Home » Public Forums » GMCnet » Electro level II advice
| Electro level II advice [message #169330] |
Sat, 12 May 2012 08:32  |
Galen
Messages: 146
Registered: November 2011
Location: New Virginia, IA
Karma: 0
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I've had good fortune in all that I have had to repair since I bought my GMC last fall. Either that or I have maintained a positive attitude because I am enjoying it, or maybe both. I've been trying to put some miles on it to build my confidence in hopes I won't have to test out the Blacklist and my roadside assistance too soon. Yesterday, after getting new tires, we made a 100 mile round trip for a picnic and everything worked great (except the leveling). It's now time to take on the ELII (the two compressor system, right?).
The previous owner replace some line and put new bags on, so I know they did some work on it. I need to study the manuals and previous posts to really understand how this thing works.
The problem is that if I put it in auto, 1) the tell tale never goes out, and 2)after it self adjusts, the passenger side will be a noticeable few inches or so lower.
I can adjust it using the raise lower switches and put it in hold and it will stay where I set it.
Any advice on where to start?
Galen Briggs
New Virginia, Iowa
1978 Palm Beach
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| Re: [GMCnet] Electro level II advice [message #169331 is a reply to message #169330] |
Sat, 12 May 2012 08:38  |
Mr ERFisher
Messages: 7117
Registered: August 2005
Karma: 2
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some things to read
http://gmcmotorhome.info/levelsch.htm
gene
On Sat, May 12, 2012 at 6:32 AM, Galen Briggs <gpbriggs@iowatelecom.net>wrote:
>
>
> I've had good fortune in all that I have had to repair since I bought my
> GMC last fall. Either that or I have maintained a positive attitude because
> I am enjoying it, or maybe both. I've been trying to put some miles on it
> to build my confidence in hopes I won't have to test out the Blacklist and
> my roadside assistance too soon. Yesterday, after getting new tires, we
> made a 100 mile round trip for a picnic and everything worked great (except
> the leveling). It's now time to take on the ELII (the two compressor
> system, right?).
>
> The previous owner replace some line and put new bags on, so I know they
> did some work on it. I need to study the manuals and previous posts to
> really understand how this thing works.
>
> The problem is that if I put it in auto, 1) the tell tale never goes out,
> and 2)after it self adjusts, the passenger side will be a noticeable few
> inches or so lower.
>
> I can adjust it using the raise lower switches and put it in hold and it
> will stay where I set it.
>
> Any advice on where to start?
> --
> Galen Briggs
> New Virginia, Iowa
> 1978 Palm Beach
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
>
>
--
Gene Fisher -- 74-23,77PB/ore/ca
“Give a man a fish; you have fed him for today --- give him a URL and
-------
http://gmcmotorhome.info/
Alternator Protection Cable
http://gmcmotorhome.info/APC.html
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| Re: Electro level II advice [message #169332 is a reply to message #169330] |
Sat, 12 May 2012 08:44 |
Galen
Messages: 146
Registered: November 2011
Location: New Virginia, IA
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Gene,
That's usually my first or second stop...don't know how I missed that content, but I thank you just the same.
Galen Briggs
New Virginia, Iowa
1978 Palm Beach
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| Re: Electro level II advice [message #169384 is a reply to message #169330] |
Sat, 12 May 2012 20:08 |
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mike miller
Messages: 3576
Registered: February 2004
Location: Hillsboro, Oregon
Karma: 0
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| Galen wrote on Sat, 12 May 2012 06:32 |
...
The problem is that if I put it in auto, 1) the tell tale never goes out, and 2)after it self adjusts, the passenger side will be a noticeable few inches or so lower.
I can adjust it using the raise lower switches and put it in hold and it will stay where I set it. ...
|
1.) Tell-tale? The one that comes on when you enter "drive"??? I do not believe there is any connection between THAT light and the Electro-Level... or the Power-Level for that matter. (If there is one, I have missed it in several years of looking.) So... IF it stays on, it isn't due to a problem in the leveling system.
