| Newly installed VIAIR 400C compressor [message #306688] |
Wed, 07 September 2016 23:23  |
Jim ? Jaci
Messages: 3
Registered: August 2016
Location: Nanoose Bay B.C.
Karma: 0
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Hello All: I am brand new to forums so have never posted so please be kind. I recently installed a SullyBuilt airbag system and I must say I am extremely pleased with the results. Since I'm a new GMC owner of about 6months I had a few newbie questions that one phone call to Todd Sullivan the manufacturer cleared up quickly. I am now in the process of replacing the existing Delco compressor with a VIAIR 40040C. I wired it directly in place of the old comp so it is using the existing fuse an AGC35 (supposedly rated 40Amps) I fired the compressor up and it filled the tank within seconds and all was well until I began putting the suspension through some raise and lower tests. The system worked well for a few minutes then everything quit due to a blown fuse. Anyone out there installed the same compressor and had similar problems and any solutions to offer?
Thanks.
Jim
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| Re: Newly installed VIAIR 400C compressor [message #306690 is a reply to message #306688] |
Thu, 08 September 2016 00:05  |
roy1
Messages: 2126
Registered: July 2004
Location: Minden nevada
Karma: 6
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Senior Member |
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A better way to wire in the new vair pump would be to use the factory wiring to energize the holding coil of a spst relay then wire the contacts to the new pump and the other contact to the plus terminal of the starting battery. Number 10 or 12 wire should be sufficient . Also add a fuse to the battery connection probably 20 or 25 amp would work depending on the rated amp draw of the pump. Also size the relay contacts accordingly. Your new pump will appreciate it and have less voltage drop so it will pump better.
Roy Keen
Minden,NV
76 X Glenbrook
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| Re: Newly installed VIAIR 400C compressor [message #306697 is a reply to message #306688] |
Thu, 08 September 2016 04:30 |
Ken Burton
Messages: 10030
Registered: January 2004
Location: Hebron, Indiana
Karma: 10
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You have not stated the year and model of your coach. That would be helpful as there are several differences on the pump wiring and location over the years.
I just looked up the specs on that pump and it says that the max load it is 28 amps and that would be at 150 PSI. I assume that you have not changed the air pressure switch so the pump should shut down at around 120 PSI so the maximum current draw of 28 amps should never be reached.
I believe that you are suffering from low voltage at the pump while it is running. I would get out my voltmeter and see what the voltage is across the pump while it is running.
You also could have a loose or poor connection at the fuse holder causing heat which melts the fuse. Where is this fuse that you are blowing located? I believe most coaches have a circuit breaker in the pump circuit.
Ken Burton - N9KB
76 Palm Beach
Hebron, Indiana
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| Re: Newly installed VIAIR 400C compressor [message #306700 is a reply to message #306688] |
Thu, 08 September 2016 08:11 |
jhbridges
Messages: 8412
Registered: May 2011
Location: Braselton ga
Karma: -74
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My Viair is run by a relay I put in, which relay is energized by the original wiring. I fused it at 30 amps, ViAir claims a 19 amp draw. I was out of large wire, so it has three identical runs of 18GA wire to the relay.
--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: Newly installed VIAIR 400C compressor [message #306705 is a reply to message #306688] |
Thu, 08 September 2016 09:06 |
lqqkatjon
Messages: 2324
Registered: October 2010
Location: St. Cloud, MN
Karma: 5
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Agree completely with what others have said. Run a dedicated 12awg if it is located in drivers side front, and powered from battery up front. or 10awg if mounted elsewhere. wire to a relay located at the pump. And use the stock coach wiring to trigger the relay. There is a wire guide in the user manual:
http://www.viaircorp.com/400C.html
the pump can draw some power, so good wiring is important.
Jon Roche
75 palm beach
EBL EFI, manny headers, Micro Level, rebuilt most of coach now.
St. Cloud, MN
http://lqqkatjon.blogspot.com/
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| Re: Newly installed VIAIR 400C compressor [message #306759 is a reply to message #306688] |
Thu, 08 September 2016 20:46 |
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Matt Colie
Messages: 8547
Registered: March 2007
Location: S.E. Michigan
Karma: 7
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Senior Member |
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Jim,
Welcome to the group, family, cult, asylum.....
You are probably sitting there going Geez, I ask one little question and answers just pour off the wire.....
