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jkbriggs
09-22-2008, 11:07 AM
EUREKA - I have found it! As an update to my prior post, I purchased a 91' Liberty H340 this weekend. Thanks for all your leads. I found it on Craig's List (go figure). Now, coming from a diesel pusher motorhome background, I'm over overwhelmed at how many different systems are present in this bus. As I purchased from someone who inherited the bus, I was unable to get great quantities of info on operating sys. But, I did get pretty good service records. Minor? things needed (speedometer is out of whack - shows 20mph while stopped). Is this an easy fix? One side of ceiling tivoli lights out?

But my immediate questions are this: (1) how do I start the generator manually? I see swithes (dash, bedroom, & power center), but nothing happens when I flip them. (2) how do I turn on the air-compressor (for toilet, pocket door, etc.) when dry camping (so I don't get locked in bathroom)?. (3) Can the air-pocket door be disabled? Thanks again.

p.s. haven't figured out yet how to post my name & bus info in POG signature line. My name is Jody Briggs. I live in the Arlington (Dallas/Ft.Worth) area.

Jon Wehrenberg
09-22-2008, 11:33 AM
Jody,

Right now you don't know what you don't know. It seems overwhelming, but begin looking at the bus as nothing more than a collection of devices and systems that are located in one place. Try not to look at issues as a great big complex problem but individual matters to be dealt with one at a time.

Generally to start the Liberty generator you have to hold the button down until the two lights show the start cycle has been initiated. Do you have the "watchdog" for generator start? It is located in the electric bay over the generator start controls. If not check for fuses that may be blown, disconnected wires, bad relays, etc. Do not hesitate to contact Liberty. They offer superb product support and they can talk you through almost any problem as long as the coach hasn't been boogered up or modified.

The aux compressor should have its own circuit breaker in the 120 volt electric panel. That is the switch for it. If it does not work you need to trouble shoot the compressor, checking for power at the compressor pressure switch in the lower front steer compartment and then at the compressor.

The speedometer originally installed was not reliable. Prevost has a replacement and it is a 20 minute fix. It involves removing the dash panel screws, lifting the dash out and accessing the back of the speedometer for removal. Easy fix, and the most time consuming part is calibrating it. There are excellent instructions provided.

Check the fuses for the tivoli lights. If not that see if any of the terminals have come loose on the rear of the switches.

The air pocket doors will have an emergency procedure to open them. This is a good time for you to spend a day opening all panels, looking behind drawers, and generally snooping around to find out what is hidden out of sight. This will help you locate shut off valves, find the location of various devices you never knew you had, and to get to know the dark side of your coach.

The best and fastest way to learn your coach is to find other owners of your vintage coach and ask questions. As an alternative you should consider going to Liberty and POG rallies with the same objective in mind.

rfoster
09-22-2008, 12:47 PM
Attn Texan: I have a buddy in Arlington, he wears a big hat, but no bus.

Check your breaker box for a circuit labeled air compressor, it will power you pocket doors. As Jon mentioned' if no breaker then go to the steering compartment and verify you have power to the pressure switch.

The generator in most Libertys has multiple points at which you can start the generator. It generally requires a cycle to heat the glow plugs before starting. Give it a couple of minutes after hitting the button. If nothing happens - check your generator battery. It the bus has been sitting it is posssible that the battery has died.

good luck and keep the questions coming, Jon will make up answers he doesnt know the question too. That is not a typo

jkbriggs
09-22-2008, 01:39 PM
Thanks for the advice. I'll try it tonight when I get home (I'm one of those unfortunate people still encumbered by a job).

