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

[Dave5Cs]

There should be a plate with 2 holes in it on the back axle it connects to. If that is not it try pouring a bottle of brake line antifreeze in the big line that comes off the compressor and see if the pressure returns after re-installing that line end, start the motor and see if it builds. if it does have it towed to a repair shop and have the brake system checked. also the Pressure protection valve up front would need to be checked.

good luck to you guys!...

Dave5Cs

[luvrbus]

According to F/B they are on the road again after replacing the TR-3 but Chris does need to clean that mess up the PO left

[Dave5Cs]

Sounds like eh!... Clifford thanks for the update.

[technomadia]

We are indeed back on the road, thanks so much to everyone who chimed in with advice - and to CoachNet too.

The root problem is indeed traced back to the previous owner not properly mounting the inversion valve when he upgraded to the Mini-Max spring brakes. He screwed the supply line to the TR-3 inversion valve directly into the side of the main brake actuation valve, which over many years of jostling eventually stripped the threading. Our failure was caused by it at last blowing off - instantly dumping all our air.

Plenty of experienced bus mechanics have been down there over the past three years and nobody flagged the problem - I think everyone assumed it was set up that way for a reason.

Now that we've identified the root cause - in the near future as soon as we can find a pit to do the work over we'll get the valve relocated and mounted much more securely directly to the bulkhead. It is also probably a good time to again look over the rest of the air system from front-to-back looking for any other non-stock "optimizations" that might be lingering from the bus's previous life.

Any recommendations in the St. Louis area to get some air system work done?

Cheers everyone,

  - Chris

[Boomer]

Good thing you were not going off the Rockies when it happened.  You should build some ramps so you can get under that thing and perform pm/inspections.  They also double as run up blocks, jack blocks, wheel chocks, etc.  I never leave home without mine.  A simple PT 8X8 cut at an angle suffices just fine.  Also good to perform a DOT brake check each morning before departure, even though we are not commercial operators.  If you don't know how, pick up a CDL manual from any state.  HTH