| Re: [GMCnet] Airbag loading question [message #127802] |
Sat, 28 May 2011 16:28  |
Gary Casey
Messages: 448
Registered: September 2009
Karma: 0
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Senior Member |
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I don't think you are in bad shape. I think might be a difference in
perception. I believe the compressor pumps the tank to about 120 psi (maybe it
turns on at 100 and off at 120?), but the bags should require less, an mine take
about 75 to lift the back of my admittedly light 23'. Although I usually use
shop air to pressurize the system before a trip, I've also used the on-board
compressor and it doesn't take an inordinate amount of time. In normal use, the
bags take very little air volume, so the standard compressor is certainly
"adequate." At the storage location as long as you can get the engine started
you should be able to get enough air pressure to lift the back.
Gary Casey
I did look in my manuals, but I didn't find it in either the Jimmy
manual or the Motorhome manual. Did that before I asked. I'm at home
now (got hot, had to use the facilities and my coach isn't exactly
ready for that yet). I needed refilling my compressor anyway (no power
at my storage location).
Great. My cheap Harbor Freight air compressor only goes up to 100 psi.
If the bag and the tank are both saying "40psi" no air is going to go
from the tank to the tire. I'm going to have to keep refilling my 3
gallon compressor until I get that air bag up.
So a 3 gallon air compressor is woefully underpowered for this type of
task, correct?
--
Robin Hood
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| Re: [GMCnet] Airbag loading question [message #127805 is a reply to message #127802] |
Sat, 28 May 2011 16:43  |
Robin Hood
Messages: 1078
Registered: April 2011
Karma: 3
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Senior Member |
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Well, I'm embarrassed. This is the first air compressor I've ever
owned. It turns out there's a valve that lets you adjust the pressure
that the tool sees, which was set at 40psi. I opened the valve all the
way and tried again, and the bag literally ballooned full right in
front of me and the coach lurched upwards. Scared the bejeezus out of
me. (There is video but it's not really all that). I let it go high
enough so I could stack some more blocks under there so as it deflates
it will come to rest on the blocks. Those two big nuts below where the
T-skirt attaches, on the passenger side they're 14.5 inches off the
ground, but I only inflated the driver's side to 11 inches, so I have
a bit further to go.
Obviously I need at least one new bag minimum. May as well replace
both. May as well replace both with something more modern, whether
that's the Silvertone, Q-bag, or that B.O.B. thing. My compressors are
of unknown functionality at this point and aren't connected in any way
to the bags anyway. Fun, I get to learn how to plumb air lines.
Anybody got a link to a tutorial or youtube video? :)
More good news is that there is an electrical outlet located on the
storage building directly across from me, so I have access to 120VAC,
which is a Big Deal; it opens up more possibilities with regard to
doing repairs and remodelling there at my storage site. Unfortunately
the breaker was tripped and the office was closed. If It turns out ot
be a minor electrical glitch, I'll have access to power for lights and
powertools.
Robin
On Sat, May 28, 2011 at 4:28 PM, Gary Casey <casey.gary@yahoo.com> wrote:
> I don't think you are in bad shape. I think might be a difference in
> perception. I believe the compressor pumps the tank to about 120 psi (maybe it
> turns on at 100 and off at 120?), but the bags should require less, an mine take
> about 75 to lift the back of my admittedly light 23'. Although I usually use
> shop air to pressurize the system before a trip, I've also used the on-board
> compressor and it doesn't take an inordinate amount of time. In normal use, the
> bags take very little air volume, so the standard compressor is certainly
> "adequate." At the storage location as long as you can get the engine started
> you should be able to get enough air pressure to lift the back.
> Gary Casey
Robin Hood
Jackson, MS
2003 Buick Lesabre
1968 Pontiac Catalina
1978 GMC Royale motorhome
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| Re: [GMCnet] Airbag loading question [message #127839 is a reply to message #127805] |
Sat, 28 May 2011 19:46 |
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mike miller
Messages: 3576
Registered: February 2004
Location: Hillsboro, Oregon
Karma: 0
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| Robin Hood wrote on Sat, 28 May 2011 14:43 |
... Obviously I need at least one new bag minimum. May as well replace
both. ...
... Fun, I get to learn how to plumb air lines.
...
|
Before spending any REAL money, you may want to find where your air bag is leaking. There are at least two places that a bag can leak that can be repaired. Mostly we are talking about the fitting and the O-ring under it. Also check the tank valve. (The schrader valve.)
Use soapy water... just like blowing bubbles.
The air lines for EL2 system do not have much plumbing. One line from each side... Bag to solenoid valve. Wiring is the fun part on the EL2.
Note that you can unplug the height sensors at a plug next to the pumps and still run the system manually. Get that working, THEN add in the sensors.
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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