Jon Wehrenberg
09-22-2008, 02:03 PM
That's your problem. Get rid of the job. Those of us without a job can dedicate the 16 to 20 hours a day it takes to keep the bus running.

garyde
09-22-2008, 06:52 PM
Hi Jody. Under your sinks, there are usually removable panels and a lever to turn to turn off air to the pocket doors. There may be a hall cabinet with a removable panel as well. If the Air compressor worked when you initially boght the coach, there will be a circuit breaker labeled 'compressor' in your circuit breaker panel located inside the coach. If that is on and you have shore power and inverter power, and the compressor still does not turn on, either the air is full or your pressure switch outside under your drivers seat area is turned off or the pressure switch may need adjustment.
The tivoli lights are fused. If you have a owners booklet, it will list the wire number for the tivoli lights which will correspond with a fuse.
Because of the age of your Coach, I do not know if you have a 'watch dog' controller for your generator. Normally, a button or switch is held until a light turns on to indicate the start sequence has begun.

Judi Brown
09-22-2008, 11:13 PM
For the Gen., There is a white switch just below keys that say aut. start.
We flick on and in a few minutes it cranks over the gen. set. There is a red
push button fuse in the bay next to gen. that kicks out if cranks to long with out starting. You have to reset manually. Our gen. had not run for a long time when we bought, and would not start. So my husband had me hold electric fuel shut off on and he started withscrew driver on gen. set. Oh the white switch shows green or else gen. bat. to low.There are 3 places to started gen. set. We keep them off and use front 1 mostly. We had problems figuring out lights to,but after you get it is pretty easy. 2 master switchs at
front door and then you can control from pretty well in any place on coach.
We went through what you are going through and where going to sell,but aftergot things figured out. Love the coach and it is perfect for us. You will be able to hear if compressor running. it has breaker in main panel. If no air can slide pocket door open by hand. You have safe under bed and that switch is under bathroom sink.
Jb

jkbriggs
09-23-2008, 12:09 PM
As far as the air-compressor: it's actually working, I just wanted to know if it's possible to disable the pocket door (we think it would be easier for some who travel w/us if it were manually latched)? However, the door is sticking at the bottom and is difficult to close now.

Generator: I tried your suggestions w/o success. The amber light on the white "auto" gen switch does not light-up? What about the black knob in the main control panel area, should it be on generator or inverter or off? I have 3 gen switches inside (plus the auto gen switch), do all 3 have to be flipped to the on position?

Also, when you say check circuit breakers, which location? There appear to be several locations (port side) that have breakers/relays, etc.

p.s. Wife wants to know about the kitchen cabinet door latches "from hell" that are difficult to close.

Thanks again - Jody

tdelorme
09-23-2008, 01:07 PM
Jody, I can't help you with the pocket door issue but someone else will.

Let's have a go at the generator. Forget the black selection switch until you get the get set running. The position of that switch makes no difference as far as getting it started. Nor does the amber auto start switch. The generator should start when any of the three start switches is flipped. Makes no difference what position the other switches are in, if you flip any of them to the reverse position from where they are, the get set should start within a short time. If is does not start, look in the bay that houses the generator radiator and see if the generator control box is in that bay. That box has a main breaker for the generator that may be turned off. Check the voltage of the gen. start battery. That battery will be by itself in the same bay as the control box. Your coach being an H may be slightly different from my XL so if the above doesn't get you up and running, call Liberty and have your coach number in hand when you call.
Somebody help with the latches, mine must have been replaced because they work fine.

Jon Wehrenberg
09-23-2008, 01:16 PM
The black knob is a manual version of an automatic transfer switch. That knob should have four positions, "off", "shore", "generator", and "inverter".

Unless your bus has been modified that knob is used to select the power you have available for the 120 volt panel in your coach. For example, if you are plugged into a power outlet in a campground, select "shore".

As to the generator, assuming your bay configuration on the H3 is like the XL of the same vintage your second bay, driver's side should be the electric compartment. In that compartment will be a gray box on the RH side wall. Make sure the fuse on the side of the box has not tripped. You may also try to start the generator from that box. There should be a momentary toggle switch on the side of the box. Hold it until the two lights light. Ted's advice is also correct except I think the breakers are for the 120V output of the generator and for the remotely mounted radiator fan.

His advice to check that start battery is correct unless your generator uses the house batteries for starting.

If you cannot get it started the person to talk to is Bill Daugherty in Chicago at Liberty. He knows that vintage coach intimately.

jkbriggs
09-23-2008, 01:54 PM
Good info - I'll try all of it and let you know.

