GMCforum
For enthusiast of the Classic GMC Motorhome built from 1973 to 1978. A web-based mirror of the GMCnet mailing list.

Home » Public Forums » GMCnet » [GMCnet] Barb's air compresor runs all the time that the ign is on in her 73.
[GMCnet] Barb's air compresor runs all the time that the ign is on in her 73. [message #316721] Thu, 27 April 2017 18:56 Go to next message
BobDunahugh is currently offline  BobDunahugh   United States
Messages: 2465
Registered: October 2010
Location: Cedar Rapids, IA
Karma: 11
Senior Member
I know absolutely NOTHING about the 1973 air ride system. So I know I'm LOST. Then with parts missing. There is a pressure shut off switch. Were is the manual off switch. The right side controls are not there. This part of this GMC is a mess. Bob Dunahugh
_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org

Re: [GMCnet] Barb's air compresor runs all the time that the ign is on in her 73. [message #316723 is a reply to message #316721] Thu, 27 April 2017 19:02 Go to previous messageGo to next message
James Hupy is currently offline  James Hupy   United States
Messages: 6806
Registered: May 2010
Karma: -62
Senior Member
The manual on/off switch is the ignition key. The pressure switch is what
turns the compressor off when the pressure in the tank reaches the cut off
point. There must be a big air leak in the system.
Jim Hupy
Salem, Or
78 GMC ROYALE 403.

On Apr 27, 2017 4:57 PM, "Bob Dunahugh" wrote:

> I know absolutely NOTHING about the 1973 air ride system. So I know I'm
> LOST. Then with parts missing. There is a pressure shut off switch. Were is
> the manual off switch. The right side controls are not there. This part of
> this GMC is a mess. Bob Dunahugh
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>
_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org

Re: [GMCnet] Barb's air compresor runs all the time that the ign is on in her 73. [message #316724 is a reply to message #316721] Thu, 27 April 2017 19:10 Go to previous messageGo to next message
werewilfs is currently offline  werewilfs   United States
Messages: 329
Registered: July 2012
Location: Rappahannock County, VA
Karma: 0
Senior Member
There's supposed to be a tank under the batteries. The pressure cut off switch is there on the tank.



Sent from Yahoo Mail on Android

On Thu, Apr 27, 2017 at 19:57, Bob Dunahugh
wrote:
I know absolutely NOTHING about the 1973 air ride system. So I know I'm LOST. Then with parts missing. There is a pressure shut off switch. Were is the manual off switch. The right side controls are not there. This part of this GMC is a mess. Bob Dunahugh
_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org



Jared & Stefanie Kohl Rappahannock County, VA 1973 Painted Desert "Onslow"
Re: [GMCnet] Barb's air compresor runs all the time that the ign is on in her 73. [message #316725 is a reply to message #316721] Thu, 27 April 2017 19:23 Go to previous messageGo to next message
A Hamilto is currently offline  A Hamilto   United States
Messages: 4508
Registered: April 2011
Karma: 39
Senior Member
BobDunahugh wrote on Thu, 27 April 2017 18:56
I know absolutely NOTHING about the 1973 air ride system. So I know I'm LOST. Then with parts missing. There is a pressure shut off switch. Were is the manual off switch. The right side controls are not there. This part of this GMC is a mess. Bob Dunahugh
Bob,

I pull the circuit breaker at the fuse block when I need to disable the compressor to do stuff.

Here's pictures and words to fill in the blanks:

http://www.gmceast.com/technical/Denney_Power_Level_System.pdf

I think when Jim Bounds has to restore the rear air suspension from mostly scratch, he installs what ends up being a PowerLevel system.
Re: [GMCnet] Barb's air compresor runs all the time that the ign is on in her 73. [message #316726 is a reply to message #316721] Thu, 27 April 2017 20:42 Go to previous messageGo to next message
lqqkatjon is currently offline  lqqkatjon   United States
Messages: 2324
Registered: October 2010
Location: St. Cloud, MN
Karma: 5
Senior Member
Maybe leaking like crazy. But compressor maybe weak, not getting enough voltage(bad ground/connection). And it might not wver be able to pump to 100+ psi it needs
To shut off. Get a check valve to start and plumb that between the compressor and air tank. Then plumb either an air gauge, or schrader valve on the tank or somewhere you can check the pressure of air system. Should be 100+ psi.



