Air Bag System

L

les & des

New member
May 27, 1998
57
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0
Hi Guys,

For the first time in three years, we have our air bag suspension
system working. Really it is the first time we have been on the
Dana Compressor. For several years, we have been filling the air
tank when we travel from an external compressor. Now we have
something else we need help with.

Our compressor is working well. It takes about two minutes to fill
the tank. The tank fills to about 112lbs and holds at 110lbs. It
seems to have no air leaks at that pressure. Neither does our air
bags themselves (while on hold). But.....Even with the Power
Levels on hold (or not) the Compressor cycles on once every
minute. What do we check next?

Thanks,

Les & Des
Living Praise Ministries

mailto:lpraise
Visit us at: http://www.livingpraise.org
 
First the compressor should be set to go on at 100 PSI and off at 120PSI.
Assuming that the tank is not losing air and the compressor is turning on
above 100 PSI, than the limit switch is either misadjusted or bad.
I would adjust the pressure switch on the tank to the above limits first and
see if it than works OK. If noit replace the pressure switch. It is the
only thing that controls the compressor.

>Hi Guys,
>
>For the first time in three years, we have our air bag suspension
>system working. Really it is the first time we have been on the
>Dana Compressor. For several years, we have been filling the air
>tank when we travel from an external compressor. Now we have
>something else we need help with.
>
>Our compressor is working well. It takes about two minutes to fill
>the tank. The tank fills to about 112lbs and holds at 110lbs. It
>seems to have no air leaks at that pressure. Neither does our air
>bags themselves (while on hold). But.....Even with the Power
>Levels on hold (or not) the Compressor cycles on once every
>minute. What do we check next?
>
>Thanks,
>
>
>Les & Des
>Living Praise Ministries
>
>mailto:lpraise
>Visit us at: http://www.livingpraise.org
>
>
 
I am not familiar with the Slaten Unit. - What is it? Price?
Availability?

Eric Tipton

From: LNelson208 [SMTP:LNelson208]

Just my opinion, of course, but when I had the same problem, and
replaced the
valve assembly with a Slaten unit, NO MORE LEAK DOWN!
Larry nelson, PB 75
 
Les: Check your pressure switch. It may be out of adjustment or
defective. I couldn't adjust mine to the correct pressure and finally
replaced it. The switch I purchased from a vendor had the unloading
mechanism and external "Off & Auto" manual lever. (The unloading mechanism
is not used.It is designed to unload the compressor's pressure side when
the compressor shuts off so the motor would not labor when it starts

Any store or company that sells construction equipment should have one.

Switch nomenclature is:
"Square D"
` Pumptrol Pressure Switch
Class 9013 Type FHG12

I think I paid $28.00 for it.

Now I can turn the compressor off at the unit in lieu of the switch panel
that is when needed.

This switch doesn't fit in the same location. Slightly larger, so I
purchased the fittings and air line from a truck/car parts store. The
fitting and air line are used on 18 wheelers and GMC's. The switch then
is mounted on the top left side of the compressor compartment. Makes it
easy to work on the unit without the switch in the way.

My $.02 worth
Bob 77PB

>Hi Guys,
>
>For the first time in three years, we have our air bag suspension
>system working. Really it is the first time we have been on the
>Dana Compressor. For several years, we have been filling the air
>tank when we travel from an external compressor. Now we have
>something else we need help with.
>
>Our compressor is working well. It takes about two minutes to fill
>the tank. The tank fills to about 112lbs and holds at 110lbs. It
>seems to have no air leaks at that pressure. Neither does our air
>bags themselves (while on hold). But.....Even with the Power
>Levels on hold (or not) the Compressor cycles on once every
>minute. What do we check next?
>
>Thanks,
>
>
>Les & Des
>Living Praise Ministries
>
>mailto:lpraise
>Visit us at: http://www.livingpraise.org
>
>
 
Bob,

Thanks so much for your help. We adjusted the pressure switch,
but really to no avail. We did get the pressure to raise to 120lbs,
but could not get it quit cutting-on ever minute or two. We are
going on a trip Tuesday, so we installed a manual switch inside so
we can fill the tank, but then we are able to cut the compressor off.
After three years of using an external compressor, we feel we are
really "up-town" with an indoor switch. When we get back in
October, we will start looking at replacing the pressure switch.
Infact, with the work we have done on the air system, we
discovered an Construction Equipment Store, so we will now know
what to buyand where to buy it. Thanks for the lead.

