MCI-9 E-10 Brake Value Problem

[Kwajdiver]

Just in case your not following my other post, Phoenix to Gulfport, I'm having trouble with the Brake Value.
Today, it seems to have increase the air that is leaking out of it.  Before it would bubble up when sprayed with soap and water.  Now it just blows the soap and water away.   I'm still able to hold 100 to 125 psi.

I've stopped to over night at Paul's just outside Abilene, Tx (thanks again Paul).  Is there something I simple I can do with this Brake Value to make sure I get another 800 miles to Gulfport, Ms. ?  It's leaking out the bottom around the diaphragm.  Perhaps a good shot of WD-40.

Thanks again for the help,

Bill

[justin25taylor]

I know this is not the "safest" answer, and if possible I would replace the valve.

but....... chances are everything will be fine. I have had one blow on me before. I made it 1500 miles home.
DO keep one eye on the air pressure gauge and if it gets below 90 or so stop before the bus stops for you. I had the most trouble in city driving where I had to idle at stoplights.
You need to keep it revved up the best you can.

PLEASE be CAREFUL. I am not telling you this is o.k., I am just telling of my similar experience.

Call me if you need help. I am near Austin and my cell number is in my profile.
Best,
Justin

[JackConrad]

When does it leak? when brakes are applied? all the time? when parking brake is applied?  This will help pinpoint the failure point.  Jack

[Kwajdiver]

It's leaking all the time.......   When I applie brakes, the air gauge looks normal.  To say it is NOT dropping way down.....

Thanks for the help,

Bill

[Busted Knuckle]

Bill,
I do not know of any "quick fix remedies" for the leaking valve! But it is possible that the cause of it leaking is a rear brake can as mentioned in the other thread, I've seen it before! I always have 1 person stay near the valve and listen/watch while another gets under the drive axle area (we cheat and use a pit now days, but used to use ramps made from RR ties!) and uses a pair of vise grips to clamp off the lines going to the DD3 cans 1 at a time and if any of them make a difference at the valve then that can is leaking back through the system and most likely the valve is good! (Now be sure to chock the wheels and do this with the brakes set, & released both! By the way we also use shop air to keep the system supplied while doing this as it make it quiter and safer for the person under it! But as said I've done it with the drives on ramps, and the engine running with ALL WHEELS CHOCKED back in the days before I had the luxery's of a shop with a pit!). FWIW!

PS; don't tell DOT this, but I have brought one home leaking before to make the necessary repairs before too! Just keep an eye on that guage!

  BK 

[Ncbob]

This is a FWIW post. While I'm not as knowledgeable as either Jack or Bryce on the topic..one of the items I've complained about since day one of owning my MCI was that the brake valve wasn't (IMHO) aggressive enough to make me comfortable.

Therefore I would ask about using a valve other than an MCI direct replacement.

We all hope you can sort out the basis for the problem and be able to repair it without any accident or injury.

This should make for an interesting thread...

Bob

[Kwajdiver]

Hi Guys,

Just pulled into Wal-Mart in Alexandria, La. This Super Wally World looks like it is Christmas in Alezandria. Busy busy busy.  Did 502 miles today, not a bad days drive.
The Brake Value, is no better, and no worst.  My air is cycling between 100 and 125.  Brakes feel normal.....  It's just under 300 miles to Gulfport, Miss.

Paul, that tire was low, corrected that problem a little way out from you.  Of course will check it in the morning before departing.

Guys, thanks for looking out for me.  I can hardly take my eyes off the air gauge.  I wonder if MCI has a rebuild Kit for this value?   Do someone else make the same, as Bob suggest?

Thanks for the input,

Bill

[Busted Knuckle]

Guys, thanks for looking out for me.  I can hardly take my eyes off the air gauge.  I wonder if MCI has a rebuild Kit for this value?   Do someone else make the same, as Bob suggest?

Thanks for the input,

Bill                 

Bill I believe it is a Bendix valve and readily available at most truck parts houses! I have bought rebuilt ones from NAPA the couple of times I needed one! I'm sure someone probably offers a rebuild kit but I just chose to buy it ready to put back one! In regular charter service I've never had to replace the same one twice! (Now DD# brake chambers are a different story as I've replaced quite a few more than once!) ! I would test the DD3's before changing the valve! Good luck and keep us informed!
  BK 

[Kwajdiver]

Hi Guys,

Made it to Gulfport about 1pm today.   No problems,,,,,

Going to drop the bus off then go to Florida for the week then back to work on the problem.

Thanks to eveyone that chimed in with a word here and there.

Bill

[Dreamscape]

Bill,

Glad you made it OK. Enjoy your time in Florida! Keep in touch and let us know what you find out with the air leak.

Happy Trails,

Paul

Dreamscape

[Kwajdiver]

This problem seems to be fixed by replacing the Push-Pull Parking Brake Value.

As always, thanks for all the input.

Bill