We bought our first 78 in 2003. That GMC burned in 2015. Those air bags sat for the next 2 years. Fully inflated.They never needed air added for that 2 years. I hear of all these original bags leaking. And never about the ones that don't. So was I just really lucky? Bob Dunahugh
My air bags never leaked. Is that really abnormal?
- Thread starter Bob Dunahugh
- Start date
I really hate to comment for fear that mine might start leaking. I also
have a 78 with my wireless air remote controlled system. It has cut off
valves at the bag inlets, but they are always open. The system has not
leaked down yet, either. Most leaks that I find in coaches that I work on
are in the valves mounted in the dash, or the compressor mounted on the
front frame rail, or the big air tank under the battery tray. Any connector
is a source for a leak. Same with solenoids.
Jim Hupy
> We bought our first 78 in 2003. That GMC burned in 2015. Those air bags
> sat for the next 2 years. Fully inflated.They never needed air added for
> that 2 years. I hear of all these original bags leaking. And never about
> the ones that don't. So was I just really lucky? Bob Dunahugh
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>
have a 78 with my wireless air remote controlled system. It has cut off
valves at the bag inlets, but they are always open. The system has not
leaked down yet, either. Most leaks that I find in coaches that I work on
are in the valves mounted in the dash, or the compressor mounted on the
front frame rail, or the big air tank under the battery tray. Any connector
is a source for a leak. Same with solenoids.
Jim Hupy
> We bought our first 78 in 2003. That GMC burned in 2015. Those air bags
> sat for the next 2 years. Fully inflated.They never needed air added for
> that 2 years. I hear of all these original bags leaking. And never about
> the ones that don't. So was I just really lucky? Bob Dunahugh
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>
The fitting used in the original bags screws into the bag, and that can
leak, too. I think I have a leak in one of mine there. I have replaced the
tank and all its fittings, the compressor, and I'm using JR's valves with
all his fittings. I added an air pressure gauge--a good Autometer gauge.
I'm getting ready to replace a leveling valve that doesn't want to behave,
but even when it behaved, I still had leaks. I have not yet replaced ALL
the tubing, but maybe I'll do that when I rebuild the back end next year.
Rick "leaks are a sign of leaks, not a sign of poor maintenance or upkeep"
Denney
> I really hate to comment for fear that mine might start leaking. I also
> have a 78 with my wireless air remote controlled system. It has cut off
> valves at the bag inlets, but they are always open. The system has not
> leaked down yet, either. Most leaks that I find in coaches that I work on
> are in the valves mounted in the dash, or the compressor mounted on the
> front frame rail, or the big air tank under the battery tray. Any connector
> is a source for a leak. Same with solenoids.
> Jim Hupy
>
>
> > We bought our first 78 in 2003. That GMC burned in 2015. Those air bags
> > sat for the next 2 years. Fully inflated.They never needed air added for
> > that 2 years. I hear of all these original bags leaking. And never about
> > the ones that don't. So was I just really lucky? Bob Dunahugh
> > _______________________________________________
> > GMCnet mailing list
> > Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> > http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
> >
> _______________________________________________
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--
'73 X-Glacier 230 "Jaws"
Northern Virginia
Offlist email: rick at rickdenney dot com
leak, too. I think I have a leak in one of mine there. I have replaced the
tank and all its fittings, the compressor, and I'm using JR's valves with
all his fittings. I added an air pressure gauge--a good Autometer gauge.
I'm getting ready to replace a leveling valve that doesn't want to behave,
but even when it behaved, I still had leaks. I have not yet replaced ALL
the tubing, but maybe I'll do that when I rebuild the back end next year.
Rick "leaks are a sign of leaks, not a sign of poor maintenance or upkeep"
Denney
> I really hate to comment for fear that mine might start leaking. I also
> have a 78 with my wireless air remote controlled system. It has cut off
> valves at the bag inlets, but they are always open. The system has not
> leaked down yet, either. Most leaks that I find in coaches that I work on
> are in the valves mounted in the dash, or the compressor mounted on the
> front frame rail, or the big air tank under the battery tray. Any connector
> is a source for a leak. Same with solenoids.
