Airk Brakes won't pressure up

[bluebirdfitz]

I just started up my 1978 Wanderlodge FC31 bus after a long winter
hiatus. It started right up (in a sea of blue smoke), but the air
brakes won't pressure up past sixty. The same thing happened last
year, but it seemed to fix itself when I went back out a week later.
The bus is old, but only has about 30,000 miles on it. Any ideas of
what I should be checking first.

Thanks very much for any help.

John Fitz
78 Bluebird FC 31
Maynard, MA

http:http://www.johnfitz.com

[Chuck Wheeler]

John,

I would start with the Air Dryer. I have had the valve stick on our coach.
If there is a steady stream of air out the purge valve it's not sealing. I
have temporarily fixed ours by placing my palm over the valve vent until the
air comes up. It is OK until the next time the air is down. If this does
it then it is time for a rebuild kit for the dryer.



Chuck Wheeler

82 FC 31SB

Fort Worth



_____

From: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com
[mailto:WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of bluebirdfitz
Sent: Friday, March 30, 2007 3:50 PM
To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [WanderlodgeForum] Airk Brakes won't pressure up



I just started up my 1978 Wanderlodge FC31 bus after a long winter
hiatus. It started right up (in a sea of blue smoke), but the air
brakes won't pressure up past sixty. The same thing happened last
year, but it seemed to fix itself when I went back out a week later.
The bus is old, but only has about 30,000 miles on it. Any ideas of
what I should be checking first.

Thanks very much for any help.

John Fitz
78 Bluebird FC 31
Maynard, MA

http:http://www.johnfitz.com





[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

[dthollis1961]

John,

There is a safety valve in the system that doesn't allow air to flow
to the accessories until there is about 60 psi on the system. Since
your getting to 60, I'd check the step, air horn and air chuck in
side compartment. When I bought my '78, it wouldn't go above 60
till I whacked the air chuck that was spewing air. My '78 didn't
have an air dryer.

David Hollis 84FC35 Springfield,IL


--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "bluebirdfitz"
wrote:
>
> I just started up my 1978 Wanderlodge FC31 bus after a long winter
> hiatus. It started right up (in a sea of blue smoke), but the air
> brakes won't pressure up past sixty. The same thing happened last
> year, but it seemed to fix itself when I went back out a week
later.
> The bus is old, but only has about 30,000 miles on it. Any ideas
of
> what I should be checking first.
>
> Thanks very much for any help.
>
> John Fitz
> 78 Bluebird FC 31
> Maynard, MA
>
> http:http://www.johnfitz.com
>

[one_dusty_hoot]

John,
I am inclined to agree with David. When checking
the air ride I came across some in-line regulators
that close when the pressure drops to 60-65#. They
are about 2" long in series with the air piping to
systems. Their purpose is to limit air to auxillary
sytems so that you will always have brakes. Since
you don't have air ride, I would look at all the
places air is used, don't leave out the steps and
cruise control. If you can't hear air escaping over
the noise of the engine you might try connecting air
from a shop compressor. It could even be the governor
on the compressor, it could be anywhere except the
brake system. Whatever the problem it should be tracked
down now rather than have a failure on the road.
bob janes, 87fc35, greenville, sc

--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "dthollis1961"
wrote:
>
> John,
>
> There is a safety valve in the system that doesn't allow air to
flow
> to the accessories until there is about 60 psi on the system.
Since
> your getting to 60, I'd check the step, air horn and air chuck in
> side compartment. When I bought my '78, it wouldn't go above 60
> till I whacked the air chuck that was spewing air. My '78 didn't
> have an air dryer.
>
> David Hollis 84FC35 Springfield,IL
>
>
> --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "bluebirdfitz"
> wrote:
> >
> > I just started up my 1978 Wanderlodge FC31 bus after a long winter
> > hiatus. It started right up (in a sea of blue smoke), but the
air
> > brakes won't pressure up past sixty. The same thing happened last
> > year, but it seemed to fix itself when I went back out a week
> later.
> > The bus is old, but only has about 30,000 miles on it. Any ideas
> of
> > what I should be checking first.
> >
> > Thanks very much for any help.
> >
> > John Fitz
> > 78 Bluebird FC 31
> > Maynard, MA
> >
> > http:http://www.johnfitz.com
> >
>

[Gardner Yeaw]

I has a similar experience on my '78 after I drained the brake
tanks to install new lanyard bleed valves. The brakes wouldn't come
up to presure. I waited a while and restarted the engine and it
worked! I bled them down and the same thing happened again. I ended
up putting a new regulator on the compressor. This year I started it
up after sitting for the winter and everything worked fine.

