auxilliary air compressor maintenance

[R J]

Thanks again John, I'm just not a mechanical guy and
I'm still confused.
> > 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.

Actually, when I tried it again, the 110 volt
compressor came on 1st and then a minute or so later
the 12 volt one kicked in. I don't have a clue how
they might be plumbed but the 12 volt one seems to
work independent of the 110 volt one. Like you, I
just had the 12 volt compressor replaced a couple of
years ago and to me, it seems to be performing
perfectly since then.... although now that you
mention it, I notice that it occassionaly comes on
spontaneously for 20 seconds our so. To give you an
idea, when new, it ran about 40 seconds after a flush
and then shut down and that hasn't changed since I had
it put in. To further confuse, I'm suprized to hear
that your 110 volt cycles every 3 to 4 hours because
ours doesn't seem to cycle more than 2 to 3 times per
day.

--- John Suter wrote:
> 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.

> 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

I don't understand why the 12 volt compressor is even
necessary what with the engines compressor, the 110
volt auxilliary compressor, the inverters and
generator. Maybe a shut off switch on the 12 volt is
the way to go. Just save it for when all else fails?
Your further thoughts and advice appreciated.

ron & ruth