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air bag [message #284971]

Sat, 15 August 2015 11:17

Dan Gibb

Messages: 24
Registered: May 2015
Location: Tucson, Arizona

Karma: 0

Junior Member

Howdy Hi All,

I am a new owner of a 77 Eleganza II, got it 2 mo ago, drove it from San Diego to Tucson without any problems. worked on it in my yard with no problems. left it for a 3 wks came back and left side air bag will not inflate. The right does, and the compressor runs all the time. What should I check.

Dan Gibb 1977 Eleganza II Tucson, Az

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Re: air bag [message #284975 is a reply to message #284971]

Sat, 15 August 2015 11:31

JohnL455

Messages: 4447
Registered: October 2006
Location: Woodstock, IL

Karma: 12

Senior Member

Often the foam dust shield sheet in the switches turns to goo and gets on the contacts. You can carefully open and service the switches. I like Deoxit D5 and a bit of dielectric grease on the mechanism. Confirm continuity of switch with Ohm meter they are DPDT.

John Lebetski
Woodstock, IL
77 Eleganza II

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Re: air bag [message #284976 is a reply to message #284971]

Sat, 15 August 2015 11:34

Dennis S

Messages: 3046
Registered: November 2005

Karma: 2

Senior Member

Boat Guy wrote on Sat, 15 August 2015 11:17

Howdy Hi All,

I am a new owner of a 77 Eleganza II, got it 2 mo ago, drove it from San Diego to Tucson without any problems. worked on it in my yard with no problems. left it for a 3 wks came back and left side air bag will not inflate. The right does, and the compressor runs all the time. What should I check.

Hi Dan
Welcome to the forum.

You might want to check the Blacklist and call Carl S who lives in Tucson. He is an experienced owner and it's always fun to meet others to talk GMC.

You also should find this article helpful in understanding the various factory systems.

http://www.gmcws.org/Tech/dsimmons/air_suspension/air-suspension-system.html

Dennis

Dennis S
73 Painted Desert 230
Memphis TN Metro

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Re: air bag [message #284983 is a reply to message #284976]

Sat, 15 August 2015 12:43

Justin Brady

Messages: 769
Registered: April 2015
Location: Bell Buckle, TN

Karma: 11

Senior Member

If the compressor is always on I would suspect a leak.
The pressure switch will not allow it to always stay on if there is not a leak.

Justin Brady http://www.thegmcrv.com/ 1976 Palm Beach 455

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Re: air bag [message #285041 is a reply to message #284983]

Sat, 15 August 2015 17:31

Dan Gibb

Messages: 24
Registered: May 2015
Location: Tucson, Arizona

Karma: 0

Junior Member

I searched the forum and read some old threads, found out my air can has a shraeder valve on the bottom, I hooked up my garage compressor to it both bags inflated and are at ride level. When I hooked it up my gauge said 50# I pumped it to 85. My question is can the 12v airpump be running and barely pumping air? How do you diagnose an air pump. I thought it was only the left that was not working as the right seemed to be at the right height but it also would not pump up.

Thanks everyone for their help.......

Dan Gibb 1977 Eleganza II Tucson, Az

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Re: air bag [message #285044 is a reply to message #285041]

Sat, 15 August 2015 18:17

Matt Colie

Messages: 8547
Registered: March 2007
Location: S.E. Michigan

Karma: 7

Senior Member

Boat Guy wrote on Sat, 15 August 2015 18:31

I searched the forum and read some old threads, found out my air can has a shraeder valve on the bottom, I hooked up my garage compressor to it both bags inflated and are at ride level. When I hooked it up my gauge said 50# I pumped it to 85. My question is can the 12v airpump be running and barely pumping air? How do you diagnose an air pump. I thought it was only the left that was not working as the right seemed to be at the right height but it also would not pump up.

Thanks everyone for their help.......

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

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Re: air bag [message #285046 is a reply to message #285041]

Sat, 15 August 2015 18:28

Matt Colie

Messages: 8547
Registered: March 2007
Location: S.E. Michigan

Karma: 7

Senior Member

Dan,

This time I will try to not erase the message.

Welcome to the group, family, cult, asylum.....

Yes, the compressors do go bad pretty regularly. The system is supposed to maintain about 120 psi. If it is the little two cylinder, JimK sells a rebuild kit or you can buy a better new compressor. I don't remember the name and model of the good one.

One thing you have to do is get to a rally. You are not the only person so afflicted and there are others that have done things that will amaze you.

I am glad you are already enjoying the coach. You will some find it is more then just a coach. It brings with it a community like few others. To me it is like the watermen that are my world. That being said, I like to welcome new owners here much as a new owner or vessel would be welcomed there. So,

May the Good Lord bless this coach and all those that set forth within her.