Gardner
78FC33

--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "one_dusty_hoot"
wrote:
>
> John,
> I am inclined to agree with David. When checking
> the air ride I came across some in-line regulators
> that close when the pressure drops to 60-65#. They
> are about 2" long in series with the air piping to
> systems. Their purpose is to limit air to auxillary
> sytems so that you will always have brakes. Since
> you don't have air ride, I would look at all the
> places air is used, don't leave out the steps and
> cruise control. If you can't hear air escaping over
> the noise of the engine you might try connecting air
> from a shop compressor. It could even be the governor
> on the compressor, it could be anywhere except the
> brake system. Whatever the problem it should be tracked
> down now rather than have a failure on the road.
> bob janes, 87fc35, greenville, sc
>
> --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "dthollis1961"
> wrote:
> >
> > John,
> >
> > There is a safety valve in the system that doesn't allow air to
> flow
> > to the accessories until there is about 60 psi on the system.
> Since
> > your getting to 60, I'd check the step, air horn and air chuck
in
> > side compartment. When I bought my '78, it wouldn't go above 60
> > till I whacked the air chuck that was spewing air. My '78
didn't
> > have an air dryer.
> >
> > David Hollis 84FC35 Springfield,IL
> >
> >
> > --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "bluebirdfitz"
> > wrote:
> > >
> > > I just started up my 1978 Wanderlodge FC31 bus after a long
winter
> > > hiatus. It started right up (in a sea of blue smoke), but
the
> air
> > > brakes won't pressure up past sixty. The same thing happened
last
> > > year, but it seemed to fix itself when I went back out a week
> > later.
> > > The bus is old, but only has about 30,000 miles on it. Any
ideas
> > of
> > > what I should be checking first.
> > >
> > > Thanks very much for any help.
> > >
> > > John Fitz
> > > 78 Bluebird FC 31
> > > Maynard, MA
> > >
> > > http:http://www.johnfitz.com
> > >
> >
>

[James Harvie]

I saw a simular post in here, a week or so ago, Someone had the same problem. I
don't think he posted his repair, but I think if I had a valve or two sticking,
I'd remove the air discharge hose from the compressor, (the one that goes from
the compressor, to supply the tank), and dump about a half of cup or so of
Alcohol, into the hose. then put hose back on start it up and pump the pedal.
Alcohol will eventually dry up the "O" rings, if you use it all of the time, but
it can also turn a long repair, into a short one. Sometimes a small piece of
debris, or sludge blocks the valve internally, and they get hung up, half way.
When you work for Brown, the name of the game is to get the vehicle rolling as
quick as possible, so it works for them. I saw a tractor trailer get towed in
once, because the driver lost the windshield wiper, on the passengers side, and
refused to drive it. Good luck.

Jimmy Harvie

82FC 35 SB

Boston Ma

Gardner Yeaw wrote:
I has a similar experience on my '78 after I drained the brake
tanks to install new lanyard bleed valves. The brakes wouldn't come
up to presure. I waited a while and restarted the engine and it
worked! I bled them down and the same thing happened again. I ended
up putting a new regulator on the compressor. This year I started it
up after sitting for the winter and everything worked fine.

