Home » Public Forums » GMCnet » Compressor problems (coach won't raise)
| Compressor problems [message #208992] |
Mon, 27 May 2013 20:04  |
ernie
Messages: 64
Registered: June 2005
Location: ellensburg, wa
Karma: 0
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Hello,
I have a 26 ft 1975 Eleganza II with a Dana air compressor and quad bags. Compressor does not work. Engine starts & runs fine.
Coach is now so low that we can't get an air hose in to pump her up.
I'm thinking about having AAA or Good Sam come out; check out the compressor; then maybe take off the rear tires, and pump her up. Luckily this is at home in Ellensburg, WA in our driveway.
Is this a good idea? What do we have to watch out for? How should the three external valves be set? --For pumping up, then once up, for traveling to some place to have compressor repaired/replaced.
Thanks.
Ernie
ernie garcia
1975 eleganza II
ellensburg, wa
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| Re: Compressor problems [message #208996 is a reply to message #208992] |
Mon, 27 May 2013 20:31  |
tphipps
Messages: 3005
Registered: August 2004
Location: Spanish Fort, AL
Karma: 9
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In a similar situation, I slowly raised the coach enough to inflate the air bags at the added schader valve by starting at the front of the frame, where the crossmember joins the frame and using a hydraulic jack to slowly raise the coach. As that side lifted up, I slide another jack further down, basically lifting the coach a little bit at a time. Be sure to slide blocking with your movement down the frame. You do not want it to fall on you, or off the jacks.
Once you are down to the rear wheels, you should be able to put air into the bags, if you have schraders.
Worked for me, should work for you. Remember to lift under the frame crossmember joint, stronger there. Frame is soft and will bend without the additional thickness of the crossmember.
Tom, MS II
2012 Phoenix Cruiser model 2552
KA4CSG
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| Re: Compressor problems [message #209003 is a reply to message #208996] |
Mon, 27 May 2013 22:15 |
John Sharpe
Messages: 489
Registered: February 2006
Location: Texas
Karma: 1
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| Quote: |
...Coach is now so low that we can't get an air hose in to pump her up....
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What about putting a quick-connect on the tank and airing it up from an external compressor?
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: Compressor problems [message #209005 is a reply to message #209003] |
Mon, 27 May 2013 22:29 |
Carl S.
Messages: 4186
Registered: January 2009
Location: Tucson, AZ.
Karma: 13
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| John Sharpe wrote on Mon, 27 May 2013 20:15 |
| Quote: |
...Coach is now so low that we can't get an air hose in to pump her up....
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What about putting a quick-connect on the tank and airing it up from an external compressor?
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What John said. It's a good idea to have a means of filling the system with shop air anyway.
Or, if you have a (big) floor jack, slide it under the bogie frame and jack it up enough to get to your air bags. Just be careful about placement of the jack. Get it on the flat part of the bottom of the bogie frame.
Carl Stouffer
'75 ex Palm Beach
Tucson, AZ.
Chuck Aulgur Reaction Arm Disc Brakes, Quadrabags, 3.70 LSD final drive, Lenzi knuckles/hubs, Dodge Truck 16" X 8" front wheels, Rear American Eagles, Solar battery charging. GMCSJ and GMCMI member
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| Re: [GMCnet] Compressor problems [message #209006 is a reply to message #209005] |
Mon, 27 May 2013 22:55 |
Bruce Hart
Messages: 1501
Registered: October 2011
Location: La Grange, Wyoming
Karma: 5
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Senior Member |
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I put my shraeder valve between the two lower 1/4" mounting bolts for
the wheel well skirt. That way I have an external way of airing up my
bags.
On 5/27/13, Carl Stouffer <carljr3b@yahoo.com> wrote:
>
>
> John Sharpe wrote on Mon, 27 May 2013 20:15
>> Quote:
>> > ...Coach is now so low that we can't get an air hose in to pump her
>> > up....
>>
>>
>> What about putting a quick-connect on the tank and airing it up from an
>> external compressor?
>
>
>
> What John said. It's a good idea to have a means of filling the system with
> shop air anyway.
>
> Or, if you have a (big) floor jack, slide it under the bogie frame and jack
> it up enough to get to your air bags. Just be careful about placement of
> the jack. Get it on the flat part of the bottom of the bogie frame.
> --
> Carl S.
> '75 ex Palm Beach
> Tucson, AZ.
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
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--
Bruce Hart
1976 Palm Beach
Milliken, Co
GMC=Got More Class
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Bruce Hart
1976 Palm Beach
1977 28' Kingsley
La Grange, Wyoming
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| Re: Compressor problems [message #209010 is a reply to message #208992] |
Tue, 28 May 2013 01:40 |
appie
Messages: 902
Registered: April 2013
Location: denmark
Karma: 2
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Senior Member |
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Would just fix the compressor. Why does it not work ? Electrical problem ? Try to connect a live wire to the compressor, does it work then the problem is electric.
The system wants to have full voltage iff your voltage is low it will not work
There is the 30 amp fuse to check and the switches can be problematic.