2.) It sounds like your system is working fine... just needs adjustment. There are several threads and procedures for setting heights. I would start there.
OBTW: I have one coach with each leveling system... I like the EL-2 system best. Other than having two pumps, it has less parts than the other systems.
How it works:
For each side you have a pump. The stock pump includes a vent solenoid and is powered by a relay. This is connected to the bag through a normally closed (NC) cut-off solenoid with a short length of air-line. (This solenoid provides the same function as a manual shut-off valve that many hang on the air-bag... just it is inside the coach and open/closes auto-magically.)
To raise the coach on that side, you (the system actually does it...) just turn on the pump and open the cut-off solenoid. That side will go up. To lower, you open the both the cut-off and vent (in the pump) solenoids.
Simple.
Now for the "weak" part of the EL-2 system: the automatic ride height (Auto). For each side, there is a height sensor connected to one of the boogies with a little arm and link. The sensor will output signals when the ride height is high or low. This is applied through diodes to open solenoids and turn on pumps as required. The weak part is that it uses 70's electronic tech and the sensor housings seem to leak water. There is also a plug, near the pumps, that connects the sensor wiring harness.
I had a problem that the pumps always where running... even when it was trying to vent! I disconnected the sensor harness and it stopped. With it disconnected, the system worked just fine... manually. Later I found the sensors full of water! I have had to replace the sensors with ones from a junkyard. I found some of a little newer design that only required re-wiring the plugs. I have also found problems that turned out to be the harness connector was only half connected.
Good upgrades to the EL-2 are "stiff" power to the relays and adjustable links for the height sensors. I have the stuff for both mods, but have not installed them.
I hope this helps...
Mike Miller -- Hillsboro, OR -- on the Black list
(#2)`78 23' Birchaven Rear Bath -- (#3)`77 23' Birchaven Side Bath
More Sidekicks than GMC's and a late model Malibu called 'Boo'
http://m000035.blogspot.com
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| Re: Electro level II advice [message #169423 is a reply to message #169332] |
Sun, 13 May 2012 11:47 |
John Sharpe
Messages: 489
Registered: February 2006
Location: Texas
Karma: 1
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| Quote: |
The problem is that if I put it in auto, 1) the tell tale never goes out, and 2)after it self adjusts, the passenger side will be a noticeable few inches or so lower.
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The height sensor (electronic leveling valve) is not working properly or needs adjustment. The instructions are in the 77-78 Maintenance Manual Supplement.
BTW I found out recently that some of the sensors only operate the system for about the first 5 minutes after being turned on. If the system deflates after that it does not inflate the bag to the proper ride height even when the switch is in the 'Travel' position. The work around is to periodically cycle the switch from 'Travel' to 'Hold' and back to 'Travel'. OK Gene, Ask me how I know.
John Sharpe
Humble,TX
'78 Eleganza TBI
'89 Spectrum 2000 MPI V-10
'40 Ford Panel Delivery TPI
johnasharpe@gmail.com
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| Re: Electro level II advice [message #169451 is a reply to message #169330] |
Sun, 13 May 2012 17:10 |
Galen
Messages: 146
Registered: November 2011
Location: New Virginia, IA
Karma: 0
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I tried to adjust the passenger side height sensor, and it raiser higher now, but still lower than the drivers side. The passenger side has had work done to it recently, and the sensor is brand new. I wonder if I have wrong sensor. Per the x7725 manual page 4B-18, it is supposed to be a type AL sensor. My sensor appears to be a type FG. I can't seem to find a reference on what the specs are. The sender is the same shape and size as the original.
I probably need to go through this system and verify all the connections the PO made are as original.
I didn't realize the tell tale light just has a time delay relay controlling it and has no relation or connection to the system. Thanks for that info and all the other details.
