Compressors?

Larry Davick

Larry Davick

Well-known member
May 9, 2007
3,778
23
48
Fremont, Ca.
My Dana compressor takes forever to pump up, and then it cycles about ever 4 minutes, or so. I likely have a leak somewhere in the air pressure valves, as the bags hold air for a good amount of time. The Dana is a noisy old thing and I'm thinking that it probably needs to be rebuilt or replaced.

If I were to replace it I'd likely go with the Viair pump from Jim K. If I were to rebuild it I'd just buy his rebuild kit. Any experience either way, and would the performance of the Viair be significantly better than a rebuilt Dana?

Thanks,

Larry Davick
Fremont, California
A Mystery Machine
'76 (ish) Palm Beach
 
You need to find and fix the air leaks before you ever consider another
compressor. Only then will you be able to see if you really need a new
compressor. I have coaches that would sit for weeks and months without an
air leak or the pressure going down in the bags.

J.R. Wright
GMC Great Laker
GMC Eastern States
GMCMHI
TZE Zone Restorations
78 Buskirk Custom 30' Stretch
75 Avion (Under going Frame up Restoration)

> My Dana compressor takes forever to pump up, and then it cycles about ever
> 4 minutes, or so. I likely have a leak somewhere in the air pressure
> valves, as the bags hold air for a good amount of time. The Dana is a
> noisy old thing and I'm thinking that it probably needs to be rebuilt or
> replaced.
>
>
> If I were to replace it I'd likely go with the Viair pump from Jim K. If
> I were to rebuild it I'd just buy his rebuild kit. Any experience either
> way, and would the performance of the Viair be significantly better than a
> rebuilt Dana?
>
>
> Thanks,
>
>
> Larry Davick
> Fremont, California
> A Mystery Machine
> '76 (ish) Palm Beach
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>
 
Yes, it's true, J.R., but that takes all the fun out of shopping for the coach!

Tom Hampton installed shut off valves and schraders at the air bags. I've never had to use the shut off valves, but it could get me down the road.

I suppose my question boils down to which way would you go, knowing that the compressor is original?

Larry Davick
ljdavick

>
>
> You need to find and fix the air leaks before you ever consider another
> compressor. Only then will you be able to see if you really need a new
> compressor. I have coaches that would sit for weeks and months without an
> air leak or the pressure going down in the bags.
>
> J.R. Wright
> GMC Great Laker
> GMC Eastern States
> GMCMHI
> TZE Zone Restorations
> 78 Buskirk Custom 30' Stretch
> 75 Avion (Under going Frame up Restoration)
>
>

>
> > > My Dana compressor takes forever to pump up, and then it cycles about ever
> > 4 minutes, or so. I likely have a leak somewhere in the air pressure
> > valves, as the bags hold air for a good amount of time. The Dana is a
> > noisy old thing and I'm thinking that it probably needs to be rebuilt or
> > replaced.
> >
> >
> > If I were to replace it I'd likely go with the Viair pump from Jim K. If
> > I were to rebuild it I'd just buy his rebuild kit. Any experience either
> > way, and would the performance of the Viair be significantly better than a
> > rebuilt Dana?
> >
> >
> > Thanks,
> >
> >
> > Larry Davick
> > Fremont, California
> > A Mystery Machine
> > '76 (ish) Palm Beach
> > _______________________________________________
> > GMCnet mailing list
> > Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> > http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
> >
> > > _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>
 
G'day,

I'm very happy with my Viair 480C; it's the largest capacity pump they make with a 100% duty cycle.

Regards,
Rob M.
The Pedantic Mechanic
Sydney, Australia
AUS '75 Avion - The Blue Streak TZE365V100428
USA '75 Avion - Double Trouble TZE365V100426
USA '77 Kingsley - TZE 267V100808


-----Original Message-----
From: Gmclist [mailto:gmclist-bounces] On Behalf Of Larry Davick
Sent: Monday, April 30, 2018 2:33 PM
To: gmclist
Subject: [GMCnet] Compressors?

My Dana compressor takes forever to pump up, and then it cycles about ever 4 minutes, or so. I likely have a leak somewhere in the
air pressure valves, as the bags hold air for a good amount of time. The Dana is a noisy old thing and I'm thinking that it
probably needs to be rebuilt or replaced.

If I were to replace it I'd likely go with the Viair pump from Jim K. If I were to rebuild it I'd just buy his rebuild kit. Any
experience either way, and would the performance of the Viair be significantly better than a rebuilt Dana?