Gardner
78FC33

--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "one_dusty_hoot"
wrote:
>
> John,
> I am inclined to agree with David. When checking
> the air ride I came across some in-line regulators
> that close when the pressure drops to 60-65#. They
> are about 2" long in series with the air piping to
> systems. Their purpose is to limit air to auxillary
> sytems so that you will always have brakes. Since
> you don't have air ride, I would look at all the
> places air is used, don't leave out the steps and
> cruise control. If you can't hear air escaping over
> the noise of the engine you might try connecting air
> from a shop compressor. It could even be the governor
> on the compressor, it could be anywhere except the
> brake system. Whatever the problem it should be tracked
> down now rather than have a failure on the road.
> bob janes, 87fc35, greenville, sc
>
> --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "dthollis1961"
> wrote:
> >
> > John,
> >
> > There is a safety valve in the system that doesn't allow air to
> flow
> > to the accessories until there is about 60 psi on the system.
> Since
> > your getting to 60, I'd check the step, air horn and air chuck
in
> > side compartment. When I bought my '78, it wouldn't go above 60
> > till I whacked the air chuck that was spewing air. My '78
didn't
> > have an air dryer.
> >
> > David Hollis 84FC35 Springfield,IL
> >
> >
> > --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "bluebirdfitz"
> > wrote:
> > >
> > > I just started up my 1978 Wanderlodge FC31 bus after a long
winter
> > > hiatus. It started right up (in a sea of blue smoke), but
the
> air
> > > brakes won't pressure up past sixty. The same thing happened
last
> > > year, but it seemed to fix itself when I went back out a week
> > later.
> > > The bus is old, but only has about 30,000 miles on it. Any
ideas
> > of
> > > what I should be checking first.
> > >
> > > Thanks very much for any help.
> > >
> > > John Fitz
> > > 78 Bluebird FC 31
> > > Maynard, MA
> > >
> > > http:http://www.johnfitz.com
> > >
> >
>






---------------------------------
Expecting? Get great news right away with email Auto-Check.
Try the Yahoo! Mail Beta.

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

[Terry Neal]

Thanks Jimmy for your experience/expertise on this. I will try this on
a stuck pressure regulator on my air system. Good info & I really
appreciate it.

Terry

Terry Neal
Bozeman, MT
82PT40 6V92TA
74FC34 6V53T



James Harvie wrote:

> I saw a simular post in here, a week or so ago, Someone had the same
> problem. I don't think he posted his repair, but I think if I had a
> valve or two sticking, I'd remove the air discharge hose from the
> compressor, (the one that goes from the compressor, to supply the
> tank), and dump about a half of cup or so of Alcohol, into the hose.
> then put hose back on start it up and pump the pedal. Alcohol will
> eventually dry up the "O" rings, if you use it all of the time, but it
> can also turn a long repair, into a short one. Sometimes a small piece
> of debris, or sludge blocks the valve internally, and they get hung
> up, half way. When you work for Brown, the name of the game is to get
> the vehicle rolling as quick as possible, so it works for them. I saw
> a tractor trailer get towed in once, because the driver lost the
> windshield wiper, on the passengers side, and refused to drive it.
> Good luck.
> Jimmy Harvie
> 82FC 35 SB
> Boston Ma
>
> Gardner Yeaw > wrote:
> I has a similar experience on my '78 after I drained the brake
> tanks to install new lanyard bleed valves. The brakes wouldn't come
> up to presure. I waited a while and restarted the engine and it
> worked! I bled them down and the same thing happened again. I ended
> up putting a new regulator on the compressor. This year I started it
> up after sitting for the winter and everything worked fine.
>
> Gardner
> 78FC33
>
> --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com
> , "one_dusty_hoot"
> wrote:
> >
> > John,
> > I am inclined to agree with David. When checking
> > the air ride I came across some in-line regulators
> > that close when the pressure drops to 60-65#. They
> > are about 2" long in series with the air piping to
> > systems. Their purpose is to limit air to auxillary
> > sytems so that you will always have brakes. Since
> > you don't have air ride, I would look at all the
> > places air is used, don't leave out the steps and
> > cruise control. If you can't hear air escaping over
> > the noise of the engine you might try connecting air
> > from a shop compressor. It could even be the governor
> > on the compressor, it could be anywhere except the
> > brake system. Whatever the problem it should be tracked
> > down now rather than have a failure on the road.
> > bob janes, 87fc35, greenville, sc
> >
> > --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com
> , "dthollis1961"
> > wrote:
> > >
> > > John,
> > >
> > > There is a safety valve in the system that doesn't allow air to
> > flow
> > > to the accessories until there is about 60 psi on the system.
> > Since
> > > your getting to 60, I'd check the step, air horn and air chuck
> in
> > > side compartment. When I bought my '78, it wouldn't go above 60
> > > till I whacked the air chuck that was spewing air. My '78
> didn't
> > > have an air dryer.
> > >
> > > David Hollis 84FC35 Springfield,IL
> > >
> > >
> > > --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com
> , "bluebirdfitz"
> > > wrote:
> > > >
> > > > I just started up my 1978 Wanderlodge FC31 bus after a long
> winter
> > > > hiatus. It started right up (in a sea of blue smoke), but
> the
> > air
> > > > brakes won't pressure up past sixty. The same thing happened
> last
> > > > year, but it seemed to fix itself when I went back out a week
> > > later.
> > > > The bus is old, but only has about 30,000 miles on it. Any
> ideas
> > > of
> > > > what I should be checking first.
> > > >
> > > > Thanks very much for any help.
> > > >
> > > > John Fitz
> > > > 78 Bluebird FC 31
> > > > Maynard, MA
> > > >
> > > > http:http://www.johnfitz.com
> > > >
> > >
> >
>
> ---------------------------------
> Expecting? Get great news right away with email Auto-Check.
> Try the Yahoo! Mail Beta.
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>
>