Galen Briggs
New Virginia, Iowa
1978 Palm Beach
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| Re: Electro level II advice [message #169469 is a reply to message #169451] |
Sun, 13 May 2012 20:42 |
John Sharpe
Messages: 489
Registered: February 2006
Location: Texas
Karma: 1
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| Quote: |
...I didn't realize the tell tale light just has a time delay relay controlling it and has no relation or connection to the system......
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Galen, the system did not come with a tell tale light. I don't know how yours is wired but it's probably hooked up to the compressor + which means it comes on when the sensor or manual control send power to the compressor. So it would go out when the compressor quits running. I assume you have 2 tell-tales, one for each compressor.
As for the sensors, I have not noticed any of them operating any different no matter whether they have the round or square plug or letter combinations. They are the same on the right and left sides and change directions every 90*.
Is the drivers side too high? They should both be set to ride height. If so the coach will be level side to side.
John Sharpe
Humble,TX
'78 Eleganza TBI
'89 Spectrum 2000 MPI V-10
'40 Ford Panel Delivery TPI
johnasharpe@gmail.com
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| Re: Electro level II advice [message #169470 is a reply to message #169451] |
Sun, 13 May 2012 20:46 |
C Boyd
Messages: 2629
Registered: April 2006
Karma: 18
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| Galen wrote on Sun, 13 May 2012 18:10 |
I tried to adjust the passenger side height sensor, and it raiser higher now, but still lower than the drivers side. The passenger side has had work done to it recently, and the sensor is brand new. I wonder if I have wrong sensor. Per the x7725 manual page 4B-18, it is supposed to be a type AL sensor. My sensor appears to be a type FG. I can't seem to find a reference on what the specs are. The sender is the same shape and size as the original.
I probably need to go through this system and verify all the connections the PO made are as original.
I didn't realize the tell tale light just has a time delay relay controlling it and has no relation or connection to the system. Thanks for that info and all the other details.
|
Sir: 33" from the top of T skirt to ground will get you close.
C. Boyd
76 Crestmont
East Tennessee
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| Re: Electro level II advice [message #169471 is a reply to message #169470] |
Sun, 13 May 2012 20:51 |
C Boyd
Messages: 2629
Registered: April 2006
Karma: 18
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| C Boyd wrote on Sun, 13 May 2012 21:46 |
| Galen wrote on Sun, 13 May 2012 18:10 |
I tried to adjust the passenger side height sensor, and it raiser higher now, but still lower than the drivers side. The passenger side has had work done to it recently, and the sensor is brand new. I wonder if I have wrong sensor. Per the x7725 manual page 4B-18, it is supposed to be a type AL sensor. My sensor appears to be a type FG. I can't seem to find a reference on what the specs are. The sender is the same shape and size as the original.
I probably need to go through this system and verify all the connections the PO made are as original.
I didn't realize the tell tale light just has a time delay relay controlling it and has no relation or connection to the system. Thanks for that info and all the other details.
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Sir: 33" from the top of T skirt to ground will get you close.
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Manual says rear is 1 7/16 + - 1/4" lower than the front and it will appear slightly squatted at factory ride height.
C. Boyd
76 Crestmont
East Tennessee
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| Re: Electro level II advice [message #169477 is a reply to message #169330] |
Sun, 13 May 2012 21:45 |
John Sharpe
Messages: 489
Registered: February 2006
Location: Texas
Karma: 1
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| Quote: |
....The passenger side has had work done to it recently, and the sensor is brand new. I wonder if I have wrong sensor......
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Galen, come to think of it the metal arm could be different. It may need to be modified in order to make the adjustment. Also the bracket that holds the sensor may be out of place.
John Sharpe
Humble,TX
'78 Eleganza TBI
'89 Spectrum 2000 MPI V-10
'40 Ford Panel Delivery TPI
johnasharpe@gmail.com
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| Re: Electro level II advice [message #169478 is a reply to message #169330] |
Sun, 13 May 2012 21:50 |
Galen
Messages: 146
Registered: November 2011
Location: New Virginia, IA
Karma: 0
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John,
The tell tale shows on the 78 ElectroLevel II diagram. If I'm reading it right, it shows circuits 927A and B for the Set to Auto level alert, and is tied to the Drive position of the gear selector via a Time Delay Relay. There doesn't appear to be any connection to the actual system, as posted by Mike Miller earlier. Each time you enter Drive, the lights will come on - which mine do, but never go out. I thought it was tied in to the switches or something, but it looks like I probably just have a bad relay on this circuit. Now if I can find it....
