Another compressor problem

[erniecarpet@...]

John, on my previous coach, 84 35FC, the air dryer was located in the middle
of the coach just inboard of the steps.

Ernie Ekberg
83PT40
Weatherford, Tx
-- Ocala, Fla



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[ebirder2000@...]

John, I believe that the 77 vintage birds did not have an air dryer. They
started incorporating them in the early 80s models. You should have a spitter
assembly attached to the bottom of your primary air tank. It spits air and oil
from it on a low volume basis. Sometimes makes a mess. You also should have a
valve at the bottom of all three air tanks that should be opened
occasionally to drain any moisture and oil that accumulates in the tanks.(Also
making a
mess).

Steve Anderson
79 FC 35
Currently wintering in Arizona



In a message dated 12/30/2007 4:53:08 P.M. US Mountain Standard Time,
jehdds@... writes:




Scott, Where would the air dryer be? I have an little gizmo which I
assumed was some kind of filter on the side of the compressor. Other
then that I don't know what I am looking for.
John Heckman
central Pa
1973 FC
>
> If you have an air dryer, check the relief valve, sometimes they
stick
> open. Often of you cover the outlet on the bottom with the palm of
> your hand with the engine running, it will fix itself for that
trip.
> If you find this happening, you need new relief valve.
>
> Scott Forman
> 86 PT38
> Memphis
>
> --- In _WanderlodgeForum@WanderlodgeFWan_
(mailto:WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com) , "bubblerboy64"
> wrote:
> >
> > Upon trying to take the son-in-law for a turn in the bus I found
that
> > the compressor would not bring the air up to release the brakes.
> > Checked and the belt is Ok and the compressors seems to be
turning
> Ok.
> > Is there a solenoid or a switch which activates and deactivates
the
> > compressor. I get about 30lbs on the air gauge but no more. The
only
> > other clue is that when the compressor is running normally it
makes
> > enough noise that I can hear it and it is not doing that. Don't
know
> > beans about what I am dealing with but any help or suggestions as
to
> > what to look at or for would certainly be appreciated.
> >
> > John Heckman
> > central Pa
> > 1973 FC converted to 3208 CAT
> >
>






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[bubblerboy64]

Upon trying to take the son-in-law for a turn in the bus I found that
the compressor would not bring the air up to release the brakes.
Checked and the belt is Ok and the compressors seems to be turning Ok.
Is there a solenoid or a switch which activates and deactivates the
compressor. I get about 30lbs on the air gauge but no more. The only
other clue is that when the compressor is running normally it makes
enough noise that I can hear it and it is not doing that. Don't know
beans about what I am dealing with but any help or suggestions as to
what to look at or for would certainly be appreciated.

John Heckman
central Pa
1973 FC converted to 3208 CAT

[Scott Forman]

If you have an air dryer, check the relief valve, sometimes they stick
open. Often of you cover the outlet on the bottom with the palm of
your hand with the engine running, it will fix itself for that trip.
If you find this happening, you need new relief valve.

Scott Forman
86 PT38
Memphis

--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "bubblerboy64"
wrote:
>
> Upon trying to take the son-in-law for a turn in the bus I found that
> the compressor would not bring the air up to release the brakes.
> Checked and the belt is Ok and the compressors seems to be turning
Ok.
> Is there a solenoid or a switch which activates and deactivates the
> compressor. I get about 30lbs on the air gauge but no more. The only
> other clue is that when the compressor is running normally it makes
> enough noise that I can hear it and it is not doing that. Don't know
> beans about what I am dealing with but any help or suggestions as to
> what to look at or for would certainly be appreciated.
>
> John Heckman
> central Pa
> 1973 FC converted to 3208 CAT
>

[bubblerboy64]

Scott, Where would the air dryer be? I have an little gizmo which I
assumed was some kind of filter on the side of the compressor. Other
then that I don't know what I am looking for.
John Heckman
central Pa
1973 FC
>
> If you have an air dryer, check the relief valve, sometimes they
stick
> open. Often of you cover the outlet on the bottom with the palm of
> your hand with the engine running, it will fix itself for that
trip.
> If you find this happening, you need new relief valve.
>
> Scott Forman
> 86 PT38
> Memphis
>
> --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "bubblerboy64"
> wrote:
> >
> > Upon trying to take the son-in-law for a turn in the bus I found
that
> > the compressor would not bring the air up to release the brakes.
> > Checked and the belt is Ok and the compressors seems to be
turning
> Ok.
> > Is there a solenoid or a switch which activates and deactivates
the
> > compressor. I get about 30lbs on the air gauge but no more. The
only
> > other clue is that when the compressor is running normally it
makes
> > enough noise that I can hear it and it is not doing that. Don't
know
> > beans about what I am dealing with but any help or suggestions as
to
> > what to look at or for would certainly be appreciated.
> >
> > John Heckman
> > central Pa
> > 1973 FC converted to 3208 CAT
> >
>

[Pete Masterson]

Here's a nice booklet that fully describes how an air brake system
works:
<http://www.gnb.ca/0276/vehicle/pdf/ab_manual-e.pdf>

The air dryer is located between the "wet" and "dry" air systems. The
compressor will provide air to the wet air reservoir -- it then
passes through the air dryer to the dry air reservoir.