Jon Roche 75 palm beach EBL EFI, manny headers, Micro Level, rebuilt most of coach now. St. Cloud, MN http://lqqkatjon.blogspot.com/
Re: [GMCnet] Barb's air compresor runs all the time that the ign is on inher 73. [message #316729 is a reply to message #316721] Thu, 27 April 2017 21:45 Go to previous messageGo to next message
<diego.hotrod is currently offline  <diego.hotrod   United States
Messages: 7
Registered: September 2016
Karma: 0
Junior Member
I’ve touched every part of my 73 Canyonlands I know first hand and have made all of my (many) repairs. With regards to the air compressor. I have learned that the original is slow…..very slow to get to 100-120 psi (mine is set at 120 psi). And I’m not sure that a perfect original was ever fast. Bob, the on/off switch is the ignition switch. It runs in the on and acc position. There should be an out-board pressure switch mounted next to the Dana Compressor. This will shut off the compressor at a predetermined adjustable psi. The storage tank is located on the passenger side of the vehicle very near underneath the two batteries. The tank has a drain, a safety relief valve and mine included a scrader valve. I’ve added a run LED in the warning panel but the compressor is so noisy that I hardly need a light. I’ve also added a guage at the tank and a QD for the unexpected. I have been using mine for the past 1 year during the restoration and surprisingly it has performed better than expected.

I commend you on your efforts.

Rod Utterback
1973 26ft Canyonlands
Too much to list
Escondido, Ca.

From: Bob Dunahugh
Sent: Thursday, April 27, 2017 4:57 PM
To: gmclist@list.gmcnet.org
Subject: [GMCnet] Barb's air compresor runs all the time that the ign is on inher 73.

I know absolutely NOTHING about the 1973 air ride system. So I know I'm LOST. Then with parts missing. There is a pressure shut off switch. Were is the manual off switch. The right side controls are not there. This part of this GMC is a mess. Bob Dunahugh
_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org

_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
Re: [GMCnet] Barb's air compresor runs all the time that the ign is on inher 73. [message #316730 is a reply to message #316729] Thu, 27 April 2017 22:37 Go to previous messageGo to next message
jimk is currently offline  jimk   United States
Messages: 6734
Registered: July 2006
Location: Belmont, CA
Karma: 9
Senior Member
Either the shut off valve is broken or there is a leak in the system.
Very common to have a defective valve, we stock them, around $ 36.

On Thu, Apr 27, 2017 at 7:45 PM, wrote:

> I’ve touched every part of my 73 Canyonlands I know first hand and have
> made all of my (many) repairs. With regards to the air compressor. I have
> learned that the original is slow…..very slow to get to 100-120 psi (mine
> is set at 120 psi). And I’m not sure that a perfect original was ever
> fast. Bob, the on/off switch is the ignition switch. It runs in the on and
> acc position. There should be an out-board pressure switch mounted next to
> the Dana Compressor. This will shut off the compressor at a predetermined
> adjustable psi. The storage tank is located on the passenger side of the
> vehicle very near underneath the two batteries. The tank has a drain, a
> safety relief valve and mine included a scrader valve. I’ve added a run LED
> in the warning panel but the compressor is so noisy that I hardly need a
> light. I’ve also added a guage at the tank and a QD for the unexpected. I
> have been using mine for the past 1 year during the restoration and
> surprisingly it has performed better than expected.
>
> I commend you on your efforts.
>
> Rod Utterback
> 1973 26ft Canyonlands
> Too much to list
> Escondido, Ca.
>
> From: Bob Dunahugh
> Sent: Thursday, April 27, 2017 4:57 PM
> To: gmclist@list.gmcnet.org
> Subject: [GMCnet] Barb's air compresor runs all the time that the ign is
> on inher 73.
>
> I know absolutely NOTHING about the 1973 air ride system. So I know I'm
> LOST. Then with parts missing. There is a pressure shut off switch. Were is
> the manual off switch. The right side controls are not there. This part of
> this GMC is a mess. Bob Dunahugh
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>



