.
Ref: https://www.imperialsupplies.com/browse/air-brake/dot-air-brake-fittings-for-air-brake-tubing/push-to-connect-fittings-dot

Re: Good timing massive air leak today

Reply #4 –
A few other pics that may help
2000 / 36' / U320 / WTFE
WildEBeest / "Striving to put right what once went wrong"

Re: Good timing massive air leak today

Reply #5 –
NAPA spare parts now on hand. All brass and high quality. 

1 each  G32400-0404 Brass compression fitting to join 2 segments of air hose

1 each G31400-0404 Brass push style fitting to join 2 segments of air hose (very secure, very robust)

2 each G32100-0402 brass compression end fitting for air hose

I will likely need approx 4"-6" of new air hose to locate the brake valve in a secure location.  I already had several feet of air hose on hand from rodent damage in basement in the past.

I recommend everyone consider having some of the above on boad.  Even road side service may not have these fittings with them.

One other note: I had always "assumed" the yellow brake valve had the brake valve on the back of it. On our coach it does not.  Electrical connection to remote air valve.

Pics to follow.
Dan - Full timing since 2009
2003 U320 40' Tag 2 slide

Re: Good timing massive air leak today

Reply #6 –
Dan, are those fittings DOT compliant?
Richard & Betty Bark & Keiko our Golden Doodle
2003 U320T 3820 PBDS
Build # 6215
MC # 16926
2016 Chevrolet Colorado 4X4 diesel

Re: Good timing massive air leak today

Reply #7 –
Quote from: rbark –
Dan, are those fittings DOT compliant?
Yes. And much higher quality than the one Loves gave me.  I did not trust that fitting and replaced it today.
Dan - Full timing since 2009
2003 U320 40' Tag 2 slide

Re: Good timing massive air leak today

Reply #8 –
2 more (last) pics:

Back of yellow park brake handle, in middle under white empty electrical connector

Remote park brake valve (out as I repaired it today with better fitting) EDIT: read posts further down - may be air horn solenoid.
Dan - Full timing since 2009
2003 U320 40' Tag 2 slide

Re: Good timing massive air leak today

Reply #9 –
The object in the picture looks like the air horn solenoid.
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: Good timing massive air leak today

Reply #10 –
Quote from: red tractor –
The object in the picture looks like the air horn solenoid.

I guess it could be. Drained all air very quickly. I did not follow the air hoses nor wires through the mess of wires and cables under the dash.
Dan - Full timing since 2009
2003 U320 40' Tag 2 slide

Re: Good timing massive air leak today

Reply #11 –
The fitting and hose were the supply of air into the solenoid. Definitely would have left you sitting on the side of the road.
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: Good timing massive air leak today

Reply #12 –
Quote from: red tractor –
The fitting and hose were the supply of air into the solenoid. Definitely would have left you sitting on the side of the road.

Found the photo below: Label on mine did say Hadley on it.

Edit: and this: Amazon.com: HADLEY HORNS H00550C Air Horn Solenoid : Automotive




As an Amazon Associate Foretravel Owners' Forum earns from qualifying purchases.
Dan - Full timing since 2009
2003 U320 40' Tag 2 slide