Thanks,

Larry Davick
Fremont, California
A Mystery Machine
'76 (ish) Palm Beach
_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
 
I faced the same dilemma a few years back and followed Jim Bounds' recommendation, which went something like this, "as important as that air
compressor is, why take a chance on a questionable rebuild? Just get a new one". At the time he was selling the Viair 350-c which is a 100% duty
cycle, but not a very high cfm unit. I have been happy with it, but I would probably get a larger one if I had it to do over again.
--
Carl Stouffer
'75 ex Palm Beach
Tucson, AZ.
Chuck Aulgur Reaction Arm Disc Brakes, Quadrabags, 3.70 LSD final drive, Lenzi knuckles/hubs, Dodge Truck 16" X 8" front wheels, Rear American Eagles,
Solar battery charging. GMCSJ and GMCMI member
 
To add to my previous reply, unless you are going to air up tires or something that uses a LOT of air, you probably do not need a 100% duty cycle.
The 33% duty cycle, as a rule, pump a lot more CFMs of air.
--
Carl Stouffer
'75 ex Palm Beach
Tucson, AZ.
Chuck Aulgur Reaction Arm Disc Brakes, Quadrabags, 3.70 LSD final drive, Lenzi knuckles/hubs, Dodge Truck 16" X 8" front wheels, Rear American Eagles,
Solar battery charging. GMCSJ and GMCMI member
 
Rob and Carl,

Thanks for the input. It makes good sense to buy a new one once I find the leak. I have images of lifting the coach like the low-riders do, bouncing 3 feet in the air!!

Larry Davick
Fremont, California
A Mystery Machine
'76 (ish) Palm Beach

>
>
> G'day,
>
> I'm very happy with my Viair 480C; it's the largest capacity pump they make with a 100% duty cycle.
>
> Regards,
> Rob M.
> The Pedantic Mechanic
> Sydney, Australia
> AUS '75 Avion - The Blue Streak TZE365V100428
> USA '75 Avion - Double Trouble TZE365V100426
> USA '77 Kingsley - TZE 267V100808
>
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Gmclist [mailto:gmclist-bounces mailto:gmclist-bounces .org] On Behalf Of Larry Davick
> Sent: Monday, April 30, 2018 2:33 PM
> To: gmclist mailto:gmclist .org
> Subject: [GMCnet] Compressors?
>
> My Dana compressor takes forever to pump up, and then it cycles about ever 4 minutes, or so. I likely have a leak somewhere in the
> air pressure valves, as the bags hold air for a good amount of time. The Dana is a noisy old thing and I'm thinking that it
> probably needs to be rebuilt or replaced.
>
>
> If I were to replace it I'd likely go with the Viair pump from Jim K. If I were to rebuild it I'd just buy his rebuild kit. Any
> experience either way, and would the performance of the Viair be significantly better than a rebuilt Dana?
>
>
> Thanks,
>
>
> Larry Davick
> Fremont, California
> A Mystery Machine
> '76 (ish) Palm Beach
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>
 
I run a Viair 400 - which is a high (2.54 @ 0 PSI) cfm 33% duty cycle model. It’s hooked up to a Wireless Air system (with a fixed duty cycle around 30%).

I love it - it’s VERY fast pumping up, much faster than it releases!

Rob
Victoria, BC
76 Royale - Rear Twins/Dry Bath

>
> To add to my previous reply, unless you are going to air up tires or something that uses a LOT of air, you probably do not need a 100% duty cycle.
> The 33% duty cycle, as a rule, pump a lot more CFMs of air.
> --
> Carl Stouffer
> '75 ex Palm Beach
> Tucson, AZ.
> Chuck Aulgur Reaction Arm Disc Brakes, Quadrabags, 3.70 LSD final drive, Lenzi knuckles/hubs, Dodge Truck 16" X 8" front wheels, Rear American Eagles,
> Solar battery charging. GMCSJ and GMCMI member
 
Okay - just being silly now - how about tying it to an air horn!

https://hornblasters.com/collections/complete-kits/Air-Horn-Kit

Larry Davick
Fremont, California
A Mystery Machine
'76 (ish) Palm Beach

>
>
> I run a Viair 400 - which is a high (2.54 @ 0 PSI) cfm 33% duty cycle model. It’s hooked up to a Wireless Air system (with a fixed duty cycle around 30%).
>
> I love it - it’s VERY fast pumping up, much faster than it releases!
>
> Rob
> Victoria, BC
> 76 Royale - Rear Twins/Dry Bath
>