Appie
eleganza 76 "Olga" now sadly sold
6 wheel discbrake
Quadrabags
Springfield stage 2 462 olds
Manny tranny
( pictures at http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/g6489-olga.html
Fulltiming in Europe july 2014 til july 2016
Denmark
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| Re: [GMCnet] Compressor problems [message #209011 is a reply to message #208992] |
Tue, 28 May 2013 06:35 |
jhbridges
Messages: 8412
Registered: May 2011
Location: Braselton ga
Karma: -74
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Senior Member |
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I'd first try a wire directly from the battery to the compressor, just to pump it up to normal. Then decide how to go about getting the system to work correctly. If the compressor won't run with 12V and ground applied directly, >if< I had an external compressor, I'd adapt the coach compressor output line to it long enough to get up to normal height. I hate to burn an AAA call at the house ":)
--johnny
'76 23' transmode norris
'76 palm beach
________________________________
From: ernie garcia <ernie-garcia@charter.net>
To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
Sent: Monday, May 27, 2013 9:04 PM
Subject: [GMCnet] Compressor problems
Hello,
I have a 26 ft 1975 Eleganza II with a Dana air compressor and quad bags. Compressor does not work. Engine starts & runs fine.
Coach is now so low that we can't get an air hose in to pump her up.
I'm thinking about having AAA or Good Sam come out; check out the compressor; then maybe take off the rear tires, and pump her up. Luckily this is at home in Ellensburg, WA in our driveway.
Is this a good idea? What do we have to watch out for? How should the three external valves be set? --For pumping up, then once up, for traveling to some place to have compressor repaired/replaced.
Thanks.
Ernie
--
ernie garcia
1975 eleganza II
ellensburg, wa
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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
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| Re: Compressor problems [message #209022 is a reply to message #208992] |
Tue, 28 May 2013 08:58 |
JohnL455
Messages: 4447
Registered: October 2006
Location: Woodstock, IL
Karma: 12
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Senior Member |
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Having it towed will just create an expensive repair at the shop they tow it to and now by someone who knows these. How would you tow with butt down? Check 30a fuse or breaker in the glovebox, the connections at the relay,and the ground. Sorry I don't remember if 75 was compressor indoors or out. Unless the motor is burnt, it's a power issue and probably just corroded connections. A DVM ( digital volt meter) ( or a veterinarian) can answer all these question as to voltage or open motor windings. I think JimK has compressors so you can have one overnight. Does your air tank have a Schrader valve? You can back fill that way with a tire chuck if the solenoids are operational. Also tug on all the wire connections as crimps are not always done properly and can look good with no connection over time.
John Lebetski
Woodstock, IL
77 Eleganza II
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| Re: Compressor problems [message #209035 is a reply to message #208992] |
Tue, 28 May 2013 11:12 |
rwbmitiopt@comcast.net
Messages: 189
Registered: April 2005
Karma: 0
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Senior Member |
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Ernie,
You say the engine starts and runs. Forget the engine for a moment, you should hear the compressor start and run when you turn on the ignition only. If the compressor is not running you may need a fuse (mine was in-line close to the compressor). If the compressor is running you have a mojor leak some where, maybe the drain on the tank was opened to drain it for the winter??
If the compressor is bad I have a spare Dana in my pile of forsale items.
Randy
| ernie wrote on Mon, 27 May 2013 18:04 |
Hello,
I have a 26 ft 1975 Eleganza II with a Dana air compressor and quad bags. Compressor does not work. Engine starts & runs fine.
Coach is now so low that we can't get an air hose in to pump her up.
I'm thinking about having AAA or Good Sam come out; check out the compressor; then maybe take off the rear tires, and pump her up. Luckily this is at home in Ellensburg, WA in our driveway.
Is this a good idea? What do we have to watch out for? How should the three external valves be set? --For pumping up, then once up, for traveling to some place to have compressor repaired/replaced.
Thanks.
Ernie
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Randall Burns
Sammamish WA
75 EX GB
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| Re: Compressor problems [message #209040 is a reply to message #208992] |
Tue, 28 May 2013 12:16 |
Ken Burton
Messages: 10030
Registered: January 2004
Location: Hebron, Indiana
Karma: 10
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Senior Member |
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The Good Sam or AAA driver is not going to know anything about fixing your air compressor. So why tow it or even call them? Where are you going to tow it to?
Option#1
Slip a jack under tho bogie (one side at a time) and then air it up with your air hose. Now you can move it and also begin to trouble shoot why the compressor will not run.
Option #2
Remove the tank drain and install a Schrader valve (available from Ace hardware for around $3.00) and fill the air tank with your air hose. Now you can raise the coach normally.
Option #3
Get out your meter and trouble shoot why your compressor is not running.
Possibilities are:
1.Blown fuse or circuit breaker
2.Stuck / bad air pressure switch
3.Bad motor
4.Broken belt on the Dana compressor
5.Open wire or connection on either the +12 side or the ground side of the supply to the compressor.
I'm sure there are a few more I have not thought of at the moment.