> Jim Hupy
>
>
> > We bought our first 78 in 2003. That GMC burned in 2015. Those air bags
> > sat for the next 2 years. Fully inflated.They never needed air added for
> > that 2 years. I hear of all these original bags leaking. And never about
> > the ones that don't. So was I just really lucky? Bob Dunahugh
> > _______________________________________________
> > 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 X-Glacier 230 "Jaws"
Northern Virginia
Offlist email: rick at rickdenney dot com
Bob,
With all due respect the guys that designed the GMC put the "TRAVEL" position on the switch for a reason; they wanted the pressure
in the bags to be regulated by the height control valves while the GMC was being driven.
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 Bob Dunahugh
Sent: Wednesday, May 2, 2018 9:30 AM
To: gmclist
Subject: [GMCnet] My air bags never leaked. Is that really abnormal?
We bought our first 78 in 2003. That GMC burned in 2015. Those air bags sat for the next 2 years. Fully inflated.They never needed
air added for that 2 years. I hear of all these original bags leaking. And never about the ones that don't. So was I just really
lucky? Bob Dunahugh
_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
With all due respect the guys that designed the GMC put the "TRAVEL" position on the switch for a reason; they wanted the pressure
in the bags to be regulated by the height control valves while the GMC was being driven.
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 Bob Dunahugh
Sent: Wednesday, May 2, 2018 9:30 AM
To: gmclist
Subject: [GMCnet] My air bags never leaked. Is that really abnormal?
We bought our first 78 in 2003. That GMC burned in 2015. Those air bags sat for the next 2 years. Fully inflated.They never needed
air added for that 2 years. I hear of all these original bags leaking. And never about the ones that don't. So was I just really
lucky? Bob Dunahugh
_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
Rob. I put the switch in travel all the time with the first 78. Till I had to start running about 3 inches higher then what GM called for. Not happy about the loss of some frontend caster due to the increased rear height. Now with the Quad bags. I run with all the bags turned off. This gives me the safety that if something happens to one bag. The rear will not drop. The Q bags seem to be more stable on the road. And improved control with side wind gust. With bags turned on or off. Bob Dunahugh 78 Royale
________________________________
From: Bob Dunahugh
Sent: Wednesday, May 2, 2018 9:29 AM
To: gmclist
Subject: My air bags never leaked. Is that really abnormal?
We bought our first 78 in 2003. That GMC burned in 2015. Those air bags sat for the next 2 years. Fully inflated.They never needed air added for that 2 years. I hear of all these original bags leaking. And never about the ones that don't. So was I just really lucky? Bob Dunahugh
________________________________
From: Bob Dunahugh
Sent: Wednesday, May 2, 2018 9:29 AM
To: gmclist
Subject: My air bags never leaked. Is that really abnormal?
We bought our first 78 in 2003. That GMC burned in 2015. Those air bags sat for the next 2 years. Fully inflated.They never needed air added for that 2 years. I hear of all these original bags leaking. And never about the ones that don't. So was I just really lucky? Bob Dunahugh
Travel settings vary between the various incantations of air systems.
Probably 1/3 of all the coaches I see have the valves turned off at the
bags. They seem to please the owners. My particular Royale ride height is
controlled by pressure, not electronic gauges. It does quite well.
Jim Hupy
Bob,
With all due respect the guys that designed the GMC put the "TRAVEL"
position on the switch for a reason; they wanted the pressure
in the bags to be regulated by the height control valves while the GMC was
being driven.
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 Bob
Dunahugh
Sent: Wednesday, May 2, 2018 9:30 AM
To: gmclist
Subject: [GMCnet] My air bags never leaked. Is that really abnormal?
We bought our first 78 in 2003. That GMC burned in 2015. Those air bags sat
for the next 2 years. Fully inflated.They never needed
air added for that 2 years. I hear of all these original bags leaking. And
never about the ones that don't. So was I just really
lucky? Bob Dunahugh
_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
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Probably 1/3 of all the coaches I see have the valves turned off at the
bags. They seem to please the owners. My particular Royale ride height is
controlled by pressure, not electronic gauges. It does quite well.
Jim Hupy
Bob,
With all due respect the guys that designed the GMC put the "TRAVEL"
position on the switch for a reason; they wanted the pressure
in the bags to be regulated by the height control valves while the GMC was
being driven.
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 Bob
Dunahugh
Sent: Wednesday, May 2, 2018 9:30 AM
To: gmclist
Subject: [GMCnet] My air bags never leaked. Is that really abnormal?