--
Jim Kanomata
Applied/GMC, Fremont,CA
jimk@appliedairfilters.com
http://www.appliedgmc.com
1-800-752-7502
_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org


Jim Kanomata
Applied/GMC
jimk@appliedairfilters.com
www.appliedgmc.com
1-800-752-7502
Re: [GMCnet] Barb's air compresor runs all the time that the ign is on in her 73. [message #316734 is a reply to message #316721] Fri, 28 April 2017 08:30 Go to previous messageGo to next message
BobDunahugh is currently offline  BobDunahugh   United States
Messages: 2465
Registered: October 2010
Location: Cedar Rapids, IA
Karma: 11
Senior Member

It seems that someone tried to help her by taking the right air ride valve apart. The parts are in a baggy. Don't know if all the parts are there. Maybe the best thing to do is to get another right control valve somewhere. Pull the fuse since she isn't using the system for now. Or just put in a switch to turn the compressor off. Also need to see if the compressor still works. Since it's been running all the time.
_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org

Re: [GMCnet] Barb's air compresor runs all the time that the ign is on inher 73. [message #316737 is a reply to message #316729] Fri, 28 April 2017 08:47 Go to previous messageGo to next message
jimk is currently offline  jimk   United States
Messages: 6734
Registered: July 2006
Location: Belmont, CA
Karma: 9
Senior Member
The reassure switch has adjustable screw to set it to shut off at 120 psi
When all things are working it should not need to run much

Get Outlook for iOS
________________________________
From: Gmclist on behalf of diego.hotrod@gmail.com
Sent: Thursday, April 27, 2017 7:45:01 PM
To: Bob Dunahugh; gmclist@list.gmcnet.org
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Barb's air compresor runs all the time that the ign is on inher 73.

I’ve touched every part of my 73 Canyonlands I know first hand and have made all of my (many) repairs. With regards to the air compressor. I have learned that the original is slow…..very slow to get to 100-120 psi (mine is set at 120 psi). And I’m not sure that a perfect original was ever fast. Bob, the on/off switch is the ignition switch. It runs in the on and acc position. There should be an out-board pressure switch mounted next to the Dana Compressor. This will shut off the compressor at a predetermined adjustable psi. The storage tank is located on the passenger side of the vehicle very near underneath the two batteries. The tank has a drain, a safety relief valve and mine included a scrader valve. I’ve added a run LED in the warning panel but the compressor is so noisy that I hardly need a light. I’ve also added a guage at the tank and a QD for the unexpected. I have been using mine for the past 1 year during the restoration and surprisingly it has performed better than expected.

I commend you on your efforts.

Rod Utterback
1973 26ft Canyonlands
Too much to list
Escondido, Ca.

From: Bob Dunahugh
Sent: Thursday, April 27, 2017 4:57 PM
To: gmclist@list.gmcnet.org
Subject: [GMCnet] Barb's air compresor runs all the time that the ign is on inher 73.

I know absolutely NOTHING about the 1973 air ride system. So I know I'm LOST. Then with parts missing. There is a pressure shut off switch. Were is the manual off switch. The right side controls are not there. This part of this GMC is a mess. Bob Dunahugh
_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org

_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org



Jim Kanomata
Applied/GMC
jimk@appliedairfilters.com
www.appliedgmc.com
1-800-752-7502
Re: [GMCnet] Barb's air compresor runs all the time that the ign is on in her 73. [message #316740 is a reply to message #316734] Fri, 28 April 2017 09:31 Go to previous messageGo to next message
BobDunahugh is currently offline  BobDunahugh   United States
Messages: 2465
Registered: October 2010
Location: Cedar Rapids, IA
Karma: 11
Senior Member
Checked the compressor. 80 PSI is all it could get too. It's a Firestone Ride Rite. Are those fixable? Bob Dunahugh




It seems that someone tried to help her by taking the right air ride valve apart. The parts are in a baggy. Don't know if all the parts are there. Maybe the best thing to do is to get another right control valve somewhere. Pull the fuse since she isn't using the system for now. Or just put in a switch to turn the compressor off. Also need to see if the compressor still works. Since it's been running all the time.
_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org

Re: [GMCnet] Barb's air compresor runs all the time that the ign is on in her 73. [message #316742 is a reply to message #316740] Fri, 28 April 2017 09:57 Go to previous messageGo to next message
lqqkatjon is currently offline  lqqkatjon   United States
Messages: 2324
Registered: October 2010
Location: St. Cloud, MN
Karma: 5
Senior Member
I would guess not rebuildable.