Les and Des



> Les: Check your pressure switch. It may be out of adjustment or
> defective. I couldn't adjust mine to the correct pressure and finally
> replaced it. The switch I purchased from a vendor had the unloading
> mechanism and external "Off & Auto" manual lever. (The unloading mechanism
> is not used.It is designed to unload the compressor's pressure side when
> the compressor shuts off so the motor would not labor when it starts
>
> Any store or company that sells construction equipment should have one.
>
> Switch nomenclature is:
> "Square D"
> ` Pumptrol Pressure Switch
> Class 9013 Type FHG12
>
> I think I paid $28.00 for it.
>
> Now I can turn the compressor off at the unit in lieu of the switch panel
> that is when needed.
>
> This switch doesn't fit in the same location. Slightly larger, so I
> purchased the fittings and air line from a truck/car parts store. The
> fitting and air line are used on 18 wheelers and GMC's. The switch then
> is mounted on the top left side of the compressor compartment. Makes it
> easy to work on the unit without the switch in the way.
>
> My $.02 worth
> Bob 77PB

Les & Des
Living Praise Ministries

mailto:lpraise
Visit us at: http://www.livingpraise.org
 
Thanks, Dick, for the info. We are fairly certain that the tank is
not 'bleeding down.' We have checked the tank and all
connections with soapy water. Also, we have an air gauge on
the tank itself. It holds fairly well, dropping maybe 10 lbs
overnight. However, the nights here have been below 50 and,
according to Wes, that can cause the pressure in the tank to
drop. At any rate, it certainly shouldn't cause recyling of the
compressor every minute or so. We tried adjusting the set
screw. It does make a difference, but not sufficiently. At the low
end it cycles every 5 or 10 seconds. At the high end it cycles
every minute or so.

Thomas: Thanks for the tip about the WW Grainger part. We
are going to be in Winston Salem this next week and there is a
WW Grainger store there. If there is a leak around the switch
itself, as Dick suggested, it is worth the $13.00 to replace the
switch. Cuts out a lot of guess work!!!

Thanks to everyone for all the info.

> I've been following this thread and from the description I can't
tell if the
> tank is bleeding down or if the pressure switch is just arbitrarily
> recycling. I've also got bleed down and occasionally have to wiggle the
> switch to get it to make contact. I'm going to need to work in this area in
> the not too distant future so keep the info flowing.
>
> Also at one time mine developed a leak around the base of the switch. I
> believe the bottom is held on with screws and it would lose it's seal only
> as the system reached high pressure. It's been a while so I'm a little
> fuzzy on the details. Just remember to check up under the switch too.
>
> Dick
>
>

> >Thomas,
> >
> >Thanks! We did find the "set screw." Actually, ours was missing,
> >and we replaced it with one like the other three screws that are
> >there, but there was no change. We will replaced it when we get
> >back.
> >
> >Les and Des
> >
> >From: "Thomas G. Warner"
> >Subject: Re: GMC: Air Bag System
> >Send reply to: gmcmotorhome
> >
> >> If my memory serves me correctly there is a pressure differential setting on
> >> the control also, a small set screw on the left of the control after you
> >> remove the cover. I do not have my books here I keep them in the coach. Try
> >> adjusting it for greater pressure differential. The control can be bought
> >> new from W.W. Grainger., square D model 9013, grainger part # 5B419 for
> $13.65.
> >>
> >> To check the tank for leaks make a liquid soap and water solution and spray
> >> it on all of the connections on the air tank and see if any of them are
> >> leaking. Be sure and spray the tank also as it may have started to rust
> >> through.
> >
> >Les & Des
> >Living Praise Ministries
> >
> >mailto:lpraise
> >Visit us at: http://www.livingpraise.org
> >
> >

Les & Des
Living Praise Ministries

mailto:lesndes
Visit us at: http://www.livingpraise.org
 
If my memory serves me correctly there is a pressure differential setting on
the control also, a small set screw on the left of the control after you
remove the cover. I do not have my books here I keep them in the coach. Try
adjusting it for greater pressure differential. The control can be bought
new from W.W. Grainger., square D model 9013, grainger part # 5B419 for $13.65.