Judi Brown
09-23-2008, 01:57 PM
On cabinet latches,We got lucky, there was a bunch of new ones in a draw.
They fit the amana fridge two,my husband looked everywhere for 1 for bottom of fridge door, with know luck and found these in drawer. I will look at name on package for you if you want. The light on our gen has to be green or the gen does not turn over. We have to charge gen. battery quite often.
If light above gen. does not show green, I would hook up booster battery.
we had quite a problem getting started first time and also had to change
fuel filter and rad. got hot and there is a safety on and would only run for 10 min. and rad. was low. That toggle switch above red reset, we leave in off.
But if you put good battery and pull electric shut off and use screw driver on starter,it don't matter what position switch is in. There is dryer on compressor
and the bottom plug was broke and air was blowing out and compressor did not shut off. Here is part #H315 and rvdweb.com. Designer collection for cabinet latch. I will watch your posts and ask husband, what we did to overcome as we were green and had plenty of problems. Now I wanted to upgrade and he said over his dead body. He loves the size and when we go to campgrounds herein Can. people ask if they can have look in side.
JB

jkbriggs
09-23-2008, 02:39 PM
Thanks Judi. I have a feeling we might be talking often as our set ups sound pretty similar. Jody

garyde
09-23-2008, 11:01 PM
A word of caution with the generator, please stay back from any moving parts when working around the generator as it may start without any warning. Loose clothing , scarves, ties etc. should not be worn around the generator.
You have only one 120 volt circuit breaker panel. It should be inside your coach and each breaker is labeled as to its purpose.

jkbriggs
09-25-2008, 10:44 AM
Generator: I checked the battery w/my charger and its Full. To verify power, I was able to jump-across the starter solenoid and got the gen to turn-over (I didn't let it start because I wasn't sure if I could turn if off or not?). Tried toggle switch in gen elec bay, no reaction. There is a fuse (?) or reset button? with 25 (amp) on the same box, but pushing it did not work either. Main gen switch in same bay is on and I pushed the red re-set button next to it. Any ideas of what to try next? Also, I discovered I have the "watchdog" box as well (not sure what it is though). Thanks as always - Jody

tdelorme
09-25-2008, 11:19 AM
Sounds like you have followed everyone's suggestions without yet finding the problem. Time to start tracking the power from the battery from one connection to the next. Might start by first checking the battery connections and be sure you have a good ground connection. The red button is the cranking breaker that will pop if the starter runs for longer than 20 or 30 seconds without the gen set starting. If it is pushed in (set) that is the correct position. I would still check it for power on each side which will involve removing the cover from that box. While your in there, check the power on each side of the main generator breaker. You've got a gremlin somewhere that you will just have to search out and repair.
If you do decide to let the generator start and run for awhile, the only way to stop it will be to stop the flow of diesel some way. Pinching the fuel line will work but it could also cause a leak if the line is old.
If Jon gets up before noon today, he may have additional (smarter) suggestions. I'd bet it's something simple so don't panic and do something like go to Stewart & Stevenson and spend a grand for no reason.
Start at the battery and go one connection to the next. Pop the interior switches and check them for power also. You can fix this, just go slow and think it through.

Jon Wehrenberg
09-25-2008, 01:11 PM
Well, here it is past noon and I have all my work done for today. it sure pays to get up early. At least earlier than some of the worms found here.

If you have the watchdog, there is a reset button on the bottom. If you press it the status light should show green. Try that. If that light on the watchdog shows it is ready then hold the generator start button inside the coach until the two lights light and then release it. The generator will take about 30 seconds to start cranking.

If that does the work the watchdog may have puked. You will then have to talk to Liberty.

MangoMike
09-25-2008, 07:59 PM
There is a way to bypass the watchdog on the 97 Liberty.

I need to go down to the bus barn and refresh my memory on how to make this work and at least you'll remove this part of the puzzle.