Well Guess What, That is what GMCnet is all about. Not only that you got answers here from three electrics people that provide "take it to the bank answers. That be KenH, KenB and Johnny. All of them know the score and know what GMCs need.
That is the way this community is, and it is like this all the time. To this end, please do this so we can be even more help. It looks like you are working the forum. Only about half here are. That other half gets this as and e-mail and so does not see the Nanoose Bay in the header. So, Go to Control Panel/Account Settings, pick Preferences and scoll down the sigfile place and put in your name (so that when others see you at a rally, they know you), the year and model of the coach (there are things that make a difference that you might not know about) and Major Mods (like Sully's) and a geographic location (so that someone that might like to help will know if he is in striking range.) I am sure I am not alone in having no clue where Nanoose Bay actually is.
Now, you have to hang on here for a moment, this is a supportive and helping community like very few others. The only way to annoy them is to ignore the good answers you get here. Then the answers will stop. The only other community that I know of like this is that of watermen. Living in a place named Nanoose Bay, you may be one or at least know one. Then, you will also understand why I like to welcome new owners much as a new owner or vessel is welcomed in that community. So,
May the Good Lord bless this coach and all those that set forth within her.
Welcome Jim and Jaci
Matt
Jim ? Jaci wrote on Thu, 08 September 2016 00:23Hello All: I am brand new to forums so have never posted so please be kind. I recently installed a SullyBuilt airbag system and I must say I am extremely pleased with the results. Since I'm a new GMC owner of about 6months I had a few newbie questions that one phone call to Todd Sullivan the manufacturer cleared up quickly. I am now in the process of replacing the existing Delco compressor with a VIAIR 40040C. I wired it directly in place of the old comp so it is using the existing fuse an AGC35 (supposedly rated 40Amps) I fired the compressor up and it filled the tank within seconds and all was well until I began putting the suspension through some raise and lower tests. The system worked well for a few minutes then everything quit due to a blown fuse. Anyone out there installed the same compressor and had similar problems and any solutions to offer?
Thanks.
Jim
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: [GMCnet] Newly installed VIAIR 400C compressor [message #306768 is a reply to message #306759] |
Thu, 08 September 2016 22:54 |
Rob
Messages: 651
Registered: November 2013
Location: Victoria, BC
Karma: 3
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Senior Member |
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I know where Nanoose Bay is - I was camping there less than a month ago!
But - being on the email list, I had no idea Jim was from Nanoose!
Nice! Greetings from down south!
Rob
Victoria, BC
76 Royale - Rear Twins/Dry Bath
On 2016-09-08, at 6:46 PM, Matt Colie wrote:
> Jim,
>
> I am sure I am not alone in having no clue where Nanoose Bay actually is.
>
> Matt
>
> Jim ? Jaci wrote on Thu, 08 September 2016 00:23
>> Hello All: I am brand new to forums so have never posted so please be kind. I recently installed a SullyBuilt airbag system and I must say I am
>> extremely pleased with the results. Since I'm a new GMC owner of about 6months I had a few newbie questions that one phone call to Todd Sullivan
>> the manufacturer cleared up quickly. I am now in the process of replacing the existing Delco compressor with a VIAIR 40040C. I wired it directly
>> in place of the old comp so it is using the existing fuse an AGC35 (supposedly rated 40Amps) I fired the compressor up and it filled the tank within
>> seconds and all was well until I began putting the suspension through some raise and lower tests. The system worked well for a few minutes then
>> everything quit due to a blown fuse. Anyone out there installed the same compressor and had similar problems and any solutions to offer?
>>
>> Thanks.
>>
>> Jim
>
>
> --
> Matt & Mary Colie - Members GMCMI, GMCGL, GMCES
> '73 Glacier 23 - Still Loving OE Rear Drum Brake with Applied Control Arms
> Now with both true Keyless and remote entry
> SE Michigan - Twixt A2 and Detroit
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Rob -
Victoria, BC -
76 Royale - Rear Twins/Dry Bath
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| Re: Newly installed VIAIR 400C compressor [message #306830 is a reply to message #306688] |
Fri, 09 September 2016 21:01 |
jhbridges
Messages: 8412
Registered: May 2011
Location: Braselton ga
Karma: -74
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Senior Member |
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Probably replaced with fuses when the breakers failed. Which they do, both with age and with repeated opening. Fortunately the normal failure mode is lower and lower current to actuate tehm, so at least you don't cook something. A breaker which opens after a few minutes of use is suspect - a short normally takes it out instanter. I stick an ammeter in the line to confirm the load isn't increasing, and if it isn't, trash the breaker. I personally replace shot ones with a fuse of the proper value, but replacement breakers are available at your friendly parts store.