We bought our first 78 in 2003. That GMC burned in 2015. Those air bags sat
for the next 2 years. Fully inflated.They never needed
air added for that 2 years. I hear of all these original bags leaking. And
never about the ones that don't. So was I just really
lucky? Bob Dunahugh
_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
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except pressure is inversely correlated to height, so controlling pressure does the exact wrong thing, lowering on increased weight, raising on reduced weight
________________________________
From: Gmclist on behalf of James Hupy
Sent: Wednesday, May 2, 2018 11:45 AM
To: gmclist
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] My air bags never leaked. Is that really abnormal?
Travel settings vary between the various incantations of air systems.
Probably 1/3 of all the coaches I see have the valves turned off at the
bags. They seem to please the owners. My particular Royale ride height is
controlled by pressure, not electronic gauges. It does quite well.
Jim Hupy
Bob,
With all due respect the guys that designed the GMC put the "TRAVEL"
position on the switch for a reason; they wanted the pressure
in the bags to be regulated by the height control valves while the GMC was
being driven.
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 Bob
Dunahugh
Sent: Wednesday, May 2, 2018 9:30 AM
To: gmclist
Subject: [GMCnet] My air bags never leaked. Is that really abnormal?
We bought our first 78 in 2003. That GMC burned in 2015. Those air bags sat
for the next 2 years. Fully inflated.They never needed
air added for that 2 years. I hear of all these original bags leaking. And
never about the ones that don't. So was I just really
lucky? Bob Dunahugh
_______________________________________________
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
_______________________________________________
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________________________________
From: Gmclist on behalf of James Hupy
Sent: Wednesday, May 2, 2018 11:45 AM
To: gmclist
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] My air bags never leaked. Is that really abnormal?
Travel settings vary between the various incantations of air systems.
Probably 1/3 of all the coaches I see have the valves turned off at the
bags. They seem to please the owners. My particular Royale ride height is
controlled by pressure, not electronic gauges. It does quite well.
Jim Hupy
Bob,
With all due respect the guys that designed the GMC put the "TRAVEL"
position on the switch for a reason; they wanted the pressure
in the bags to be regulated by the height control valves while the GMC was
being driven.
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 Bob
Dunahugh
Sent: Wednesday, May 2, 2018 9:30 AM
To: gmclist
Subject: [GMCnet] My air bags never leaked. Is that really abnormal?
We bought our first 78 in 2003. That GMC burned in 2015. Those air bags sat
for the next 2 years. Fully inflated.They never needed
air added for that 2 years. I hear of all these original bags leaking. And
never about the ones that don't. So was I just really
lucky? Bob Dunahugh
_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
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> We bought our first 78 in 2003. That GMC burned in 2015. Those air bags sat for the next 2 years. Fully inflated.They never needed air added for
> that 2 years. I hear of all these original bags leaking. And never about the ones that don't. So was I just really lucky? Bob Dunahugh
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
Once I changed all of the fittings from plastic to brass mine never leaks.
--
Ken Burton - N9KB
76 Palm Beach
Hebron, Indiana
> that 2 years. I hear of all these original bags leaking. And never about the ones that don't. So was I just really lucky? Bob Dunahugh
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
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Once I changed all of the fittings from plastic to brass mine never leaks.
--
Ken Burton - N9KB
76 Palm Beach
Hebron, Indiana
I started using Loctite 545 Thread hydraulic/pnematic sealant on all my air
fittings and have had great results.
I first tried it on the air compressor in my garage which was cycling
often. I redid all of my air-tool fittings that previously had Teflon tape
or pipe dope and now have no more leaks. The compressor did not turn on
once in 24 hours.
I was surprised how tight I had to torque down the Teflon tape connections
to prevent all leaks. The Loctite works easier and is all I've been using
on the GMC airbag system.
I ordered it online as I could not find it in my local stores.
--
Eric Brodersen
1976 Edgemonte
Chicago, IL
fittings and have had great results.
I first tried it on the air compressor in my garage which was cycling
often. I redid all of my air-tool fittings that previously had Teflon tape
or pipe dope and now have no more leaks. The compressor did not turn on
once in 24 hours.