Mike

garyde
09-25-2008, 10:58 PM
If you pull the flat cord out of the bottom of the watchdog box and then turn the switch from watchdog tomanual, you can try starting the generator from the switch on the generator.

jkbriggs
09-26-2008, 02:05 PM
GENERATOR SUCCESS! There was a large plug in the L.H. side of the box (w/toggle switch) that was loose. Plugged it in & ran it for 2 hrs. Although it has a tightening ring, the ring does not screw on tightly. Any ideas on how to better secure w/stripped out ring? I really appreciate all of your help! You saved me $$$

My "watch dog" has a green "on" light and a start light, but no re-set buttons (just a fuse). It appears to be ok. What does this unit do?

NEXT - What is the Webasco switch (@ driver area) for and when would I use this feature? I successfully turned on the 3 Cruise Air units, do these provide heat as well?

NEXT - Pocket Door: It was stuck shut. I took it off, cleaned & lubed track and replaced. Although it works minimally better, still needs hand-assist to open & close all the way. Ques.: can the air-pressure to this unit be increased? (would that help?) or has someone come up w/an alternative solution to an air-pocket door? I would consider eliminating the air function for a roller-track type, but I can't get into the pocket for installation.

Thanks again - Jody

Jon Wehrenberg
09-26-2008, 02:13 PM
The watch dog is the monitor that provides a number of functions. It will start your generator if on "auto-start" to keep the batteries charged, it will start if you command it to start with shore power disconnect, and it will shut down the generator if it overheats or loses oil pressure.

It can be disconnected, but you lose the automatic shutdown in case of mechanical problem on your generator.

Ray Davis
09-26-2008, 02:23 PM
Jody,

The webasto is a diesel fired burner which heats your water, and provides for heating as well.

As a difference to the cruise airs, which might also provide heat, the webasto system can work on 12V, while the cruise airs require that you either be plugged into shore power, or running the generator.

The webasto's generally work very well, and are easy to repair/maintain. There are several threads here in the forum regarding various repairs.

I don't believe cruise air heat functions below about 40 degrees F. IN that case only your webasto is going to keep you warm.

Ray

tdelorme
09-26-2008, 02:24 PM
Good going on the generator, Jody. For a quick repair on the plug, just wrap the stripped threads with five or six layers of teflon tape and see if that won't hold the connection.
The Webasco is your diesel fired heater system. Your coach will have two separate thermostats for that system. Not the same ones as the CruiseAirs. If the Webasco is working properly, you will love it. Keeps the entre coach nice and warm with moist heat. The CruiseAirs will also provide heat, so you just decide which system you prefer. If the Webasco is not working properly, there is a ton of info on POG to help you get it up and running. We love our Webasco.
The air pressure for the door can be bumped up. Look in the first compartment drivers side. You will see a number of 1/4" air lines and the pressure is controlled by a valve close by in that compartment. Lift it up, screw it in a turn and push it back down. Liberty labels all the air lines and each line has it's own small needle valve. Be sure the valve for the pocket door is opened all the way. That may be all you need to do to fix the door problem. I wouldn't modify the system. Once you get it working properly you will like it.

jkbriggs
09-26-2008, 09:17 PM
Just for my clarification, is Webasco for when parked, can/should it be used when on the road? I do have OTR which I assume produces heat also?

Joe Cannarozzi
09-26-2008, 09:24 PM
You can use it going down the road for cabin heat when it is nessessary during extreem conditions.

Ray Davis
09-27-2008, 01:33 AM
Just a note here. You see many people spelling this product name with a C, when it's a T. The product is a Webasto heater. To the very best of my knowledge, there is no Webasco. Luckily however, if you are looking for parts, and Google Webasco, it comes back with Webasto!


Ray

JIM CHALOUPKA
09-27-2008, 09:01 AM
Ray, you could get sheep over remarks like that. :D:D

Ray Davis
09-27-2008, 10:57 AM
Ray, you could get sheep over remarks like that.

Yeah, maybe. Although I hope that my intent was obvious. Not to burn anyone, just to educate.

ray

Coloradobus
09-27-2008, 11:04 AM
Hey Ray,
If any of the California Cartel needs WEBASTO parts (Vehicle Systems, Inc), you will be passing them on I-76 as you come to our house, or we can run up there after you get here. Its only 32 miles. I need to run up there for a new nozzle for our coach.:D.