Charles,
Thanks for the info...I'll need to measure and go through the proper maint procedure. From looks alone, it seems passenger side is too low.
I appreciate all the help.
Galen Briggs
New Virginia, Iowa
1978 Palm Beach
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| Re: [GMCnet] Electro level II advice [message #169496 is a reply to message #169492] |
Mon, 14 May 2012 02:50 |
Mr ERFisher
Messages: 7117
Registered: August 2005
Karma: 2
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and here is an excellent page on the E-II system by DaveM
http://www.mumert.com/el2000.htm
gene
On Sun, May 13, 2012 at 11:00 PM, Mike Miller <m000035@gmail.com> wrote:
>
>
> Galen wrote on Sun, 13 May 2012 15:10
> > ... The passenger side has had work done to it recently, and the sensor
> is brand new. I wonder if I have wrong sensor. Per the x7725 manual page
> 4B-18, it is supposed to be a type AL sensor. My sensor appears to be a
> type FG. I can't seem to find a reference on what the specs are. The sender
> is the same shape and size as the original. ...
>
>
> Some of the "replacement" sensors are clocked slightly different. The arm
> might need to be connected a bit different to make it work. Here is an
> example:
> <http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/electronic-height-sensors/p18930.html>
> That picture is one of John's. You can "back-up" to the album the he
> posted it in and he shows you more than you ever needed to know....
> :twisted:
> <http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/g4607-electronic-height-sensors.html>
>
> Ray also posted an album on height sensors:
> <http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/g4804-height-level-sensors.html>
>
> Quote:
> > ... I probably need to go through this system and verify all the
> connections the PO made are as original. ...
>
>
> Probably a good idea. Do not assume anything was repaired with the
> correct parts or was installed correctly... even more important for the
> work to be done correctly if they had to make a non-correct part work...
> most likely due to not being able to find the correct parts. Of course
> everything is subject to "breakage" at anytime.
>
> To get the linkages correct for your sensors you might try these steps:
>
> 1. Block the rear suspension at close to the correct ride height.
>
> 2. Disconnect the linkage, turn on the key to accessory and set the system
> in travel.
>
> 3. Turn the arm on the sensor to find the "sweet spot"-- were it stops
> pumping and hasn't started venting. There is a time delay (to avoid
> pumping and venting for road variations) so it might take a bit of time.
> When you have found the center of the sweet-spot... mark it.
>
> 4. Make sure the coach is still blocked at ride height. (You might have
> pumped it up in the above step.) Reconfigure the linkage and arm to hold
> the center of the sweet spot when the coach is at ride height. As you are
> blocked at ride height... it shouldn't be to hard... 8)
>
> 5. Raise the coach and remove the blocking. Check how well the system
> returns to ride height when raised or lowered. Take it for a drive....
> recheck. Adjust as needed. The adjustable links really help. (I like
> DaveL's but most of the vendors have them.)
> --
> Mike Miller -- Hillsboro, OR -- on the Black list
> (#1)'73 26' exPainted D. -- (#2)`78 23' Birchaven Rear Bath -- (#3)`77 23'
> Birchaven Side Bath
> http://m000035.blogspot.com
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
>
>
--
Gene Fisher -- 74-23,77PB/ore/ca
“Give a man a fish; you have fed him for today --- give him a URL and
-------
http://gmcmotorhome.info/
Alternator Protection Cable
http://gmcmotorhome.info/APC.html
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| Re: Electro level II advice [message #169500 is a reply to message #169478] |
Mon, 14 May 2012 06:38 |
John Sharpe
Messages: 489
Registered: February 2006
Location: Texas
Karma: 1
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Senior Member |
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| Quote: |
.....The tell tale shows on the 78 ElectroLevel II diagram. If I'm reading it right, it shows circuits 927A and B for the Set to Auto level alert,'''''
|
Forgot about the warning light to set the switch to 'TRAVEL'. I believe that warning light is on all years and automatic leveling systems including the ELL II. You are right, it has nothing to do with whether the system is on or off, operating, or level.