Welcome Dan

Boat Guy wrote on Sat, 15 August 2015 18:31

I searched the forum and read some old threads, found out my air can has a shraeder valve on the bottom, I hooked up my garage compressor to it both bags inflated and are at ride level. When I hooked it up my gauge said 50# I pumped it to 85. My question is can the 12v airpump be running and barely pumping air? How do you diagnose an air pump. I thought it was only the left that was not working as the right seemed to be at the right height but it also would not pump up.

Thanks everyone for their help.......

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

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Re: air bag [message #285065 is a reply to message #284971]

Sat, 15 August 2015 19:31

jhbridges

Messages: 8412
Registered: May 2011
Location: Braselton ga

Karma: -74

Senior Member

ViAir is Your Friend, Amazon sells them. Get the 150PSI continuous duty model and worry not again.

--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

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Re: air bag [message #285069 is a reply to message #285041]

Sat, 15 August 2015 20:20

A Hamilto

Messages: 4508
Registered: April 2011

Karma: 39

Senior Member

Boat Guy wrote on Sat, 15 August 2015 17:31

I searched the forum and read some old threads, found out my air can has a shraeder valve on the bottom, I hooked up my garage compressor to it both bags inflated and are at ride level. When I hooked it up my gauge said 50# I pumped it to 85. My question is can the 12v airpump be running and barely pumping air? How do you diagnose an air pump. I thought it was only the left that was not working as the right seemed to be at the right height but it also would not pump up.

Thanks everyone for their help.......

Yes the compressor can fail and run without moving air. I try to take stuff apart and fix it. The left side probably leaks down faster than the right.

If you need to use your RV before you get the compressor working, you will need to be able to add air while away from home and not near a service station, so you need to buy a portable 12V compressor and take it with you everywhere so you can add air when you need it.

If you have a Dana compressor:

http://www.appliedgmc.com/prod.itml/icOid/861 for DIY
http://www.appliedgmc.com/prod.itml/icOid/840 for rebuilt.

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Re: [GMCnet] air bag [message #285075 is a reply to message #285069]

Sat, 15 August 2015 21:58

bdub

Messages: 1578
Registered: February 2004
Location: Central Texas

Karma: 5

Senior Member

http://www.appliedgmc.com/prod.itml/icOid/1050 for the best way to go.

On Sat, Aug 15, 2015 at 7:20 PM, A. wrote:

>
> If you have a Dana compressor:
>
> http://www.appliedgmc.com/prod.itml/icOid/861 for DIY
> http://www.appliedgmc.com/prod.itml/icOid/840 for rebuilt.
>
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Re: [GMCnet] air bag [message #285077 is a reply to message #285075]

Sat, 15 August 2015 22:50

Dan Gibb

Messages: 24
Registered: May 2015
Location: Tucson, Arizona

Karma: 0

Junior Member

The compressor is a Thomas 317cdc 56/12 B, I have never heard of them, and not much on the internet. I probably will get a Viair. Some one said there is a copy at Harbor Freight for cheep........they stock them right next to the di-fibrulators, pacemakers and parachutes.

Dan Gibb 1977 Eleganza II Tucson, Az

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Re: air bag [message #285079 is a reply to message #285046]

Sat, 15 August 2015 22:58

Bob de Kruyff

Messages: 4260
Registered: January 2004
Location: Chandler, AZ

Karma: 1

Senior Member

Matt Colie wrote on Sat, 15 August 2015 17:28

Dan,

This time I will try to not erase the message.

Welcome to the group, family, cult, asylum.....

Yes, the compressors do go bad pretty regularly. The system is supposed to maintain about 120 psi. If it is the little two cylinder, JimK sells a rebuild kit or you can buy a better new compressor. I don't remember the name and model of the good one.

One thing you have to do is get to a rally. You are not the only person so afflicted and there are others that have done things that will amaze you.

I am glad you are already enjoying the coach. You will some find it is more then just a coach. It brings with it a community like few others. To me it is like the watermen that are my world. That being said, I like to welcome new owners here much as a new owner or vessel would be welcomed there. So,

May the Good Lord bless this coach and all those that set forth within her.

Welcome Dan

[/quote]
So what does the good lord suggest in this case?? If you guys like to include him, let's hold him accountable.

Bob de Kruyff
78 Eleganza
Chandler, AZ

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Re: air bag [message #285089 is a reply to message #285079]

Sun, 16 August 2015 04:43

rickmike

Messages: 252
Registered: September 2011
Location: United States

Karma: 0

Senior Member

Bob de Kruyff wrote on Sat, 15 August 2015 23:58

Matt Colie wrote on Sat, 15 August 2015 17:28
Dan,

This time I will try to not erase the message.

Welcome to the group, family, cult, asylum.....

