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Air dryer

Stopped in Livingston Montana for fuel, went to leave the pump and air brake handle would not release. Air gauges showed less than 60 psi. Was able to rev engine enough to build pressure to leave the pump. In the parking lot was able to locate the Air dryer relief valve was stuck open. NO!! I was unable to remove the valve with an open end wrench it was so tight, couldn't get the box end over the valve do to the design of the mounting bracket. I will remedy this with a deburr bit. Would have been an easy fix.  My buddy DSD Scott had put together a kit for me a few years back. He welded together 2 elbow fittings and included a plug for the sense line. A huge thank you to Scott and I called him right away. I had replaced the dryer less than 2 years ago from Find It Parts. Now until I get home I'll be draining my air tanks daily. Just another day in the life! Now I have a light clicking, clapping noise occasionally from the D2 governor? Is this possible? Jim. 
Jim and Dona
2002 U295 36'
Lily, blue healer. Our fury person
Manx mid travel Ecotec turbo
2022 Bronco badlands Sasquatch
Trail 90 and 110cc

Re: Air dryer

Reply #1
Now I have a light clicking, clapping noise occasionally from the D2 governor? Is this possible? Jim.
Nice recovery from bad "stuck" situation.  Why does it happen so often when parked at the fuel pump?  Fate has a twisted sense of humor.

Anything is possible.  I'd just replace the D2 governor - they are inexpensive and easy to swap out.

Also, carry one or two spare D2s with you at all times.  Cheap insurance.
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 dryer

Reply #2
I'm thinking about your sequence of events.  Questions arise...

Why did the air dryer pressure relief valve stick open?  Probably dirty or corroded or gummed up inside.

To stick open, the relief valve first had to open.  They are generally rated to open between 175 and 200 psi, which is WAY above the normal max air system pressure.

So why did the relief valve open?  Mystery.

There was a thread a while back where the OP was having some strange stuff happening with the air dryer and the relief valve.  Might be worth a read?

Frequent air dryer purge
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 dryer

Reply #3
It is possible if the dryer is a Pure Air Plus. If the turbo valve breaks the end off it can cause this to happen. (low air pressure in the system and the high pressure relief valve opening)

Mike
Pamela & Mike 97 U 320

"It's not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters."

Re: Air dryer

Reply #4
Many never turn engine off at fuel pump, especially if at truck stop.  Don't want to be a motorhome owner blocking truck pumps due no start problem, as someone may demand an immediate tow.
But this may require another driver to be in coach while filling to prevent coach theft.

Also, some avoid fuel pump islands that also dispense gasoline to prevent accidentally grabbing the gasoline hose, which makes truck stop fuel pumps a good choice.

Re: Air dryer

Reply #5
Many never turn engine off at fuel pump, especially if at truck stop.  Don't want to be a motorhome owner blocking truck pumps due no start problem, as someone may demand an immediate tow.
But this may require another driver to be in coach while filling to prevent coach theft.

Also, some avoid fuel pump islands that also dispense gasoline to prevent accidentally grabbing the gasoline hose, which makes truck stop fuel pumps a good choice.

Or lock the entry door.  Sketchy places I do that even with spouse in the running coach/
Dan - Full timing since 2009
2003 U320 40' Tag 2 slide

Re: Air dryer

Reply #6
Nice recovery from bad "stuck" situation.  Why does it happen so often when parked at the fuel pump?  Fate has a twisted sense of humor.

Anything is possible.  I'd just replace the D2 governor - they are inexpensive and easy to swap out.

Also, carry one or two spare D2s with you at all times.  Cheap insurance.
Thank you Chuck, I do carry a spare D2 thanks to Scott. I will change out an see if that resolves the noise. It comes and goes. Jim.
Jim and Dona
2002 U295 36'
Lily, blue healer. Our fury person
Manx mid travel Ecotec turbo
2022 Bronco badlands Sasquatch
Trail 90 and 110cc

Re: Air dryer

Reply #7
So the spring brakes can easily be overpowered by the engine to move the coach to a different area. No not down the freeway, just away from the pumps. This is exactly how the DOT does not want you to operate the coach, but it does work, although
I would never recommend doing this 8)

Re: Air dryer

Reply #8
The unloader valve tingles a little bit by design. I can hear mine . Sounds like a small broken part jingling inside the compressor.
Sorta is that.  The valve is held up and bounce s around until the D 2 closes it for pressure build.

Re: Air dryer

Reply #9

Some folks here make them with nice 90 degree angles, bit this is a more basic solution that saved my butt when the air dryer failed.  Don't leave home without it.

Amazon.com: 3/4" JIC Male x 3/4" JIC Male Flared Straight Tube Hydraulic...

As an Amazon Associate Foretravel Owners' Forum earns from qualifying purchases.
Joe Phebus and Jaime Trujillo
2002 U270 3410  Build: 5953 Motorcader # 18595
2100 W Solar, 600 AH Battleborn Batteries,  Victron Multi-Plus II 3000 Inverter, Cerbo GX, & MPPT Chargers
1992 Geo Tracker

Re: Air dryer

Reply #10
Some folks here make them with nice 90 degree angles, bit this is a more basic solution that saved my butt when the air dryer failed.  Don't leave home without it.

Amazon.com: 3/4" JIC Male x 3/4" JIC Male Flared Straight Tube Hydraulic...
Joe, The straight coupler would possibly work but the configuration of my hoses I would have to bend both those very large and stiff hoses whereas the 2 90* elbows welded back to back to form a U works great. Jim. 
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Jim and Dona
2002 U295 36'
Lily, blue healer. Our fury person
Manx mid travel Ecotec turbo
2022 Bronco badlands Sasquatch
Trail 90 and 110cc

Re: Air dryer

Reply #11
2 90* elbows welded back to back to form a U works great.
No welding is necessary.

Parts list:  Air Dryer Bypass Demo

Discussion:  Air Dryer Bypass Demo

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"