auxilliary air compressor maintenance

[John Suter]

Hi again Ron,

--- R J wrote:

> Hi John,
>
> I could find only one drain line with a petcock on
> it.
> It comes from the bottom of the air tank, which is
> mounted above and between the 12 volt and 110 volt
> compressors, and runs down and through the floor.

I've not seen one mounted in that fashion, and I'd
prefer to be able to "see" the output; however, the
point is you found it. Add a reminder to drain, to
your monthly maintenance checklist, especially if you
live in an area of humidity. The 12Volt compressor
does not have a tank to drain, and the engine air
compressor has a built-in air dryer which dryer
cartridge should be changed every few years.

> It
> won't pull out of the floor so I assume it drains
> beneath the coach. I opened it, the 12 volt
> compressor came on and I heard the sound of air
> expelling from the tank. I looked beneath the coach
> and I couldn't see any water spray or hear any air
> noise. I left the valve petcock open for about a
> minute and then closed it. The 12 volt compressor
> ran
> for another few minutes and then shut down.

For the 12V to come on when the 110V tank is drained
must mean they are plumbed together. However, for the
12v to come on before the 110V must also mean their
pressure regulators must be set in the reverse of what
I would desire.

> Last nite
> the 110 volt compressor came on and made that air
> sputtering sound that compressors make over a
> hundred
> times before 'closing', and then ran another minute
> or
> so before shutting down. I must be missing
> something
> here. Any ideas? Thanks.

For what it's worth, my 110V will operate about 1
minute, "sputter" a couple of times, then shut down
and will cycle in that manner about every 3-4 hours.

The 12V compressors are notorious for wearing out
their teflon-like, piston seal, and perhaps that is
what is causing the prolonged operation you describe.
Unfortunately, you cannot repair the 5 cent seal and
must purchase a new $150 complete pump, if it fails.
I became "pi##ed" (upset) at the seal problem and
found a manufacturer who would produce the seals to
order - however the minimum order was about 1 million
seals for about $1,000 - not much help. A solution is
to perform the replumb I mentioned previously, and to
add a 12V switch to the 12V compressor pump to
conserve/preserve their life. I note that some BB's
have the switch factory installed and some do not.

Regards,

John Suter



>
> Ron & Ruth in 2000 Lxi
>
> --- John Suter wrote:
>
> > Hi Ron,
> >
> > --- luckyron1 wrote:
> > > Ours runs about twice a day when we are parked.
> > At
> > > the same time, I
> > > note that the air toilet compressor is also
> > running,
> > > and I think that
> > > the two compressors are connected.
> >
> > The 110V compressor and the 12V compressor were
> > not
> > originally connected to one another by BB.
> However,
> > many owners, including me, have had them replumbed
> > so
> > they both feed all air requirements and had the
> > pressure regulators set so the 110v kicks in at a
> > slightly lower air pressure than the 12V so the
> 110V
> > effectively becomes the "master compressor," after
> > the
> > engine compressor. Plumbed in this manner, in the
> > event 110V is not present (and the 110V is not
> > usually
> > connected to the inverter), the 12V will then come
> > on
> > and drive the toilet and the slide air seals.
> >
> > > (I had the
> > > latter replaced about 2
> > > yrs. ago.) The tank or compressor expels air for
> > 50
> > > to 60 cycles before
> > > it finally stabilizes, fills, and shuts off. I
> > > think I have to drain
> > > the water out but don't know where the drain is.
>
> >
> > Reach into the area where the 110V compressor is
> > buried behind wooden panels covered with felt, or
> > unscrew the panels, and feel for a 3/8" relatively
> > "loose" plastic air tubing line. At its far end
> is
> > a
> > connector with the ability to open and drain the
> > tank
> > of accumulated water. Gently pull the tubing out
> > from
> > the opening and you will note the tube length is
> > just
> > long enough to reach outside the bin area. Stand
> > back
> > when you open the pet-cock as, if it hasn't been
> > regularly drained, it may spew lots of gunk.
> >
> > Good luck,
> >
> > John Suter
> > 2000LXi
> >
> > > Anyone??
> > > Thanks
> > >
> > > Ron & Ruth in 2000 lxi
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> >
> >
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>
>


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