Yes, the compressors do go bad pretty regularly. The system is supposed to maintain about 120 psi. If it is the little two cylinder, JimK sells a rebuild kit or you can buy a better new compressor. I don't remember the name and model of the good one.

One thing you have to do is get to a rally. You are not the only person so afflicted and there are others that have done things that will amaze you.

I am glad you are already enjoying the coach. You will some find it is more then just a coach. It brings with it a community like few others. To me it is like the watermen that are my world. That being said, I like to welcome new owners here much as a new owner or vessel would be welcomed there. So,

May the Good Lord bless this coach and all those that set forth within her.

Welcome Dan

So what does the good lord suggest in this case?? If you guys like to include him, let's hold him accountable.

Mr. Bob,

Forgive me if I am misunderstanding your remark but it sounds like you are mocking Matt's asking the Good Lord to bless Dan and his coach.

I have not seen anyone mock those who do not believe in the Good Lord, why would you mock those who do believe? That is not tolerant of other's beliefs and simply impolite.

Rick M.

1974 26' Canyonlands aka "The General" Clinton, TN

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Re: air bag [message #285122 is a reply to message #285089]

Sun, 16 August 2015 13:42

Dan Gibb

Messages: 24
Registered: May 2015
Location: Tucson, Arizona

Karma: 0

Junior Member

Yesterday the bags pumped up through the scrader valve, today they won't . The solenoids on top of the valve group are hot and seems like they are not sending air through the system. The garage compressor is not coming on or loosing pressure as it would if I had a leak or if it was filling the bags. Is the high temp of the solenoid valves normal?

Dan Gibb 1977 Eleganza II Tucson, Az

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Re: air bag [message #285128 is a reply to message #285122]

Sun, 16 August 2015 16:05

Carl S.

Messages: 4186
Registered: January 2009
Location: Tucson, AZ.

Karma: 13

Senior Member

Boat Guy wrote on Sun, 16 August 2015 11:42

Yesterday the bags pumped up through the scrader valve, today they won't . The solenoids on top of the valve group are hot and seems like they are not sending air through the system. The garage compressor is not coming on or loosing pressure as it would if I had a leak or if it was filling the bags. Is the high temp of the solenoid valves normal?

Dan,

It was good talking to you yesterday, hopefully we will meet in person soon. Sorry I couldn't have been of more help, but as I explained, I have the Power Level system and am unfamiliar with the later Electro Level system. Did you get in touch with Armand? He can probably shed a little more light on this than I can. Other than that, I guess a search of the forum might get you some answers on the issues you are dealing with. Maybe it is a problem with the solenoids or switches, or it could be something as simple as a few corroded electrical connections. I think it is a pretty simple system and should not be too much trouble trouble shoot.

As far as compressors are concerned, Viair is a good name. I have a 350-C, which is a 100% duty cycle, but lower volume pump. Some of the 35% duty cycle pumps have a higher volume rating and will pump up your air system faster without exceeding the duty cycle rating. That may be a better way to go.

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: air bag [message #285134 is a reply to message #284971]

Sun, 16 August 2015 17:01

Ken Burton

Messages: 10030
Registered: January 2004
Location: Hebron, Indiana

Karma: 10

Senior Member

OK,. Let's start at diagnosing what is wrong and forget for the moment aboutn throwing new parts like a compressor at it. As a side note Tomas compressors were the compressor that every one liked before they switched to liking Vlair.

The first thing I would do is see what the air pressure is in the tank. If should be somewhere around 90 to 125 PSI. If you can not build up that much pressure then you need to find out why. You mentioned that you filled that tank with shop air. Did the coach raise back to normal and did the tank hold the pressure from the shop air compressor.

As someone else mentioned here, the turn off of the compressor is controlled by a pressure switch mounted near the tank and valves. If you fill the system with shop air to 120 PSI, the compressor should shut off because the pressure switch is what controls it. Most turn off at around 120 and on again at around 90. You can also remove the cover and trigger the switch manually.

As someone mentioned earlier, the switches controlling the electrolevel I system are known to oxidize over the years. Removing them, disassembling them, cleaning and lubricating the contacts might a wise, no expense item to try before you jump into other things. It will probably take you an hour or so.

You need to get it to hold air pressure in the tank before you can begin to trouble shoot any other possible problems.

Ken Burton - N9KB
76 Palm Beach
Hebron, Indiana

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Re: air bag [message #285138 is a reply to message #285134]

Sun, 16 August 2015 17:18

Justin Brady

Messages: 769
Registered: April 2015
Location: Bell Buckle, TN

Karma: 11

Senior Member

I just completely redid my compressor system.
I'd recommend the viair 444c. 135 on eBay brand new and more air than any of the smaller pumps.

First confirm its bad of course. Pull the pump and see if it's pumping.

Justin Brady http://www.thegmcrv.com/ 1976 Palm Beach 455

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