To check the tank for leaks make a liquid soap and water solution and spray
it on all of the connections on the air tank and see if any of them are
leaking. Be sure and spray the tank also as it may have started to rust
through.

>Bob,
>
>Thanks so much for your help. We adjusted the pressure switch,
>but really to no avail. We did get the pressure to raise to 120lbs,
>but could not get it quit cutting-on ever minute or two. We are
>going on a trip Tuesday, so we installed a manual switch inside so
>we can fill the tank, but then we are able to cut the compressor off.
> After three years of using an external compressor, we feel we are
>really "up-town" with an indoor switch. When we get back in
>October, we will start looking at replacing the pressure switch.
>Infact, with the work we have done on the air system, we
>discovered an Construction Equipment Store, so we will now know
>what to buyand where to buy it. Thanks for the lead.
>
>Les and Des
>
>
>
>> Les: Check your pressure switch. It may be out of adjustment or
>> defective. I couldn't adjust mine to the correct pressure and finally
>> replaced it. The switch I purchased from a vendor had the unloading
>> mechanism and external "Off & Auto" manual lever. (The unloading mechanism
>> is not used.It is designed to unload the compressor's pressure side when
>> the compressor shuts off so the motor would not labor when it starts
>>
>> Any store or company that sells construction equipment should have one.
>>
>> Switch nomenclature is:
>> "Square D"
>> ` Pumptrol Pressure Switch
>> Class 9013 Type FHG12
>>
>> I think I paid $28.00 for it.
>>
>> Now I can turn the compressor off at the unit in lieu of the switch panel
>> that is when needed.
>>
>> This switch doesn't fit in the same location. Slightly larger, so I
>> purchased the fittings and air line from a truck/car parts store. The
>> fitting and air line are used on 18 wheelers and GMC's. The switch then
>> is mounted on the top left side of the compressor compartment. Makes it
>> easy to work on the unit without the switch in the way.
>>
>> My $.02 worth
>> Bob 77PB
>
>Les & Des
>Living Praise Ministries
>
>mailto:lpraise
>Visit us at: http://www.livingpraise.org
>
>
 
Thomas,

Thanks! We did find the "set screw." Actually, ours was missing,
and we replaced it with one like the other three screws that are
there, but there was no change. We will replaced it when we get
back.

Les and Des

From: "Thomas G. Warner"
Subject: Re: GMC: Air Bag System
Send reply to: gmcmotorhome

> If my memory serves me correctly there is a pressure differential setting on
> the control also, a small set screw on the left of the control after you
> remove the cover. I do not have my books here I keep them in the coach. Try
> adjusting it for greater pressure differential. The control can be bought
> new from W.W. Grainger., square D model 9013, grainger part # 5B419 for $13.65.
>
> To check the tank for leaks make a liquid soap and water solution and spray
> it on all of the connections on the air tank and see if any of them are
> leaking. Be sure and spray the tank also as it may have started to rust
> through.

Les & Des
Living Praise Ministries

mailto:lpraise
Visit us at: http://www.livingpraise.org
 
I've been following this thread and from the description I can't tell if the
tank is bleeding down or if the pressure switch is just arbitrarily
recycling. I've also got bleed down and occasionally have to wiggle the
switch to get it to make contact. I'm going to need to work in this area in
the not too distant future so keep the info flowing.

Also at one time mine developed a leak around the base of the switch. I
believe the bottom is held on with screws and it would lose it's seal only
as the system reached high pressure. It's been a while so I'm a little
fuzzy on the details. Just remember to check up under the switch too.