Ray Davis
09-27-2008, 11:16 AM
Thanks Jim,

We actually have a pretty decent supplier I found down in the Fontana area when I had to replace the fuel pump in my unit. I believe Ken also used them. But, before I come through Denver, I'll check and see if anyone needs anything.

Ray

dalej
09-27-2008, 02:05 PM
Ray, are you coming across on I-80? Remember we are at exit 312. Let me know. If you don't want to see us, then don't reply. :)

Ray Davis
09-27-2008, 03:03 PM
Dale,

Current route had us going I70 from Ohio towards Denver, but I'm certainly not locked to that, and could just as easily take I80.

We would be coming through your way, probably on either October 28 or 28th (Wednesday or Thursday). If you got the room, we'd be happy to pull over there for an evening on a trek home.

Ray

Jon Wehrenberg
09-27-2008, 05:41 PM
Ray,

My guess is you are going to head south as soon as you realize your chosen route will be snowbound that time of year.

Ray Davis
09-27-2008, 08:28 PM
Snow bound in October? Well, I guess there will always be a plan B. I had talked to several folks who suggested no problem in October. But, obviously the weather doesn't have to cooperate.

Ray

Jon Wehrenberg
09-28-2008, 07:46 AM
Look at the dates again. Any time that late in October snow can fly.

hhoppe
09-28-2008, 06:02 PM
Ray if you go I80, check with Gary D on his secret bypass of Salt Lake City. That was our only hang up on I80 to Spearfish. Once you hit I15 south of Ogden you have smooth sailing to Las Vegas area and home. A visit with Dale & Jan J is well worth going a little bit out of the way travel. Denver west on I 70 is no piece of cake in a new bus.

Coloradobus
09-28-2008, 07:26 PM
Geez, what a bunch of weanies!:p

Colorado and Wyoming have already had snow. But you'd have to get up over 12K feet to step in it.
!-70, west from Denver is just a slow pull. Once you get up Mt Vernon Canyon area west of Golden, you need to be is in 3rd gear.
Once up top you have several miles where 5th is fine.
Then up Floyd Hill and down to Idaho Springs, you use 3rd gear and the jake on high.
then you have a gradual pull , and some level driving until you get to Georgetown Hill. That will be 3rd or even 2nd depending on who makes you loose your momemtum.
After Silver Plume, your bus can pull it 5th gear and do 65.
At the approach of the Eisenhour Tunnel, the tunnel speed is 45.
Upon exiting the tunnel, its 3rd gear/jake, NO Sweat for 11 miles to Silverthorn.
Then up a small hill to Frisco and you have good driving until you come to Copper Mtn Ski area, and Vail Pass.
Your Series 60 will pull it in 4 or 5th gear.
Once ontop, there is a slight grade down, levels off for a mile and then down the hill you go,....,,,,,,,,3rd gear and jake.

After West Vail, its smooth sailing downstream to Glenwood Springs. After that, its downstream to Grand jct and a piece of cake into Utah.
We have done it good weather, and bad. If is bad, now a days, we just adjust when we leave. .

The grade south out of Flagstaff in I-17 is more brutal than Colorado's I-70.
I-70 is in better shape pavement-wise and less traffic than Donner Pass.,
Done them all in sunshine and snow, prefer sun.:D

Ray Davis
09-28-2008, 11:54 PM
Current plan is to stop and see Denny and family off of I80 in OH. Then head towards Dale and Jan's still on I80. From there I think I76 heads right into the Denver area where we are stopping to see Jim and Chris.

Originally from there I was headed back to Southern CA, but my destination now is Lake Havasu AZ, where I'll store (and use) the bus for 2-3 months (tax reasons).

Dale has mentioned I25 out of Denver, as a possibility too. I haven't really worked out that possibility, but do want to get to Havasu as quickly as possible, as I've got to be back working on the following Monday.

But, this is shaping up to be a great trip, stopping to see 4-5 of our POG friends. We are really excited about it.