Odd thing is if it is a 100% duty cycle, it says max pressure 100 psi.

These the specs?
http://riderite.com/-/media/www/riderite/files/Air%20Accessory/Catalogs%20PgsCompressors.pdf




Jon Roche 75 palm beach EBL EFI, manny headers, Micro Level, rebuilt most of coach now. St. Cloud, MN http://lqqkatjon.blogspot.com/
Re: [GMCnet] Barb's air compresor runs all the time that the ign is on in her 73. [message #316743 is a reply to message #316740] Fri, 28 April 2017 10:01 Go to previous messageGo to next message
midlf is currently offline  midlf   United States
Messages: 2212
Registered: July 2007
Location: SE Wisc. (Palmyra)
Karma: 1
Senior Member
Bob - the original vales, after 40+ years are crap. I rebuilt mine once. No go. Took the ones out of the transmode. N.G. Rebuilt the transmode ones. N.G. Then I got smart and put in a set of JR's Powerlevel II's. Problem solved.

I had a Dana Compressor. It did the job, sorta. For yucks I installed a horror freight Viair clone. I rebuilt the Dana. N.G. Ordered the Viair continuous duty model. Problem solved.

I don't know what Barb's budget is but anything short of what is described above will result in future problems. While you are at it the addiction of a fuse and relay to get the high current out of the wiring harness and ignition switch is also a must do and a very inexpensive upgrade.


Steve Southworth
1974 Glacier TZE064V100150 (for workin on)
1975 Transmode TZE365V100394 (parts & spares)
Palmyra WI
Re: [GMCnet] Barb's air compresor runs all the time that the ign is on in her 73. [message #316744 is a reply to message #316742] Fri, 28 April 2017 10:39 Go to previous messageGo to next message
James Hupy is currently offline  James Hupy   United States
Messages: 6806
Registered: May 2010
Karma: -62
Senior Member
Bob, best LOW COST fix is as follows. J.R. Slaten dash valves that replace
the round knob O.E. ones. Then, replace what ever compressor is there with
a 380C ViAir compressor. If the air tank is still good, use it. Make sure
that there is a check valve in line between the compressor and the tank.
The pressure switch should cycle the compressor in the 80 psi /120 psi
range. It is better to only use the ignition key to trigger a relay that
powers the compressor. No heavy currents should flow through through the
column. Check every single air line connection with children's bubble soap,
and show her how to do that. It will become a life's work chasing leaks in
all those hoses and valves. She should know how it is done. Check the
leveling valves and their linkages in the wheel wells of the coach as well
as the bags themselves for leaks. Once you have found and repaired all of
the leaks, you should have a fairly reliable system. If you want to go one
step further, consider installing shut off valves at the bags combined with
Schrader inflation fittings. Then, with only a cigarette lighter powered
air compressor, she will be able to inflate the bags and isolate them with
the shut off valves until the leaks can be found and repaired. 40 year old
plastic lines are like hard drives. They either have already failed, or,
they are about ready to. Thanks for helping keep her on the road. Good on
'ya , mate.
Jim Hupy
Salem, Or
78 GMC ROYALE 403


On Apr 28, 2017 8:03 AM, "Jon Roche" wrote:

> I would guess not rebuildable.
>
> Odd thing is if it is a 100% duty cycle, it says max pressure 100 psi.
>
> These the specs?
> http://riderite.com/-/media/www/riderite/files/Air%20Accessory/Catalogs%
> 20PgsCompressors.pdf
>
>
>
> --
> Jon Roche
> 75 palm beach
> St. Cloud, MN
> http://lqqkatjon.blogspot.com/
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>
_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org