Most BBs use a Bendix AD-9 system -- a Google search will find some
photos. They look sort of like a big oil filter (but are attached to
the air lines).

If you're in cold weather, another common problem is for the step to
be 'stuck' in a partially extended position, sometimes this leaves
the air valve open and venting, keeping pressure from building up.

Pete Masterson
'95 Blue Bird Wanderlodge WBDA 42
El Sobrante CA
aeonix1@...



On Dec 30, 2007, at 4:06 PM, erniecarpet@... wrote:

> John, on my previous coach, 84 35FC, the air dryer was located in
> the middle
> of the coach just inboard of the steps.
>
> Ernie Ekberg
> 83PT40
> Weatherford, Tx
> -- Ocala, Fla
>
>
>


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

[Scott Forman]

Could be anywhere. On my 82 FC is was just about at the center
(length and width) of the underside. Your coach is older, it may not
have one. The dryer is the thing that makes the "pssshh" sound as it
spits air when the compressor reaches its governed PSI. Follow the
sound.

Scott

--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "bubblerboy64"
wrote:
>
> Scott, Where would the air dryer be? I have an little gizmo which
I
> assumed was some kind of filter on the side of the compressor.
Other
> then that I don't know what I am looking for.
> John Heckman
> central Pa
> 1973 FC
> >
> > If you have an air dryer, check the relief valve, sometimes they
> stick
> > open. Often of you cover the outlet on the bottom with the palm
of
> > your hand with the engine running, it will fix itself for that
> trip.
> > If you find this happening, you need new relief valve.
> >
> > Scott Forman
> > 86 PT38
> > Memphis
> >
> > --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "bubblerboy64"
> > wrote:
> > >
> > > Upon trying to take the son-in-law for a turn in the bus I
found
> that
> > > the compressor would not bring the air up to release the
brakes.
> > > Checked and the belt is Ok and the compressors seems to be
> turning
> > Ok.
> > > Is there a solenoid or a switch which activates and deactivates
> the
> > > compressor. I get about 30lbs on the air gauge but no more.
The
> only
> > > other clue is that when the compressor is running normally it
> makes
> > > enough noise that I can hear it and it is not doing that.
Don't
> know
> > > beans about what I am dealing with but any help or suggestions
as
> to
> > > what to look at or for would certainly be appreciated.
> > >
> > > John Heckman
> > > central Pa
> > > 1973 FC converted to 3208 CAT
> > >
> >
>

[Stephen Hare]

I believe that older coaches (older than 83' mostly did not have a air
drier--
unless someone added one after the fact.

My 81 FC-33SB did not have one, however my friends 83' had one from the
factory.

I'm sure others may chime in on this, but I do think it was a factory
addition around 83.

Stephen H
81 FC-33SB Former owner- now looker!
Plant City, FL


On Dec 30, 2007 8:20 PM, Scott Forman <sforman@...> wrote:

> Could be anywhere. On my 82 FC is was just about at the center
> (length and width) of the underside. Your coach is older, it may not
> have one. The dryer is the thing that makes the "pssshh" sound as it
> spits air when the compressor reaches its governed PSI. Follow the
> sound.
>
> Scott
>
>
> --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com,
> "bubblerboy64"
> wrote:
> >
> > Scott, Where would the air dryer be? I have an little gizmo which
> I
> > assumed was some kind of filter on the side of the compressor.
> Other
> > then that I don't know what I am looking for.
> > John Heckman
> > central Pa
> > 1973 FC
> > >
> > > If you have an air dryer, check the relief valve, sometimes they
> > stick
> > > open. Often of you cover the outlet on the bottom with the palm
> of
> > > your hand with the engine running, it will fix itself for that
> > trip.
> > > If you find this happening, you need new relief valve.
> > >
> > > Scott Forman
> > > 86 PT38
> > > Memphis
> > >
> > > --- In
WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com,
> "bubblerboy64"
> > > wrote:
> > > >
> > > > Upon trying to take the son-in-law for a turn in the bus I
> found
> > that
> > > > the compressor would not bring the air up to release the
> brakes.
> > > > Checked and the belt is Ok and the compressors seems to be
> > turning
> > > Ok.
> > > > Is there a solenoid or a switch which activates and deactivates
> > the
> > > > compressor. I get about 30lbs on the air gauge but no more.
> The
> > only
> > > > other clue is that when the compressor is running normally it
> > makes
> > > > enough noise that I can hear it and it is not doing that.
> Don't
> > know
> > > > beans about what I am dealing with but any help or suggestions
> as
> > to
> > > > what to look at or for would certainly be appreciated.
> > > >
> > > > John Heckman
> > > > central Pa
> > > > 1973 FC converted to 3208 CAT
> > > >
> > >
> >
>
>
>


