left side air bag wouldn't inflate?

PIExpress · 05-15-2013, 04:25 PM

Well guess I have some new problem that started this morning. My left side air bag wouldn't inflate? No sound of an air leak and the system built and showed all air up but the left front remained low.

Ideas or suggestions?

Thank you all,

PIExpress

prairieschooner · 05-15-2013, 07:13 PM

Ours should be the same. We have to Air Ride Manifolds, one at the Rear of the coach at the engine bay forward and on the passenger side and one at the Forward storage bay just behind the driver's side steer tire. The Rear Manifold controls the Rear Air Ride and Leveling and the Front Manifold controls the Front Air Ride and Leveling. The Rear uses a Ride Height Valve on each side while the Front uses a single Ride Height Valve.
These Air Ride Valves are MAC and can be Manually Energized by using a probe through the center of the solenoid. I have been able to get these to work by probing them a few times in order to get any debris loose from the spool although I would see this as a temporary measure.
PS it could also be a bad Solenoid Valve.

I changed the all of the Rear Valves out a couple of years ago and all of the Front Valves out this year. If you decide to do this yourself take a picture of the manifold and wiring prior to disassembling it, I also made a drawing and keep it in a binder at the coach. It is much easier to get new brass nipples and use teflon tape. Use soap and water to ensure that there are no minor leaks after you get done. I tested my manifolds on the bench using a small air compressor prior to installing it. Not too big of a job if you are comfortable with plumbing.
Good Luck!
I was able to locate these valves online and here is the link;
Industrial Automation Leaders in Pneumatic Valves, Air Valves, Proportional Valves, Flow Controls, and Regulators

folivier · 05-15-2013, 08:10 PM

Steve are the valves you changed the ride height valves or the 6-pack manifold valves?
Do you have the specs on the valves? The webpage you listed is pretty intimidating for a dumb old cajun like me....

prairieschooner · 05-16-2013, 01:34 AM

Sorry Forest we have "old school" valves. From what I have been able to gather your later manifolds are machined with valves that bolt on possibly using o'rings to seal the bases. Post a pic of your valves with a manufacture and part number if possible and who knows.
Ours were available with a different function than the originals (OEM protected?).

prairieschooner · 05-17-2013, 02:30 AM

not sure but Tom may have found a source

Jack Fouts · 05-17-2013, 03:03 AM

Are you having trouble on your new coach Forrest?

cdat · 05-17-2013, 03:23 AM

Re: Teflon tape, the techs down at the local pneumatic/fluid parts house told me Not to use Teflon tape on air fittings, said they would leak after a short period of time. Was told to only use thread sealant. Any thoughts from those of you that have more knowledge and experience, which is about every one here?
john

GORDON HUMMEL · 05-17-2013, 03:44 AM

Liquid Teflon pipe sealant is available as is a paste at auto partgs stores. Tape is a no no

rellick · 05-17-2013, 04:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GORDON HUMMEL

Liquid Teflon pipe sealant is available as is a paste at auto partgs stores. Tape is a no no

liquid teflon is the only way to go!

folivier · 05-17-2013, 11:42 AM

No problems but I know that is an area that does cause problems over time. Our valves are sold as an assembly, the valve and solenoid together. Usually the part that goes bad is the valve seat. AFAIK nobody has found a replacement valve or seat. A couple people have successfully rebuilt the seat. But a cheaper replacement would be nice since there are 12 and they are about $130 each.

prairieschooner · 05-17-2013, 06:13 PM

Sorry guys but Teflon Tape is alright to use BUT you must skip the first 2 Threads. The problem would be that the tape or even the dope fragments would come loose and get stuck in an orifice. I found that the Teflon pipe dope needs to cure prior to getting pressure, actually Lock Tight makes a much better product.
I have done allot of Pneumatic and Hydraulic work (even have certificates). Even a slight leak in the system would make the leveling loose air over time, I have sat 6 weeks at an RV Park and stayed level without an air compressor on but that is ok, everyone needs a learning curve.

Neweller · 05-17-2013, 06:29 PM

Steve is correct. Back when I completely rebuilt all the air and hydraulic systems on a 10 car auto transport went through a sharp learning curve and with proper guidance learned quite a bit in regards to air systems and brakes. The problem is not to get anything like the tape debris lodged in the air system to plug it up, the same can happen in fluid or liquid gas systems as well.