Re: [GMCnet] Barb's air compresor runs all the time that the ign is on in her 73. [message #316745 is a reply to message #316744] Fri, 28 April 2017 10:44 Go to previous messageGo to next message
James Hupy is currently offline  James Hupy   United States
Messages: 6806
Registered: May 2010
Karma: -62
Senior Member
Best high cost fix? Install my wireless remote controlled air system, and
throw all that other 40 year old crap away. I know she is not made of $$$,
so that is probably not an option for her, but it is available if need be.
Jim Hupy

On Apr 28, 2017 8:39 AM, "James Hupy" wrote:

> Bob, best LOW COST fix is as follows. J.R. Slaten dash valves that replace
> the round knob O.E. ones. Then, replace what ever compressor is there with
> a 380C ViAir compressor. If the air tank is still good, use it. Make sure
> that there is a check valve in line between the compressor and the tank.
> The pressure switch should cycle the compressor in the 80 psi /120 psi
> range. It is better to only use the ignition key to trigger a relay that
> powers the compressor. No heavy currents should flow through through the
> column. Check every single air line connection with children's bubble soap,
> and show her how to do that. It will become a life's work chasing leaks in
> all those hoses and valves. She should know how it is done. Check the
> leveling valves and their linkages in the wheel wells of the coach as well
> as the bags themselves for leaks. Once you have found and repaired all of
> the leaks, you should have a fairly reliable system. If you want to go one
> step further, consider installing shut off valves at the bags combined with
> Schrader inflation fittings. Then, with only a cigarette lighter powered
> air compressor, she will be able to inflate the bags and isolate them with
> the shut off valves until the leaks can be found and repaired. 40 year old
> plastic lines are like hard drives. They either have already failed, or,
> they are about ready to. Thanks for helping keep her on the road. Good on
> 'ya , mate.
> Jim Hupy
> Salem, Or
> 78 GMC ROYALE 403
>
>
> On Apr 28, 2017 8:03 AM, "Jon Roche" wrote:
>
>> I would guess not rebuildable.
>>
>> Odd thing is if it is a 100% duty cycle, it says max pressure 100 psi.
>>
>> These the specs?
>> http://riderite.com/-/media/www/riderite/files/Air%20Accesso
>> ry/Catalogs%20PgsCompressors.pdf
>>
>>
>>
>> --
>> Jon Roche
>> 75 palm beach
>> St. Cloud, MN
>> http://lqqkatjon.blogspot.com/
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> GMCnet mailing list
>> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
>> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>>
>
_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org

Re: [GMCnet] Barb's air compresor runs all the time that the ign is on in her 73. [message #316746 is a reply to message #316740] Fri, 28 April 2017 11:37 Go to previous messageGo to next message
A Hamilto is currently offline  A Hamilto   United States
Messages: 4508
Registered: April 2011
Karma: 39
Senior Member
BobDunahugh wrote on Fri, 28 April 2017 08:30
It seems that someone tried to help her by taking the right air ride valve apart. The parts are in a baggy. Don't know if all the parts are there. Maybe the best thing to do is to get another right control valve somewhere. Pull the fuse since she isn't using the system for now. Or just put in a switch to turn the compressor off. Also need to see if the compressor still works. Since it's been running all the time.
BobDunahugh wrote on Fri, 28 April 2017 09:31
Checked the compressor. 80 PSI is all it could get too. It's a Firestone Ride Rite. Are those fixable?
Bob,

Clearly she already has a way to isolate the bags. So if the best you can do is get it down to some slow leaks in the system, that is OK for going down the road, and when she gets where she is going, she can raise or lower the bags to camp and then isolate the bags. When ready to travel, start the engine and get pressure in the system, un-isolate the bags, set the valves to "travel", and go.

Order valve rebuild kit here:

http://www.appliedgmc.com/prod.itml/icOid/953

Order compressor here:

http://www.appliedgmc.com/prod.itml/icOid/1050

If it was an OEM compressor and you didn't have to pay the core charge, the Dana compressor would have cost less than the Viair.

If you buy a new compressor and Slaten valves, its not that much more for Jim Hupy's wireless air system.

FWIW, if you change the bags out to SullyBilt or similar, 80 PSI would be enough. But that's $700.

Any SOLID fix is going to be non-trivial dollars. That's probably how she ended up where she is now.

