| Leaky Power level valves [message #105101] |
Thu, 04 November 2010 22:04  |
Keith V
Messages: 2337
Registered: March 2008
Location: Mounds View,MN
Karma: 0
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Got a bug to fix the slow leak in the air system.
The only leak I found was the lefthand valve right at the seal.
So I took it apart, cleaned, polished, new o rings, sealed every way from sunday.
Still leaks!
It looks like the potmetal is starting to crystallize and leak right through the body!
Now I have to decide if I want to switch to solenoids, or spend the $$ on Jr's valves...
so many decisions
Keith Vasilakes
Mounds View. MN
75 ex Royale GMC
ask me about MicroLevel
Cell, 763-732-3419
My427v8@hotmail.com
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| Re: [GMCnet] Leaky Power level valves [message #105125 is a reply to message #105101] |
Fri, 05 November 2010 09:59  |
Richard Denney
Messages: 920
Registered: April 2010
Karma: 9
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On Thu, Nov 4, 2010 at 11:04 PM, Keith V <my427v8@hotmail.com> wrote:
>
> Now I have to decide if I want to switch to solenoids, or spend the $$ on
> Jr's valves...
>
>
I personally don't see any value in switching to an Electro Level (I or II)
system, unless you have in mind running it from some larger electronic
control system. The originial Power Level systems, when made to work
properly, are dead solid reliable and easy to troubleshoot and fix. JR's
valves are expensive, but not nearly as expensive as an Electro Level
conversion, which will require solenoids and switches, and if you go to
Electro Level II, different tanks, another pump, and different leveling
indicators. Lotta work that will fulfill no additional user requirements. In
comparison, installing JR's valves is a no-brainer. And they work so darn
well and look so good that it's almost worth switching the other way in a
conversion just so you can have and admire them.
The one requirement not fulfilled by the existing system is a rapid refill.
Ken Henderson created a rapid refill system so he could lower his coach for
dumping his waste tanks and then relevel it in a few seconds (rather than a
couple of minutes). He installed a 1.4-horsepower Craftsman compressor in a
rear compartment, wired it into the house battery using a 2000-watt
inverter, and installed a switch to operate it behind a flip-down rear
license plate. Very slick. The compressor is plumbed directly to the
bag-fill hoses and thus avoids all the small openings in the various valves.
But this is a modification that could be added to either system.
Rick "who prefers the simplicity of the Power Level system" Denney
--
'73 230 "Jaws"
Northern Virginia
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| Re: Leaky Power level valves [message #105141 is a reply to message #105101] |
Fri, 05 November 2010 12:51 |
roy1
Messages: 2126
Registered: July 2004
Location: Minden nevada
Karma: 6
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Senior Member |
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I got tired of fixing those leaky valves . I even had a brand new valve leak right out of the box. You get them air tight then a few months down the road another slow leak. I finally bit the bullet and replaced them with JR's valves a couple of years ago. No more leaks means one less thing to drive me nuts.
Roy
Roy Keen
Minden,NV
76 X Glenbrook
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| Re: [GMCnet] Leaky Power level valves [message #105143 is a reply to message #105141] |
Fri, 05 November 2010 13:17 |
James Hupy
Messages: 6806
Registered: May 2010
Karma: -62
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Senior Member |
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That original system is designed to leak. The best valves in the universe
only means that the leakage is transferred to another, perhaps less
accessible, location. Long, plastic air hoses attatched from one end of the
coach to the other and rubbing on retaining clips, frame & body parts make
it a system designed to be service intensive. Just the way it is. As for me,
I prefer electricity over pneumatic for control circuits. That being said, I
guess it still boils down to preferences and what one is familiar with. None
of the systems used in the GMC is entirely trouble free, but that is kinda
what keeps life from being too boring. Kinda like Lucas electrics on British
sports cars and SU carbs that you had to put oil in. Don't miss those things
one bit.
Jim Hupy
Salem, Or
78 Royale 403
On Fri, Nov 5, 2010 at 10:51 AM, roy keen <roynpaula@charter.net> wrote:
>
>
> I got tired of fixing those leaky valves . I even had a brand new valve
> leak right out of the box. You get them air tight then a few months down the
> road another slow leak. I finally bit the bullet and replaced them with JR's
> valves a couple of years ago. No more leaks means one less thing to drive me
> nuts.
>
> Roy
> _______________________________________________
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| Re: Leaky Power level valves [message #105150 is a reply to message #105101] |
Fri, 05 November 2010 14:48 |
idrob
Messages: 645
Registered: January 2005
Location: Central Idaho
Karma: 0
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Senior Member |
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| Keith V wrote on Thu, 04 November 2010 20:04 |
Got a bug to fix the slow leak in the air system.
So I took it apart, cleaned, polished, new o rings, sealed every way from sunday.
Still leaks!
Now I have to decide if I want to switch to solenoids, or spend the $$ on Jr's valves...
so many decisions
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Get a set of JR's valves, they are excellent and only a bit more expensive than the originals. IMHO changing to electric is going to be just as costly and still have valve issues, just a different type.