> >
> > To add to my previous reply, unless you are going to air up tires or something that uses a LOT of air, you probably do not need a 100% duty cycle.
> > The 33% duty cycle, as a rule, pump a lot more CFMs of air.
> > --
> > Carl Stouffer
> > '75 ex Palm Beach
> > Tucson, AZ.
> > Chuck Aulgur Reaction Arm Disc Brakes, Quadrabags, 3.70 LSD final drive, Lenzi knuckles/hubs, Dodge Truck 16" X 8" front wheels, Rear American Eagles,
> > Solar battery charging. GMCSJ and GMCMI member
> >
> > > _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>
 
________________________________
From: Gmclist on behalf of Shan Rose
Sent: Tuesday, May 1, 2018 9:49 PM
To: gmclist
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Compressors?

I run an Air Zenith OB2 compressor. for almost 8 years now. I even have a spare, as im considering running dual pumps. never looked back and it
provides enough air for my train horn :)

http://shop.air-zenith.com/200psiob2-black-1.aspx
--
73 Canyon Lands, (a.k.a. The Yellow Submarine) West Los Angeles CA

_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
 
I run 2 large Semi Horns below the bumper so they are aimed at dumasses window.
Works great :)
________________________________
From: Gmclist on behalf of Shan Rose
Sent: Tuesday, May 1, 2018 9:49 PM
To: gmclist
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Compressors?

I run an Air Zenith OB2 compressor. for almost 8 years now. I even have a spare, as im considering running dual pumps. never looked back and it
provides enough air for my train horn :)

http://shop.air-zenith.com/200psiob2-black-1.aspx
--
73 Canyon Lands, (a.k.a. The Yellow Submarine) West Los Angeles CA

_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
 
Nathan K3LA airchime mounted under the left fender, was just enough room to fit that bad boy under there. I ran a graham white MMV to a pedestal I
built right next to the captains chair. makes for a comfortable place to park your hand when not hanging out the cockpit window. the stock tank is
good for a 3-5 second blast, or a few good stabs, so I would need to install a larger tank to really wale on on it. on a good day it can be heard from
over a mile. here is the first test vid lol https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MVcUrqGUQQU

> I run 2 large Semi Horns below the bumper so they are aimed at dumasses window.
> Works great :)
> ________________________________
> From: Gmclist on behalf of Shan Rose
> Sent: Tuesday, May 1, 2018 9:49 PM
> To: gmclist
> Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Compressors?
>
> I run an Air Zenith OB2 compressor. for almost 8 years now. I even have a spare, as im considering running dual pumps. never looked back and it
> provides enough air for my train horn :)
>
> http://shop.air-zenith.com/200psiob2-black-1.aspx
> --
> 73 Canyon Lands, (a.k.a. The Yellow Submarine) West Los Angeles CA
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org

--
73 Canyon Lands, (a.k.a. The Yellow Submarine) West Los Angeles CA
 
Oh dear god!!

>
> Nathan K3LA airchime mounted under the left fender, was just enough room to fit that bad boy under there. I ran a graham white MMV to a pedestal I
> built right next to the captains chair. makes for a comfortable place to park your hand when not hanging out the cockpit window. the stock tank is
> good for a 3-5 second blast, or a few good stabs, so I would need to install a larger tank to really wale on on it. on a good day it can be heard from
> over a mile. here is the first test vid lol https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MVcUrqGUQQU
>

>> I run 2 large Semi Horns below the bumper so they are aimed at dumasses window.
>> Works great :)
>> ________________________________
>> From: Gmclist on behalf of Shan Rose
>> Sent: Tuesday, May 1, 2018 9:49 PM
>> To: gmclist
>> Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Compressors?
>>
>> I run an Air Zenith OB2 compressor. for almost 8 years now. I even have a spare, as im considering running dual pumps. never looked back and it
>> provides enough air for my train horn :)
>>
>> http://shop.air-zenith.com/200psiob2-black-1.aspx
>> --
>> 73 Canyon Lands, (a.k.a. The Yellow Submarine) West Los Angeles CA
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> GMCnet mailing list
>> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
>> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>> _______________________________________________
>> GMCnet mailing list
>> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
>> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>
>
> --
> 73 Canyon Lands, (a.k.a. The Yellow Submarine) West Los Angeles CA
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
 
yeah the commentary was priceless lol 8) 8)
--
73 Canyon Lands, (a.k.a. The Yellow Submarine) West Los Angeles CA
 
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