Air Leak - 1993 MCI 102C3

[JT4SC]

Hey guys,
Got an issue - my bus won't fully air up without idling real high because there's a hole in what I think is a brake valve?   See attached pic.  I'm not sure if the hole is a bypass or something is supposed to  be plugging that hole??  Any ideas on dealing with this so I can take it out, or should I just put her away and replace the valve (or what I believe is the valve)?

[JT4SC]

UPDATE - After letting it run for a while, turning the bus off for approx 15 mins and turning it back on now it's airing up no problem, and no air is coming out that hole in the valve.  So I assume the valve is getting stuck in position until it warms up?? 

[lovetofix]

That is a pressure regulator. If it was leaking once it will again. There is a rubber diaphragm in there that cracks. It is easily rebuilt with an inexpensive kit and then you just have to set the pressure to the spec in "da book."
From looking at where it is mounted I'm guessing that is the regulator for the parking brake side of the DD3s. If so, it will not leak if the parking brake is released. 

[JT4SC]

That is a pressure regulator. If it was leaking once it will again. There is a rubber diaphragm in there that cracks. It is easily rebuilt with an inexpensive kit and then you just have to set the pressure to the spec in "da book."
From looking at where it is mounted I'm guessing that is the regulator for the parking brake side of the DD3s. If so, it will not leak if the parking brake is released. 

Awesome, thanks Lovetofix!!!   Only issue is I don't have the mechanical skills to do this myself, so I will try to find someone who does locally. 

[ol713]

Awesome, thanks Lovetofix!!!   Only issue is I don't have the mechanical skills to do this myself, so I will try to find someone who does locally.

  Call luke  @   (856)794-3104.  He may a rebuilt unit on the shelf. Can you R&R the unit??
                                                             Merle

[buswarrior]

The trouble with attempting to re-build, the common busnut does not have the background to decide if the parts are in sufficient condition to re-use, puts the fresh bits in, and has continued failure... not to mention breaking the thing trying to disassemble, after one has purchased the kit bits...

I get little satisfaction from doing these jobs, i sure do not want to have to go back again and do it over...

Most of these air system parts are best to just buy a new one, and you'll never have to worry about it again, during its camper life.

Then, you just have to convince the air lines to disengage...

Happy coaching!
Buswarrior

[lovetofix]

Agreed on the part that often it is better, and if you count your time as money, even cheaper to replace than rebuild. I often forget that since I get a lot of satisfaction out of rebuilding and repairing things.
Also, take a look at the other side of your bus, with several of these pressure regulators there is one for each side, if they both look the same crusty age you may want to change them as a pair.
I went over my bus and rebuilt or replaced every air system component, any rubber in there has hardened to "well done" since 1981. Also, I do not want to do it on the side of the road somewhere, in the dirt, with traffic whipping by.

[chessie4905]

What I hate about crusty, corroded components is the likelyhood of screws seized into the aluminum casting, which like to snap off when trying to remove. Then when drilling out, have the hole go off center, making a total mess of the job.🤬