How was she inflating the bags if the compressor only got to 80 PSI? Does she carry a portable 12V compressor?
Re: [GMCnet] Barb's air compresor runs all the time that the ign is on in her 73. [message #316750 is a reply to message #316740] Fri, 28 April 2017 13:50 Go to previous messageGo to next message
BobDunahugh is currently offline  BobDunahugh   United States
Messages: 2465
Registered: October 2010
Location: Cedar Rapids, IA
Karma: 11
Senior Member
Thank you guys for the info last night, and today. Great info for Barb to decide what to do. So we just had a POW WOW. It comes down too. The system needs a lot. She has a portable ViAir in a bag that she keeps tires, and air bags up. As she has the isolation valves on the bags. So I'm pulling the compressor fuse. Any GMC that I get involved with. Always gets a 6 fuse covered panel installed by the wiper motor. It's energized by a relay. From the main panel in the glove box. That panel is used to power all added loads like the cruise. If she gets a new compressor. That can be plugged into that panel. Plus all this info will help my on the 73 that I'm going to fix up to sell. Bob Dunahugh

________________________________
_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org

Re: [GMCnet] Barb's air compresor runs all the time that the ign is on in her 73. [message #316751 is a reply to message #316721] Fri, 28 April 2017 16:51 Go to previous messageGo to next message
jhbridges is currently offline  jhbridges   United States
Messages: 8412
Registered: May 2011
Location: Braselton ga
Karma: -74
Senior Member
As long as she has the bags isolated and they don't leak drastically, the ViAir is a reasonable solution. The wireless system allows her to do the same from the front seat. Another ViAir mounted up front, rebuilt leveling valves, a set of J.R.'s valves and a day with a bottle of bubble juice and some line and fittings will get it back to stock and it will autolevel. I'd leave it as it is and acquire the parts to redo it to stock as time and budget permit. With the parts and a day at Bean Station, it should be made to work correctly. With good valves and a good compressor, the system doesn't give a lot of trouble.

--johnny


Foolish Carriage, 76 26' Eleganza(?) with beaucoup mods and add - ons. Braselton, Ga. I forgive them all, save those who hurt the dogs. They must answer to me in hell
Re: [GMCnet] Barb's air compresor runs all the time that the ign is on in her 73. [message #316753 is a reply to message #316751] Fri, 28 April 2017 18:05 Go to previous messageGo to next message
USAussie is currently offline  USAussie   United States
Messages: 15912
Registered: July 2007
Location: Sydney, Australia
Karma: 6
Senior Member
Or wait until Keith Vasilakes MicroLevel is ready, it will have a feedback
loop to control ride height like the OEM system.

http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/data/6645/medium/CAM00345.jpg

Regards,
Rob M.
The Pedantic Mechanic
USAussie - Downunder
AUS '75 Avion - The Blue Streak TZE365V100428
USA '75 Avion - Double Trouble TZE365V100426
USA '77 Kingsley - TZE 267V100808

-----Original Message-----
From: Gmclist [mailto:gmclist-bounces@list.gmcnet.org] On Behalf Of Johnny
Bridges via Gmclist
Sent: Saturday, April 29, 2017 7:51 AM
To: gmclist@list.gmcnet.org
Cc: Johnny Bridges
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Barb's air compresor runs all the time that the ign is
on in her 73.

As long as she has the bags isolated and they don't leak drastically, the
ViAir is a reasonable solution. The wireless system allows her to do the
same from the front seat. Another ViAir mounted up front, rebuilt leveling
valves, a set of J.R.'s valves and a day with a bottle of bubble juice and
some line and fittings will get it back to stock and it will autolevel. I'd
leave it as it is and acquire the parts to redo it to stock as time and
budget permit. With the parts and a day at Bean Station, it should be made
to work correctly. With good valves and a good compressor, the system
doesn't give a lot of trouble.

--johnny


_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org



Regards, Rob M. (USAussie) The Pedantic Mechanic Sydney, Australia '75 Avion - AUS - The Blue Streak TZE365V100428 '75 Avion - USA - Double Trouble TZE365V100426
Re: [GMCnet] Barb's air compresor runs all the time that the ign is on in her 73. [message #316762 is a reply to message #316750] Sat, 29 April 2017 00:45 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Ken Burton is currently offline  Ken Burton   United States
Messages: 10030
Registered: January 2004
Location: Hebron, Indiana
Karma: 10
Senior Member
While you already made your decision on what to do, I'll still make a few comments.