John Sharpe
Humble,TX
'78 Eleganza TBI
'89 Spectrum 2000 MPI V-10
'40 Ford Panel Delivery TPI
johnasharpe@gmail.com
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| Re: Electro level II advice [message #169501 is a reply to message #169500] |
Mon, 14 May 2012 07:08 |
C Boyd
Messages: 2629
Registered: April 2006
Karma: 18
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| John Sharpe wrote on Mon, 14 May 2012 07:38 |
| Quote: |
.....The tell tale shows on the 78 ElectroLevel II diagram. If I'm reading it right, it shows circuits 927A and B for the Set to Auto level alert,'''''
|
Forgot about the warning light to set the switch to 'TRAVEL'. I believe that warning light is on all years and automatic leveling systems including the ELL II. You are right, it has nothing to do with whether the system is on or off, operating, or level.
|
My `76 Crestmont has the tell tale light "sst to travel". It stays on for about 20 sec and goes out. My coach does NOT have the optional dash control valves. I`ll bet that throwed some questions when new.
C. Boyd
76 Crestmont
East Tennessee
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| Re: [GMCnet] Electro level II advice [message #169538 is a reply to message #169501] |
Mon, 14 May 2012 10:16 |
James Hupy
Messages: 6806
Registered: May 2010
Karma: -62
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Senior Member |
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This message is directed at John Sharpe but is also informational to all
with an EL-II.
Simply put, the EL II is a simple system that is electrical and electronic
in nature, not pneumatic. The compressors are quite small, but there is one
for each side. If the air bags are in good shape and leak free, they are
more than adequate for the job. The air lines are much shorter than the
pneumatic systems, and more direct. Ride height is controlled by an
electronic sensor that is connected to the suspension by linkages. The
sensor contains two light emitting diodes paired with two photo
transistors. The circuitry is all epoxy molded in a plastic case. In
between the led's and the photo transistors is a disc shaped device that
the factory calls a shutter wheel. The disc has areas cut away that either
expose the photo transistors to the light from the leds, or blocks the
light. The shutter wheel rotates in unison with the linkage connected to
the suspension. Simply put, the height control valves either cause the
compressors to run, thereby inflating the air bags, or open a valve and let
air out of the air bag. There is a time delay circuit built into the ride
height sensors that prevent normal road undulations from actuating the
system when it isn't needed.
The only connections that extend to the front part of the coach are
electrical, not pneumatic. The compressors can be made to operate from the
front of the coach by moving the rocker switches to raise, or lower.
As with all GMC systems, they are subject to age and wear and
tampering. All electrical troubleshooting skills are required to service
this system. It is not rocket science. The ride height sensor supply is
getting smaller each day. The ones from other GM vehicles are NOT a direct
replacement for the ones used in the GMC, but can be modified to work, if
you understand the system.
Gary Bovee has a wireless control system that can be retrofitted to
all three systems that GMC has used, and solves the problems of hard to
replace EL-II parts. Check out his web site.
Jim Hupy
Salem, OR
78 GMC Royale 403
On Mon, May 14, 2012 at 5:08 AM, Charles Boyd <covered-wagon@comcast.net>wrote:
>
>
> John Sharpe wrote on Mon, 14 May 2012 07:38
> > Quote:
> > > .....The tell tale shows on the 78 ElectroLevel II diagram. If I'm
> reading it right, it shows circuits 927A and B for the Set to Auto level
> alert,'''''
> >
> >
> > Forgot about the warning light to set the switch to 'TRAVEL'. I believe
> that warning light is on all years and automatic leveling systems including
> the ELL II. You are right, it has nothing to do with whether the system is
> on or off, operating, or level.