Rob Allen
former owner of '76 x-PB
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| Re: [GMCnet] Leaky Power level valves [message #105173 is a reply to message #105125] |
Fri, 05 November 2010 17:38 |
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USAussie
Messages: 15912
Registered: July 2007
Location: Sydney, Australia
Karma: 6
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Senior Member |
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Rick,
I agree with you vis-ŕ-vis the Power Level system; it follows the KISS
principle!
Double Trouble had JR's valves installed when I bought it so all I had to do
was replace all the tubing which I got in colors from McMaster Carr. Since
I've did that the system works great. Oh yeah, I did replace the original
Thomas compressor with a Viair 480C compressor. It's the biggest single
compressor they make. I can pump the tank from 0 to 140 psi in 1 minute and
12 seconds.
The Blue Streak will get a set of JR's valves and new tubing when I get back
to Aus. It already has a Viair 450C compressor.
However, it pales in comparison to Ken's system! - AWESOME!
Regards,
Rob
-----Original Message-----
From: gmclist-bounces@temp.gmcnet.org
[mailto:gmclist-bounces@temp.gmcnet.org] On Behalf Of Richard Denney
Sent: Friday, November 05, 2010 9:59 AM
To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Leaky Power level valves
Rick "who prefers the simplicity of the Power Level system" Denney
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Regards,
Rob M. (USAussie)
The Pedantic Mechanic
Sydney, Australia
'75 Avion - AUS - The Blue Streak TZE365V100428
'75 Avion - USA - Double Trouble TZE365V100426
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| Re: [GMCnet] Leaky Power level valves [message #105180 is a reply to message #105173] |
Fri, 05 November 2010 19:28 |
jayrabe
Messages: 509
Registered: June 2009
Location: Portland, OR
Karma: 0
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Senior Member |
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What is the noise level of a 450 or a 480 compared to the OEM Thomas?
Thanks,
J
76 PB
Portland, OR
> From: robmueller@iinet.net.au
> To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
> Date: Fri, 5 Nov 2010 17:38:53 -0500
> Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Leaky Power level valves
>
> Rick,
>
> I agree with you vis-ŕ-vis the Power Level system; it follows the KISS
> principle!
>
> Double Trouble had JR's valves installed when I bought it so all I had to do
> was replace all the tubing which I got in colors from McMaster Carr. Since
> I've did that the system works great. Oh yeah, I did replace the original
> Thomas compressor with a Viair 480C compressor. It's the biggest single
> compressor they make. I can pump the tank from 0 to 140 psi in 1 minute and
> 12 seconds.
>
> The Blue Streak will get a set of JR's valves and new tubing when I get back
> to Aus. It already has a Viair 450C compressor.
>
> However, it pales in comparison to Ken's system! - AWESOME!
>
> Regards,
> Rob
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: gmclist-bounces@temp.gmcnet.org
> [mailto:gmclist-bounces@temp.gmcnet.org] On Behalf Of Richard Denney
> Sent: Friday, November 05, 2010 9:59 AM
> To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
> Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Leaky Power level valves
>
>
> Rick "who prefers the simplicity of the Power Level system" Denney
>
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> List Information and Subscription Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
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| Re: [GMCnet] Leaky Power level valves [message #105188 is a reply to message #105183] |
Fri, 05 November 2010 20:19 |
Dr. Detroit
Messages: 158
Registered: April 2010
Location: Novi, MI.
Karma: 0
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Senior Member |
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All Castings are porous. Some more than others.
If you believe the potmetal housings are leaking look into metal impregnating shops in your area. They can take your existing housing and make them air tight. For example every A/C compressor made of cast aluminum gets this process done or the refrigerant would leak out. It's a pretty common process so you should be able to find a local shop that will do the work.
Or if you have a vacuum chamber handy you can DIY with some epoxy that is thinned down to a water consistency. I've done it this way for lower pressure stuff like our air system. I've heard of the process being done under pressure instead but never tried it myself.
Good luck.
Ken Wolkens
1973 GMC 23'
All Birch and Maple Interior Cabinetry. TZE033V100221
"The Honeycomb Hideout"
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| Re: [GMCnet] Leaky Power level valves [message #106944 is a reply to message #105188] |
Sun, 28 November 2010 14:36 |
tze73
Messages: 13
Registered: August 2010
Location: Montreal, Quebec
Karma: 0
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Junior Member |
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Hi,
I had a hard time getting my valves to stop leaking. I eventually lapped the two halves with # 400 paper on a piece of glass and put them back together with a light coat of silicone gasket maker. When you put them back together resist the urge to over tighten the screws. My castings where not (too) porous though.
[Updated on: Sun, 28 November 2010 14:37] Report message to a moderator |
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| Re: [GMCnet] Leaky Power level valves [message #106946 is a reply to message #106944] |
Sun, 28 November 2010 14:50 |
Keith V
Messages: 2337
Registered: March 2008
Location: Mounds View,MN
Karma: 0
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Senior Member |
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I think I fixed the leaky one.
I had tried everything, including lapping.
I ended up using JB weld. It no longer leaks at the seams!
I figured it was junk either way, so why not...
Keith Vasilakes
Mounds View. MN
75 ex Royale GMC
ask me about MicroLevel
Cell, 763-732-3419
My427v8@hotmail.com
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