Urgent Advice: Poof of air, lost pressure, pressure rebuilt???

technomadia · September 29, 2011, 10:05:40 AM

Leaving out of Lake Powell this morning, we heard a poof of air that sounded like it came from around the driver area. We immediately lost air pressure. So we reduced our speed, found a safe place to pull over and chocked the wheels.

The parking break knob pushed out, as expected.

While we were doing a walk around to listen for hissing - a tour bus driver pulled over, who happens to be a former 4106 owner (are bus nuts everywhere???).

While discussing the problem with him, and the engine still running - the pressure built back up.

There are no hissing sounds anywhere.

Any thought? Advice? Are we safe to move on into town to find a truck shop - or should be call for a tow?

Please call 408-667-9022 if you have any wisdom to share

Thank you!!!

Cherie

luvrbus · September 29, 2011, 10:09:58 AM

Your pressure got to high and it popped a relieve valve on a tank they are set at around 150 lbs some are lower,or it could have been your tank drain valve that popped they go bad after time and will release on their own

good luck

demodriver · September 29, 2011, 10:12:21 AM

Does there govenor need adjusted on there compressor then meanings its not shutting off when its suppost to? Or do I not know as much as I think I do lol?

Eric

technomadia · September 29, 2011, 10:17:05 AM

Considering we just changed the air filter for the air compressor (which was majorly icky), this would make sense that there is more pressure than our systems have been used too.

Gauge was reading just slightly over 120 (just slightly more than usual) when it went.

The tour bus operator recommends heading into Page, and getting new safety valves and pressure relief valves put on.

Busted Knuckle · September 29, 2011, 10:24:19 AM

Just over 120 is not really bad, but as Clifford says they do go bad with age and there's no telling how old yours are.

It's not bad advice the tour operator is giving you. (better safe than sorry)

Also if able to get to them they are simple to change yourself they just screw out and back in.

BK

demodriver · September 29, 2011, 10:27:27 AM

If you do them yourself make sure the pressure is released before removal. Air pressure can make a mess out of you!

Eric

technomadia · September 29, 2011, 10:34:42 AM

Don't believe we are in a position to do it ourselves. We currently have no safe way to get under the bus (unless a nice curb/ditch,etc. presents itself. )

Y'all are awesome -- thanks so much for all the replies and calls!!!

Cherie

thomasinnv · September 29, 2011, 10:41:48 AM

you need to get you some run up blocks and suspension block so you can do stuff like that in a pinch. never know when you might be on a desert highway 100 miles from the nearest town with no cell phone service and have an airline blow or something like that. it would be a shame to end up stranded somewhere over a minor issue you can take care of yourself.

technomadia · September 29, 2011, 10:46:10 AM

We totally agree - thus why we posted a thread asking for advice on the best system for carrying with us.

. We totally need to bump that up on the list of priorities.

uncle ned · September 29, 2011, 10:52:49 AM

I think your best bet for holding the bus up is hydraulic feet. Also makes the bus more stable when parked after leveling up.

handy for changing tires also.

also does not take up needed bay space.

uncle ned

Len Silva · September 29, 2011, 11:08:32 AM

Quote from: uncle ned on September 29, 2011, 10:52:49 AM

I think your best bet for holding the bus up is hydraulic feet. Also makes the bus more stable when parked after leveling up.

handy for changing tires also.

also does not take up needed bay space.

uncle ned

Hydraulic jacks are a great idea, though kind of expen$ive. I have them on my present coach. I still would not get under the bus without additional blocking.

technomadia · September 29, 2011, 11:21:27 AM

Eric - thanks for the recommendation on the governor. We are currently investigating which is easier to do - adjust the governor down a notch, or adjust the safety valve up (the spring is apparently adjustable). Would hate this to happen in a a spot where it is not so easy to find a safe place to pull over before the brake engages.

Thanks again all - we are seriously thankful for all of the support in replies and calls.

technomadia · September 29, 2011, 11:33:50 AM

Alrighty.. so the governor on our air compressor does not match the one documented in our maintenance manual.

Anyone know anything about this one, and how to adjust it down a notch?

technomadia · September 29, 2011, 11:35:48 AM

Another view..

technomadia · September 29, 2011, 11:39:37 AM

Alrighty.. travelinman just confirmed it's a Bendix. Looking up the PDF manual now.