I was surprised how tight I had to torque down the Teflon tape connections
to prevent all leaks. The Loctite works easier and is all I've been using
on the GMC airbag system.
I ordered it online as I could not find it in my local stores.
--
Eric Brodersen
1976 Edgemonte
Chicago, IL
That Loc tite 545 is the best, but expensive.
On Thu, May 3, 2018 at 10:57 AM, Eric Brodersen
wrote:
> I started using Loctite 545 Thread hydraulic/pnematic sealant on all my air
> fittings and have had great results.
>
> I first tried it on the air compressor in my garage which was cycling
> often. I redid all of my air-tool fittings that previously had Teflon tape
> or pipe dope and now have no more leaks. The compressor did not turn on
> once in 24 hours.
>
> I was surprised how tight I had to torque down the Teflon tape connections
> to prevent all leaks. The Loctite works easier and is all I've been using
> on the GMC airbag system.
>
> I ordered it online as I could not find it in my local stores.
>
> --
> Eric Brodersen
> 1976 Edgemonte
> Chicago, IL
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
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>
--
Jim Kanomata
Applied/GMC, Newark,CA
jimk
http://www.appliedgmc.com
1-800-752-7502
On Thu, May 3, 2018 at 10:57 AM, Eric Brodersen
wrote:
> I started using Loctite 545 Thread hydraulic/pnematic sealant on all my air
> fittings and have had great results.
>
> I first tried it on the air compressor in my garage which was cycling
> often. I redid all of my air-tool fittings that previously had Teflon tape
> or pipe dope and now have no more leaks. The compressor did not turn on
> once in 24 hours.
>
> I was surprised how tight I had to torque down the Teflon tape connections
> to prevent all leaks. The Loctite works easier and is all I've been using
> on the GMC airbag system.
>
> I ordered it online as I could not find it in my local stores.
>
> --
> Eric Brodersen
> 1976 Edgemonte
> Chicago, IL
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
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>
--
Jim Kanomata
Applied/GMC, Newark,CA
jimk
http://www.appliedgmc.com
1-800-752-7502
Not if it stops those aggravating air leaks. 
Worth every penny.
> That Loc tite 545 is the best, but expensive.
> --
> Jim Kanomata
> Applied/GMC, Newark,CA
> jimk
> http://www.appliedgmc.com
> 1-800-752-7502
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
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--
Patti & Jerry Burt
73 Gmc 26' Canyon Lands -
77 Palm Beach
Members: FMCA - GMCMI - GMCWS
Worth every penny.> That Loc tite 545 is the best, but expensive.
> --
> Jim Kanomata
> Applied/GMC, Newark,CA
> jimk
> http://www.appliedgmc.com
> 1-800-752-7502
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
--
Patti & Jerry Burt
73 Gmc 26' Canyon Lands -
77 Palm Beach
Members: FMCA - GMCMI - GMCWS
The air line connections on the coaches I ve worked on are compression
style so I’m not sure of the benefit of pipe tape or thread sealant. Now
the fittings between the hose connection and the bag I can see.
Sully
77 eleganza 2
Bellevue.
> Not if it stops those aggravating air leaks. Worth every penny.
>
> > That Loc tite 545 is the best, but expensive.
> > --
> > Jim Kanomata
> > Applied/GMC, Newark,CA
> > jimk
> > http://www.appliedgmc.com
> > 1-800-752-7502
> > _______________________________________________
> > GMCnet mailing list
> > Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> > http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>
>
> --
> Patti & Jerry Burt
> 73 Gmc 26' Canyon Lands -
> 77 Palm Beach
> Members: FMCA - GMCMI - GMCWS
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>
style so I’m not sure of the benefit of pipe tape or thread sealant. Now
the fittings between the hose connection and the bag I can see.
Sully
77 eleganza 2
Bellevue.
> Not if it stops those aggravating air leaks.
Worth every penny.>
> > That Loc tite 545 is the best, but expensive.
> > --
> > Jim Kanomata
> > Applied/GMC, Newark,CA
> > jimk
> > http://www.appliedgmc.com
> > 1-800-752-7502
> > _______________________________________________
> > GMCnet mailing list
> > Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> > http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>
>
> --
> Patti & Jerry Burt
> 73 Gmc 26' Canyon Lands -
> 77 Palm Beach
> Members: FMCA - GMCMI - GMCWS
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>