Note that if the unloader isn't working, many compressors will overcurrent trying to start.
--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: Newly installed VIAIR 400C compressor [message #306863 is a reply to message #306688] |
Sat, 10 September 2016 08:01 |
jhbridges
Messages: 8412
Registered: May 2011
Location: Braselton ga
Karma: -74
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Senior Member |
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Some are on the switch, some are in the compressor, some cheap setups just have a very small orifice and a check valve in the output line.
--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: Newly installed VIAIR 400C compressor [message #306917 is a reply to message #306902] |
Sun, 11 September 2016 01:23 |
Ken Burton
Messages: 10030
Registered: January 2004
Location: Hebron, Indiana
Karma: 10
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Senior Member |
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Now that we have the year, I will ask if your house batteries are in the rear or the front. On the GM upfitted 1977 coaches, they are in the rear, but I once worked on a 1977 Transmode that had them up front. What I am interested in by asking that question is there is a big heavy power cable that runs through the cabinet where the rear mounted compressor is mounted and it is a great power source. Where is your compressor mounted? (Front or rear)
Ken Burton - N9KB
76 Palm Beach
Hebron, Indiana
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| Re: Newly installed VIAIR 400C compressor [message #306996 is a reply to message #306917] |
Sun, 11 September 2016 21:49 |
Jim ? Jaci
Messages: 3
Registered: August 2016
Location: Nanoose Bay B.C.
Karma: 0
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Junior Member |
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Hi Ken:
The house batteries are mounted in the offside rear with the propane tank(s), in the forward end of that cabinet. The original 60pound? tank has been replaced with 2 new 20 pounders. The compressor is mounted on the floor on the drivers side mid coach below the converter & 120Vac breaker panel cabinet. The battery positve lead looks to be maybe #2awg or larger and dives down behind batteries into the wall I suppose. I haven't gotten under the coach to look to see if it exits the floor. Am I correct in thinking that 'shore power' charges the house batteries through the converter? Perhaps I can tap into it there if necessary.
We are prepping for a week up island (Vancouver Island) and with the SullyBuilts I bought the block valves & Schraders Todd offers. I can set the bags at whatever pressure gives correct ride height and block them in so the pressure to get into a rewire is off so to speak, for the immediate future. I may not have to use the VIair if the draw is too much for the OEM electrical circuit until I have more time to work on it.
I'm have been dealing with other issues as well like a dripping black tank dump pipe flange, Broken black tank level gauge sensor wiring, and corrosion on the sensor terminal threads, also a leaking hot water drain petcock. So have been a bit willy nilly. I finally had to take a day off to fish. And what a day it was.
Jim & Jaci Majer
Nanoose Bay, Vancouver Island BC.
77 year
Model Unknown
Hughes Motor Coach Control Panel for tank levels etc
SullyBuilt suspension retrofit
VIAIR 40040C compressor retrofit
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| Re: Newly installed VIAIR 400C compressor [message #307008 is a reply to message #306996] |
Mon, 12 September 2016 01:28 |
Ken Burton
Messages: 10030
Registered: January 2004
Location: Hebron, Indiana
Karma: 10
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Senior Member |
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OK that helps. Some people have modified the power supply to the Compressor. They use that Big #2 cable as a source for powering the compressor. In a GMC built coach in 1977 there is a connection spot for the #2 cable located on the driver's side wall in the back of the cabinet where the compressor is located. I assume that terminal is also there on a transmode and could be used.
They use a relay, probably about 40 amp, along with the pressure switch to turn the power off and on to the compressor using that #2 connection as the power source. The relay points get wired in series with the air switch contacts. The relay coil is connected to the lead from up front that goes to the front fuse panel with the CB in it. That CB is 30 amps I believe. Now the only load on it is the relay coil. So if you do this mod you could remove that CB and replace it with a small fuse (maybe 2 to 5 amp).
Now that you are totally confused with my post, I'll see if I can find a diagram. I believe there is one on the Western States web site.
Ken Burton - N9KB
76 Palm Beach
Hebron, Indiana
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