Dick

>Thomas,
>
>Thanks! We did find the "set screw." Actually, ours was missing,
>and we replaced it with one like the other three screws that are
>there, but there was no change. We will replaced it when we get
>back.
>
>Les and Des
>
>From: "Thomas G. Warner"
>Subject: Re: GMC: Air Bag System
>Send reply to: gmcmotorhome
>
>> If my memory serves me correctly there is a pressure differential setting on
>> the control also, a small set screw on the left of the control after you
>> remove the cover. I do not have my books here I keep them in the coach. Try
>> adjusting it for greater pressure differential. The control can be bought
>> new from W.W. Grainger., square D model 9013, grainger part # 5B419 for
$13.65.
>>
>> To check the tank for leaks make a liquid soap and water solution and spray
>> it on all of the connections on the air tank and see if any of them are
>> leaking. Be sure and spray the tank also as it may have started to rust
>> through.
>
>Les & Des
>Living Praise Ministries
>
>mailto:lpraise
>Visit us at: http://www.livingpraise.org
>
>
 
The Square D model 9013, Grainger part No. 5B419 for $13.65 does not have
the "on/off auto unloader" feature like the one I bought. The stock number
in the Granger book lists mine at $25.55. I guess I didn't get ripped off
if I would included shipping charges.

If anyone wants to access the Grainger Web Site for products and service
information the Web Site is: http://www.grainer.com.

They have 78,000 brand name items. They are a main source for Industrial
and Commercial & Supplies. Their catalog is 4100 plus pages.

Bob 77PB

>If my memory serves me correctly there is a pressure differential setting on
>the control also, a small set screw on the left of the control after you
>remove the cover. I do not have my books here I keep them in the coach. Try
>adjusting it for greater pressure differential. The control can be bought
>new from W.W. Grainger., square D model 9013, grainger part # 5B419 for
$13.65.
>
>To check the tank for leaks make a liquid soap and water solution and spray
>it on all of the connections on the air tank and see if any of them are
>leaking. Be sure and spray the tank also as it may have started to rust
>through.
>

>>Bob,
>>
>>Thanks so much for your help. We adjusted the pressure switch,
>>but really to no avail. We did get the pressure to raise to 120lbs,
>>but could not get it quit cutting-on ever minute or two. We are
>>going on a trip Tuesday, so we installed a manual switch inside so
>>we can fill the tank, but then we are able to cut the compressor off.
>> After three years of using an external compressor, we feel we are
>>really "up-town" with an indoor switch. When we get back in
>>October, we will start looking at replacing the pressure switch.
>>Infact, with the work we have done on the air system, we
>>discovered an Construction Equipment Store, so we will now know
>>what to buyand where to buy it. Thanks for the lead.
>>
>>Les and Des
>>
>>
>>
>>> Les: Check your pressure switch. It may be out of adjustment or
>>> defective. I couldn't adjust mine to the correct pressure and finally
>>> replaced it. The switch I purchased from a vendor had the unloading
>>> mechanism and external "Off & Auto" manual lever. (The unloading
mechanism
>>> is not used.It is designed to unload the compressor's pressure side when
>>> the compressor shuts off so the motor would not labor when it starts
>>>
>>> Any store or company that sells construction equipment should have one.
>>>
>>> Switch nomenclature is:
>>> "Square D"
>>> ` Pumptrol Pressure Switch
>>> Class 9013 Type FHG12
>>>
>>> I think I paid $28.00 for it.
>>>
>>> Now I can turn the compressor off at the unit in lieu of the switch panel
>>> that is when needed.
>>>
>>> This switch doesn't fit in the same location. Slightly larger, so I
>>> purchased the fittings and air line from a truck/car parts store. The
>>> fitting and air line are used on 18 wheelers and GMC's. The switch then
>>> is mounted on the top left side of the compressor compartment. Makes it
>>> easy to work on the unit without the switch in the way.
>>>
>>> My $.02 worth
>>> Bob 77PB
>>
>>Les & Des
>>Living Praise Ministries
>>
>>mailto:lpraise
>>Visit us at: http://www.livingpraise.org
>>
>>
>
>
>
 