I really feel you should strive for a fully operational automatic leveling air system. Anything other than that is a compromise that causes minor handling problems as weight or wind direction and velocity change.

As far as only reaching 80 PSI, you need to figure out why it only makes 80 PSI. A small leak in the system can cause this. The last time that I saw one this way it was caused by a cracked air fitting. The compressor was just fine. I would temporarily seal off that compressor and attach a pressure gauge to it. Then them let it pump up and see if it can reach 100 or 120 PSI. If it can then tje air pressure switch should shut off and I would declare the compressor good. If it does shut off you can then explore your options to repair or replace it.

Right now you are jury rigging around the failure and you do not even know what the failure is that you are attempting to bypass.


Ken Burton - N9KB
76 Palm Beach
Hebron, Indiana
Re: [GMCnet] Barb's air compresor runs all the time that the ign is on in her 73. [message #316825 is a reply to message #316721] Sun, 30 April 2017 08:11 Go to previous messageGo to previous message
Matt Colie is currently offline  Matt Colie   United States
Messages: 8547
Registered: March 2007
Location: S.E. Michigan
Karma: 7
Senior Member
The delay in this response is regrettable, but it was unavoidable. Today will be largely video editing to be presented Tuesday.

Barbara is not a bad case for the uncontrolled wireless system. Her coach is a 73 and so is light. She travels alone so nobody changes places when the coach is moving. She does not push the tank range. She does not go places that the handling is critical. These are the things that the OE Power Level system manages.

When GMT&B sold Transmode coaches to limo service people, they were supplied without the suspension control switches at a savings of several hundred invoice dollars. I am still surprised that they never allowed this delete in the "camper versions". That would be unless there was a reason.

The Power Level system is not nearly the problem that some people would have you believe.
There are four common mode failures in the system and most are easily diagnosed.
1 - The pump is shot so it never gets to pressure or takes forever to get there.
2 - The system in leaking at one of the manual valves. (Power Level only)
3 - One of the ride height control valves is leaking.
4 - One of the OE crimp air line fittings has failed.

The pump is easy to diagnose, screw a pressure gauge onto the T that is the outlet and run the pump. It should get to 120 almost instantly. If it does not, rebuild or replace the pump.

The two modes of leakage at the manual control valves are simple to diagnose. Pull the valve panel out and get the valves loose. Put pressure on the system and run bubble stuff on the valves. Be sure to get all around the body joint and on all three of each valves push stems. The stem O-rings can leak, but the body joint had been my big problem and if anybody cares I can describe a not to difficult fix that has been good for our coach for 8 years and 50+K.

The ride height valves can be simple. Look for air venting the exhaust port when the system should be stable. If this is happening, it does not matter if it is the fill or the dump valve that is bad, replace the part. New and rebuild are available.

The system was unfortunately assembled with plastic crimp fittings. In our tenure as an owner three of these have failed usually with body cracks. That is handy that way because if you can get the system pressure up at all, the failed fitting will whistle loudly enough for your wife to hear and point it out to you. The fitting can be removed by using a file to cut the crimp ring and then no tubing length is lost.

As it is right now, our coach will sit at ride height for weeks at a time, but the compressor may and vacuum pump will both start with the ignition. I am going to search out the new leak in the air system when I feel a lot like doing so. I will do this by isolating parts of the system and watching for pressure decay.

Matt


Matt & Mary Colie - Chaumière -'73 Glacier 23 - Members GMCMI, GMCGL, GMCES
Electronically Controlled Quiet Engine Cooling Fan with OE Rear Drum Brakes with Applied Control Arms
SE Michigan - Near DTW - Twixt A2 and Detroit
Previous Topic: [GMCnet] Any idea why my late 78 compressor discharge line is so tiny? .125 OD, .075 ID. REALLY.
Next Topic: Intermediate steering shaft boot
Goto Forum:
  


Current Time: Fri Mar 29 09:11:31 CDT 2024

Total time taken to generate the page: 0.00917 seconds