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

[John]

John,

The problem could also be the governor itself on the compressor,
which is an inexpensive fix, try tapping on it with a hammer,
sometimes they get a little moisture in there that in cold weather
freezes, or in my case it was rust, so I just changed it.

Make sure if you change it, to install a new one as they are only a
few more dollars than a remanufactured governor. Check out this page
on my web site for more information and the location of the governor
itself on an FC model 'Bird.

http://www.pbase.com/iamflagman/image/68481426

JOHN FINN
1982 FC35RB BLUEBIRD WANDERLODGE
HOPKINS, SOUTH CAROLINA
VISIT THE FINN'S INN EXPRESS REMODELING ADVENTURE AND TECH. TIPS
http://www.pbase.com/image/24977457
I'M SO SLOW ON THE HILLS,
THAT I GET TO SMELL THE FLOWERS AS I GO BY
.....AND WATCH THEM GROW TOO!!
REMEMBER 9/11


///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "bubblerboy64"
wrote:
>
> Upon trying to take the son-in-law for a turn in the bus I found
that
> the compressor would not bring the air up to release the brakes.
> Checked and the belt is Ok and the compressors seems to be turning
Ok.
> Is there a solenoid or a switch which activates and deactivates the
> compressor. I get about 30lbs on the air gauge but no more. The
only
> other clue is that when the compressor is running normally it makes
> enough noise that I can hear it and it is not doing that. Don't
know
> beans about what I am dealing with but any help or suggestions as
to
> what to look at or for would certainly be appreciated.
>
> John Heckman
> central Pa
> 1973 FC converted to 3208 CAT
>

[Gardner Yeaw]

I know my '78 does not have an air dryer. I can usually tell by the
sound if my compressor is running/working as opposed to bypassing.
If yours is not working then I would suspect the governor. It is
unlikely that the compressor would fail suddenly.

Other problems may include broken/leaking air lines, failing
pressure regulators, or other leaks in the system. Since the front
and rear brake tanks should be independant, I would look for a leak
in the primary/wet tank circuits.

On my coach I found tons of oil sludge in the tanks and I suspect
no one ever drained them. The sludge caused some of the inline
regulators to stick and cause low pressure problems. Mine seemed to
clear up with repeated attempts to charge the system.

Gardner
78FC33

--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "John"
wrote:
>
> John,
>
> The problem could also be the governor itself on the compressor,
> which is an inexpensive fix, try tapping on it with a hammer,
> sometimes they get a little moisture in there that in cold weather
> freezes, or in my case it was rust, so I just changed it.
>
> Make sure if you change it, to install a new one as they are only
a
> few more dollars than a remanufactured governor. Check out this
page
> on my web site for more information and the location of the
governor
> itself on an FC model 'Bird.
>
> http://www.pbase.com/iamflagman/image/68481426
>
> JOHN FINN
> 1982 FC35RB BLUEBIRD WANDERLODGE
> HOPKINS, SOUTH CAROLINA
> VISIT THE FINN'S INN EXPRESS REMODELING ADVENTURE AND TECH. TIPS
> http://www.pbase.com/image/24977457
> I'M SO SLOW ON THE HILLS,
> THAT I GET TO SMELL THE FLOWERS AS I GO BY
> .....AND WATCH THEM GROW TOO!!
> REMEMBER 9/11
>
>
> ///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
>
> --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "bubblerboy64"
> wrote:
> >
> > Upon trying to take the son-in-law for a turn in the bus I found
> that
> > the compressor would not bring the air up to release the brakes.
> > Checked and the belt is Ok and the compressors seems to be
turning
> Ok.
> > Is there a solenoid or a switch which activates and deactivates
the
> > compressor. I get about 30lbs on the air gauge but no more. The
> only
> > other clue is that when the compressor is running normally it
makes
> > enough noise that I can hear it and it is not doing that. Don't
> know
> > beans about what I am dealing with but any help or suggestions
as
> to
> > what to look at or for would certainly be appreciated.
> >
> > John Heckman
> > central Pa
> > 1973 FC converted to 3208 CAT
> >
>