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> My `76 Crestmont has the tell tale light "sst to travel". It stays on for
> about 20 sec and goes out. My coach does NOT have the optional dash
> control valves. I`ll bet that throwed some questions when new.
> --
> C. Boyd
> 76 Crestmont by Midas
> East Tennessee
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
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| Re: [GMCnet] Electro level II advice [message #169539 is a reply to message #169538] |
Mon, 14 May 2012 10:25 |
Don A
Messages: 895
Registered: October 2008
Location: Dallas, TX
Karma: 0
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Senior Member |
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Good summery Jim.
You should know how much John has done with these.
Don Adams Dallas, TX
'76 26' Glenbrook, '90 Sidekick
rebuilt by R Archer, powered by J Bounds, Koba
[IMG]http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/data/6109/G2.jpg[/IMG]
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| Re: [GMCnet] Electro level II advice [message #169578 is a reply to message #169538] |
Mon, 14 May 2012 17:34 |
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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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Jim,
Devil's advocate - EL II simple? Compared to the Power Level system?
Sorry Mate, I ain't buyin' that one! ;-)
You left out one caveat - the wireless system does not control ride height, it controls pressure.
Gene is out there somewhere proving that the ride height sensors are unnecessary. ;-)
Regards,
Rob M.
-----Original Message-----
From: James Hupy
This message is directed at John Sharpe but is also informational to all
with an EL-II.
Simply put, the EL II is a simple system that is electrical and electronic
in nature, not pneumatic. The compressors are quite small, but there is one
for each side. If the air bags are in good shape and leak free, they are
more than adequate for the job. The air lines are much shorter than the
pneumatic systems, and more direct. Ride height is controlled by an
electronic sensor that is connected to the suspension by linkages. The
sensor contains two light emitting diodes paired with two photo
transistors. The circuitry is all epoxy molded in a plastic case. In
between the led's and the photo transistors is a disc shaped device that
the factory calls a shutter wheel. The disc has areas cut away that either
expose the photo transistors to the light from the leds, or blocks the
light. The shutter wheel rotates in unison with the linkage connected to
the suspension. Simply put, the height control valves either cause the
compressors to run, thereby inflating the air bags, or open a valve and let
air out of the air bag. There is a time delay circuit built into the ride
height sensors that prevent normal road undulations from actuating the
system when it isn't needed.
The only connections that extend to the front part of the coach are
electrical, not pneumatic. The compressors can be made to operate from the
front of the coach by moving the rocker switches to raise, or lower.
As with all GMC systems, they are subject to age and wear and
tampering. All electrical troubleshooting skills are required to service
this system. It is not rocket science. The ride height sensor supply is
getting smaller each day. The ones from other GM vehicles are NOT a direct
replacement for the ones used in the GMC, but can be modified to work, if
you understand the system.
Gary Bovee has a wireless control system that can be retrofitted to
all three systems that GMC has used, and solves the problems of hard to
replace EL-II parts. Check out his web site.
Jim Hupy
Salem, OR
78 GMC Royale 403
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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: Electro level II advice [message #169659 is a reply to message #169330] |
Mon, 14 May 2012 21:47 |
Galen
Messages: 146
Registered: November 2011
Location: New Virginia, IA
Karma: 0
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Senior Member |
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Here's what I believe I have learned - the shutter position on my passenger sensor is positioned nearly 90 degrees off of the stock sensor. It's going to take some playing around to find the exact actuator arm position needed, and then I suppose fabricate a linkage extension.
One bit of advice for anyone reading in the future - have plenty of patience if you are looking at these things so the time delay can expire - if you reposition the sensor its going to take a while before you get a response (~30 seconds on mine).
Thanks for all of your guidance on this.
