Stuck on side of road - outside Bolivar, TN (Air system problem)

technomadia · April 10, 2014, 12:53:05 PM

We just had a preventative maintenance service in Chattanooga, TN at Choo Choo. While there, it was discovered that our air compressor had lived out its useful life. We had a rebuilt one ordered in and installed, including a new governor.

We're now heading to Memphis, and just before approaching Bolivar, TN - the air system completely dropped pressure all at once. Thank goodness on a 4-lane highway with extra wide shoulders, and on a flat service. The spring brakes engaged enough to slow us down, and we rolled to a stop. We're chocked up.

Doing some troubleshooting with Joel at Choo Choo, the current suspicion is that the 'new' air compressor has failed on us.

Know there are several in this area. Any recommendations on where we should have ourselves hauled towards for assistance? While we do a little more trouble shooting, about time to make that call to CoachNet. Or any further trouble shooting ideas to try? Have already tried percussive maintenance on the new governor, with no improvement.

Thanks!
- Cherie & Chris

(If anyone has useful information that could be of immediate assistance, Chris can be reached at 408-667-9022)

Decalsbyblondie · April 10, 2014, 01:23:44 PM

Chris, My first thought is that your drive gear is bad on the compressor

Chris

Gordie Allen · April 10, 2014, 01:44:28 PM

I would think that if the compressor failed, you would have a slow loss of pressure. Did you lose suspension pressure too? Sounds like an open line for it to go away so fast. I have a quick connect in my system so I can air up independent of the engine compressor. Tapping into your system and pressurizing it may allow you to differentiate between compressor and a bad line.
Good Luck!

chessie4905 · April 10, 2014, 01:44:58 PM

I would check that first as well. The added torque of a rebuilt compressor with higher compression on that gear might have finished it off.

robertglines1 · April 10, 2014, 02:04:54 PM

BK is close to you . need ## Bob

technomadia · April 10, 2014, 02:10:15 PM

We were wondering how close BK might be... can't seem to find his number in our address book. If you can send it along, would be marvelous. thanks Bob!

Troubleshooting update: Compressor is spitting out a tiny bit of air, not enough to build pressure. Compressor supplier suspects debris in the reed. Keep in mind, we had the entire engine out-of-frame overhauled last summer.

robertglines1 · April 10, 2014, 02:12:00 PM

Talked to Bk . He's calling # you posted

technomadia · April 10, 2014, 02:13:12 PM

Thanks a ton, Bob! BK on the phone now. And a mechanic from the city here just showed up to offer a hand too.

luvrbus · April 10, 2014, 02:18:15 PM

The shear key probably sheared off one needs to replace that key when installing the gear on the new compressor

good luck

B_K · April 10, 2014, 02:49:42 PM

My thoughts exactly Clifford.

Chris find out from the shop that rebuilt the engine if the compressor had/has the fiber coupling. And was it replaced at the time of rebuild or is it the steel one?

BK

B_K · April 10, 2014, 03:02:31 PM

First thing I'd do is pull the compressor off and verify it is a sheared key. (most likely is)

If it's not a sheared key still could be gears, coupling, or even broke compressor crank.

IMHO that would be A LOT of debris in the reed to cause these symptoms. But hey maybe they know better than I do, but every time I have seen what your describing it's been a sheared key, or broken crank. (yes even with a broken crank the compressor could TRY to spin)

The other common issue is a shattered fiber coupler, but with that you don't usually get ANY AIR at all!

BK

technomadia · April 10, 2014, 03:13:34 PM

Thanks BK.. as Chris already txt'd back (but to update anyone else following along), Joel @ Choo Choo confirmed that our coupler was steel.

The mobile mechanic that Coach-net is sending should be here soon.

Thanks everyone for the advice, feedback and support!

technomadia · April 10, 2014, 04:34:51 PM

Found the rear brake inversion valve dangling with threads stripped. Compressor seems to be putting out proper air flow (and probably more than the old one was.. thus what caused the valve to pop off?)

Ace · April 10, 2014, 07:29:34 PM

Hmm how about that! Wasn't far off about an open air line after all!
You can block me here too if you'd like!
Good luck in the future!

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

DMoedave · April 10, 2014, 07:33:51 PM

Jackson might be good for parts. good luck.