[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

[bluebirdfitz]

Thanks for all of the help. I'll try your suggestions tomorrow and
let you know how they work! Much appreciated responses.

--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "bluebirdfitz"
wrote:
>
> I just started up my 1978 Wanderlodge FC31 bus after a long winter
> hiatus. It started right up (in a sea of blue smoke), but the air
> brakes won't pressure up past sixty. The same thing happened last
> year, but it seemed to fix itself when I went back out a week later.
> The bus is old, but only has about 30,000 miles on it. Any ideas of
> what I should be checking first.
>
> Thanks very much for any help.
>
> John Fitz
> 78 Bluebird FC 31
> Maynard, MA
>
> http:http://www.johnfitz.com
>

[jim riordan]

Air dryer!

build pressure (as much as possible) shut off engine get underneath (carefull
to block) listen for the tell tale hissssssssssssssssss.



Jim Riordan
88 wbwl xxv
stuart, fl

bluebirdfitz wrote:
Thanks for all of the help. I'll try your suggestions tomorrow and
let you know how they work! Much appreciated responses.

--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "bluebirdfitz"
wrote:
>
> I just started up my 1978 Wanderlodge FC31 bus after a long winter
> hiatus. It started right up (in a sea of blue smoke), but the air
> brakes won't pressure up past sixty. The same thing happened last
> year, but it seemed to fix itself when I went back out a week later.
> The bus is old, but only has about 30,000 miles on it. Any ideas of
> what I should be checking first.
>
> Thanks very much for any help.
>
> John Fitz
> 78 Bluebird FC 31
> Maynard, MA
>
> http:http://www.johnfitz.com
>






---------------------------------
We won't tell. Get more on shows you hate to love
(and love to hate): Yahoo! TV's Guilty Pleasures list.

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

[Bob & Carol Howald`]

If your looking for a leak in the line's running to the brake's,
you'll want to chock the wheel's and release the brake's, then listen
for the air leak. Bob 93pt.....
>
> Air dryer!
>
> build pressure (as much as possible) shut off engine get
underneath (carefull to block) listen for the tell tale
hissssssssssssssssss.
>
>
>
> Jim Riordan
> 88 wbwl xxv
> stuart, fl
>
> bluebirdfitz wrote:
> Thanks for all of the help. I'll try your suggestions
tomorrow and
> let you know how they work! Much appreciated responses.
>
> --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "bluebirdfitz"
> wrote:
> >
> > I just started up my 1978 Wanderlodge FC31 bus after a long winter
> > hiatus. It started right up (in a sea of blue smoke), but the air
> > brakes won't pressure up past sixty. The same thing happened last
> > year, but it seemed to fix itself when I went back out a week
later.
> > The bus is old, but only has about 30,000 miles on it. Any ideas
of
> > what I should be checking first.
> >
> > Thanks very much for any help.
> >
> > John Fitz
> > 78 Bluebird FC 31
> > Maynard, MA
> >
> > http:http://www.johnfitz.com
> >
>
>
>
>
>
>
> ---------------------------------
> We won't tell. Get more on shows you hate to love
> (and love to hate): Yahoo! TV's Guilty Pleasures list.
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>