If you do not have a wiring diagram, they are available on bdub.net.
http://www.bdub.net/wirediagrams/75-engine-breaker-points.pdf
or here
http://www.bdub.net/wirediagrams/
Ken Burton - N9KB
76 Palm Beach
Hebron, Indiana
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| Re: Compressor problems [message #209044 is a reply to message #209040] |
Tue, 28 May 2013 13:13 |
George B.
Messages: 213
Registered: February 2012
Karma: 1
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Senior Member |
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I had a similar problem last month (among several others at the same time) where my almost new compressor would not start. My problem ended up being the fuse. I pulled out that big old fuse and it tested good with my meter. However that thing had been in there untouched for 40 years and was no longer making good contact due to corrosion.
I experienced this before on another old car. The fuses tested good but the back side of the fuse block had corroded so no contact was being made with the systems.
Hopefully, as the others here have pointed out, you may have a simple fix.
George Butts
Las Vegas Nevada
73 "Custom 26' Q" & 76 23' Birchaven
71 Honda 600 Coupe & 01 Tracker Toads
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| Re: [GMCnet] Compressor problems [message #209045 is a reply to message #209040] |
Tue, 28 May 2013 13:18 |
James Hupy
Messages: 6806
Registered: May 2010
Karma: -62
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Senior Member |
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Ernie, If you have the quadrabag system with the three valves on a block
of metal with hoses attatched, then, there is an inflation valve, like a
tire stem inflation valve with a screw on cover on it. Go to an auto parts
store near you and buy a battery operated air compressor or a plug in one,
take the cap off the inflation valve, close off the valve to the onboard
compressor, open the two that go to the air bags and using your portable
compressor, inflate your quadrabags to about 50 psi. Go to the other side
of the coach and do the same thing. This should raise the coach enough to
move it. On the coaches that I have worked on with quadrabags, 75 psi will
get you near ride height. Then turn off all three valves on each side and
trouble shoot your onboard compressor. If you cannot figure it out, call me
at fivezero3 9thirtyone fourtynine88 and I will try to help you further..
Jim Hupy
Salem, Or
78 Gmc Royale 403
On May 28, 2013 10:16 AM, "Ken Burton" <n9cv@comcast.net> wrote:
>
>
> The Good Sam or AAA driver is not going to know anything about fixing your
> air compressor. So why tow it or even call them? Where are you going to
> tow it to?
>
> Option#1
> Slip a jack under tho bogie (one side at a time) and then air it up with
> your air hose. Now you can move it and also begin to trouble shoot why the
> compressor will not run.
>
> Option #2
> Remove the tank drain and install a Schrader valve (available from Ace
> hardware for around $3.00) and fill the air tank with your air hose. Now
> you can raise the coach normally.
>
> Option #3
> Get out your meter and trouble shoot why your compressor is not running.
> Possibilities are:
> 1.Blown fuse or circuit breaker
> 2.Stuck / bad air pressure switch
> 3.Bad motor
> 4.Broken belt on the Dana compressor
> 5.Open wire or connection on either the +12 side or the ground side of the
> supply to the compressor.
>
> I'm sure there are a few more I have not thought of at the moment.
>
> If you do not have a wiring diagram, they are available on bdub.net.
>
> http://www.bdub.net/wirediagrams/75-engine-breaker-points.pdf
>
> or here
>
> http://www.bdub.net/wirediagrams/
>
>
> --
> Ken Burton - N9KB
> 76 Palm Beach
> Hebron, Indiana
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
>
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| Re: Compressor problems [message #209047 is a reply to message #209022] |
Tue, 28 May 2013 14:00 |
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mike miller
Messages: 3576
Registered: February 2004
Location: Hillsboro, Oregon
Karma: 0
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Senior Member |
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| JohnL455 wrote on Tue, 28 May 2013 06:58 |
... Sorry I don't remember if 75 was compressor indoors or out. Unless the motor is burnt, it's a power issue and probably just corroded connections. A DVM ( digital volt meter) ( or a veterinarian) can answer all these question as to voltage or open motor windings. I think JimK has compressors so you can have one overnight. Does your air tank have a Schrader valve? You can back fill that way with a tire chuck if the solenoids are operational. ...
|
For info: A 1975 should have came with the Power Level system. IE: No solenoids, pump "outside" at the left front and valves on the dash. Most already have a "tank valve" in the tank at the right front. (Under the battery.)
IIRC: From the factory, there wasn't any switches other than the Accessory side of the ignition switch and the air pressure switch. (Mounted on the left side of the radiator frame.) BUT many PO's have added switches to have more control of the system.
SO... Ernie, Look at the fuse/circuit breaker and any additional switches. After that, use a fused jumper to "hotwire" the pump. If it doesn't work then look into another way to pump up the bags. (Jacking or adding tank valves.) You should also look into having a way to easily pump up the system if you have a similar problem in the future.
OBTW: A good modification is to use a relay to "replace" the fused jumper to provide "stiff power" to the pump. With full voltage, the pump will run cooler and pump quicker. But you need to get it to work first!
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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