>
> The Square D model 9013, Grainger part No. 5B419 for $13.65 does not have
> the "on/off auto unloader" feature like the one I bought. The stock number
> in the Granger book lists mine at $25.55. I guess I didn't get ripped off
> if I would included shipping charges.
>
> If anyone wants to access the Grainger Web Site for products and service
> information the Web Site is: http://www.grainer.com.
>
> They have 78,000 brand name items. They are a main source for Industrial
> and Commercial & Supplies. Their catalog is 4100 plus pages.
>
> Bob 77PB
>

> >If my memory serves me correctly there is a pressure differential setting on
> >the control also, a small set screw on the left of the control after you
> >remove the cover. I do not have my books here I keep them in the coach. Try
> >adjusting it for greater pressure differential. The control can be bought
> >new from W.W. Grainger., square D model 9013, grainger part # 5B419 for
> $13.65.
> >
> >To check the tank for leaks make a liquid soap and water solution and spray
> >it on all of the connections on the air tank and see if any of them are
> >leaking. Be sure and spray the tank also as it may have started to rust
> >through.
> >

> >>Bob,
> >>
> >>Thanks so much for your help. We adjusted the pressure switch,
> >>but really to no avail. We did get the pressure to raise to 120lbs,
> >>but could not get it quit cutting-on ever minute or two. We are
> >>going on a trip Tuesday, so we installed a manual switch inside so
> >>we can fill the tank, but then we are able to cut the compressor off.
> >> After three years of using an external compressor, we feel we are
> >>really "up-town" with an indoor switch. When we get back in
> >>October, we will start looking at replacing the pressure switch.
> >>Infact, with the work we have done on the air system, we
> >>discovered an Construction Equipment Store, so we will now know
> >>what to buyand where to buy it. Thanks for the lead.
> >>
> >>Les and Des
> >>
> >>
> >>
> >>> Les: Check your pressure switch. It may be out of adjustment or
> >>> defective. I couldn't adjust mine to the correct pressure and finally
> >>> replaced it. The switch I purchased from a vendor had the unloading
> >>> mechanism and external "Off & Auto" manual lever. (The unloading
> mechanism
> >>> is not used.It is designed to unload the compressor's pressure side when
> >>> the compressor shuts off so the motor would not labor when it starts
> >>>
> >>> Any store or company that sells construction equipment should have one.
> >>>
> >>> Switch nomenclature is:
> >>> "Square D"
> >>> ` Pumptrol Pressure Switch
> >>> Class 9013 Type FHG12
> >>>
> >>> I think I paid $28.00 for it.
> >>>
> >>> Now I can turn the compressor off at the unit in lieu of the switch panel
> >>> that is when needed.
> >>>
> >>> This switch doesn't fit in the same location. Slightly larger, so I
> >>> purchased the fittings and air line from a truck/car parts store. The
> >>> fitting and air line are used on 18 wheelers and GMC's. The switch then
> >>> is mounted on the top left side of the compressor compartment. Makes it
> >>> easy to work on the unit without the switch in the way.
> >>>
> >>> My $.02 worth
> >>> Bob 77PB
> >>
> >>Les & Des
> >>Living Praise Ministries
> >>
> >>mailto:lpraise
> >>Visit us at: http://www.livingpraise.org
> >>
> >>
> >
> >
> >

Sorry to be so late in adding to this note. Gone for 3 weeks and
going through over 500 messages.
Went to Grainger to buy the air compressor control. They would not
sell it to me. Said that they were "business" only.
So much for retirement.
Ted
 
Rick: You can go to a Sears Store that sells air compressors to get the
same switch. They have a service department that can help you out if
Grainger doesn't sell it to you or check the parts catalog on the
compressor in the store. They'll order for you.

Bob

>
>> Went to Grainger to buy the air compressor control. They would not
>> sell it to me. Said that they were "business" only.
>
>Ted,
> The trick is to find a friend with a small business (or a friendly
>business!). Doesn't matter what kind of business, computer consultant to
>seamstress, so long as they have a business license and sales tax number.
>(Those fortunate folk in the Granite State can skip the sales tax!) Have
them
>order for you, and collect the tax. Many small businesses would be glad to
>for a small percentage/fee. Good luck.
>
>Rick Staples
>
>
 
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