Galen Briggs
New Virginia, Iowa
1978 Palm Beach
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| Re: [GMCnet] Electro level II advice [message #169660 is a reply to message #169578] |
Mon, 14 May 2012 21:41 |
James Hupy
Messages: 6806
Registered: May 2010
Karma: -62
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Senior Member |
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Rob, both the original power level and EL I control ride height by
controlling air pressure in the air bags. I don't see much disadvantage in
that method, IF the system can maintain that pressure. The Bovee system
reacts to changes in air pressure as slight as 3 psi. I have EL II fully
functional on my 78 Royale, and it works well. When the OEM stuff fails, I
will use the Bovee setup. I brought one back with me from Gary and
Rebecca's when Judy and I came back from Casa de Fruta. I am going to
install it in Paul and Jackie Jones Royale that some hatchet hack worked
on. It works fine when I am there, but as soon as I turn my back, something
else malfunctions. Their coach has Quadra Bags and is controlled by EL II
stuff. I have Ken Petersons 76 Royale here that I am working on, and it has
the Bovee System. Just climb in, turn the key and it comes right to the
correct ride height. I just finished installing the Hubler Version II on it
as well, and aligning it too. Finished up tuning the Howell Fuel Injection
setup that DJ installed for him. man, tuning by laptop has it's advantages.
Got to replace the black and grey tanks and all the drain plumbing and this
coach is ready to go down the road. Got 4 more lined up to work on before I
can get my coach ready for the cross Canada rolling Rally in
August/September. I will be 72 on thursday, don't know where the time went.
Is it just starting to enter the fall season down there?
Jim Hupy
Salem, OR
78 GMC Royale 403
On Mon, May 14, 2012 at 3:34 PM, Rob Mueller <robmueller@iinet.net.au>wrote:
> Jim,
>
> Devil's advocate - EL II simple? Compared to the Power Level system?
>
> Sorry Mate, I ain't buyin' that one! ;-)
>
> You left out one caveat - the wireless system does not control ride
> height, it controls pressure.
>
> Gene is out there somewhere proving that the ride height sensors are
> unnecessary. ;-)
>
> Regards,
> Rob M.
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: James Hupy
>
>
> This message is directed at John Sharpe but is also informational to all
> with an EL-II.
> Simply put, the EL II is a simple system that is electrical and electronic
> in nature, not pneumatic. The compressors are quite small, but there is one
> for each side. If the air bags are in good shape and leak free, they are
> more than adequate for the job. The air lines are much shorter than the
> pneumatic systems, and more direct. Ride height is controlled by an
> electronic sensor that is connected to the suspension by linkages. The
> sensor contains two light emitting diodes paired with two photo
> transistors. The circuitry is all epoxy molded in a plastic case. In
> between the led's and the photo transistors is a disc shaped device that
> the factory calls a shutter wheel. The disc has areas cut away that either
> expose the photo transistors to the light from the leds, or blocks the
> light. The shutter wheel rotates in unison with the linkage connected to
> the suspension. Simply put, the height control valves either cause the
> compressors to run, thereby inflating the air bags, or open a valve and let
> air out of the air bag. There is a time delay circuit built into the ride
> height sensors that prevent normal road undulations from actuating the
> system when it isn't needed.
> The only connections that extend to the front part of the coach are
> electrical, not pneumatic. The compressors can be made to operate from the
> front of the coach by moving the rocker switches to raise, or lower.
> As with all GMC systems, they are subject to age and wear and
> tampering. All electrical troubleshooting skills are required to service
> this system. It is not rocket science. The ride height sensor supply is
> getting smaller each day. The ones from other GM vehicles are NOT a direct
> replacement for the ones used in the GMC, but can be modified to work, if
> you understand the system.
> Gary Bovee has a wireless control system that can be retrofitted to
> all three systems that GMC has used, and solves the problems of hard to
> replace EL-II parts. Check out his web site.
> Jim Hupy
> Salem, OR
> 78 GMC Royale 403
>
>
>
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