Ray

PS: Just a quick google maps check show that I25 is about 30 minutes longer in time, but about 70 miles longer. Must be a faster road?

Coloradobus
09-29-2008, 12:36 AM
Ray,
Dale is correct. I-25 to Santa Fe and Albuquerque would make a fast trip to Lake Havasu.
Santa Fe Skies in Santa Fe ( POG 2 Rally site) is 364miles from house and take 7 1/2 hrs.
then to Albuquerque and I-40 to Flagstaff and beyond. Good drive, just lots of trucks on I-40

Ray Davis
09-29-2008, 10:48 AM
Thanks Jim. I'll keep both options open. I've been down I-40 many times, but have never taken I-70. Then again, once you get to Vegas you're on a road that we've seen dozens of times too!

ray

jkbriggs
09-29-2008, 12:44 PM
Sorry to bring us back to the subject at hand (air pocket door adjustment), but I was unable to figure out what I needed to adjust to increase pressure to the pocket door? I have attached a pdf w/some pics inside LH drivers compt as well as under bathroom. What is the orange thing?

FYI - my aux a/c cuts-off at 42 psi (is that high enough?). Bleeds down to about 38 w/in a few minutes and cycles back on. I hear air escaping for just a few seconds after shut-off (from around pressure switch?) then goes quite until recycling begins. Does this part of the system sound o.k.?

Also, any ideas on how to find a list of fuses/relays for the 12v system located in storage bay above OTR radiator? Fuses appear to be numbered, but I have no description of what the fuse numbers relate to?

Thanks as always - Jody

Jon Wehrenberg
09-29-2008, 01:38 PM
Jody,

This is sheer speculation, and you need to call Liberty to find out for real what you need to do.

First, the valves you show are in part from your suspension system. The ones with the red cap in a gang are the solenoid valves that take the electrical commands for leveling the coach and transmit air to the Norgren spool valves as shown in another picture. Those valves in turn open or close to add or exhaust air from the bus air bags. They are unrelated to the pocket doors. They are part of the chassis and not the "house".

The pair of valves shown in an adjacent picture shows more Norgren spool valves, but those are electrically operated. Those are added by Liberty to function as part of the automatic leveling feature on your coach. They are still part of the chassis.

Another picture shows a pair of solenoid valves. I do not know what they control, but they might be used to allow or stop the flow of air to the pocket door. They also could be used to open holding tank valves or to control a bed lift, or other functions. That is a guess and not even an educated one. I am shooting from the lip here.

The last picture is of a time delay relay. I cannot think of anything that requires one mounted like that. You have several time delay relays on your coach for purposes like generator start or a transfer switch, but without understanding where specifically that one is located, and what other devices may be nearby it is hard to say what that controls.

The first picture of the steer compartment does show some components you may wish to study. The device on the top left shows an air pressure gauge on it. That is a pressure regulator. I believe it only controls air pressure to the step cover slide. It is usually set at 60 PSI. You can play with it, but I doubt it will do anything for your pocket doors. I cannot imagine it being part of the pocket door controls.

If I had a door binding, I would certainly not look to increase its closing or opening force. I would attempt to find out what is binding. If the door travels freely part of the way and stops because it is running into something which imposes some kind of drag the key is to eliminate the drag, not use more power to force the door to open or close.

I suggest you talk to Liberty to find out how to access the door track and how to go about verifying it is free to travel. If I am not mistaken you should have (hidden) some device to disable the door travel mechanism and make it a manual operation. Once in that mode you can determine by feel if it has any binding or interference along its travel. On my coach the pocket door emergency system is located at the bottom of a closet for the front door and under a nightstand drawer for the bedroom door. That system is clearly labeled with instructions on how to operate the door manually. It may also contain the means of adjusting the air supply.

The reason for the uncertainty is the H3 and the XL coaches apparently have enough differences to make it hard for those without an H3 to offer solid advice.

tdelorme
09-29-2008, 03:08 PM
"If I had a door binding, I would certainly not look to increase its closing or opening force. I would attempt to find out what is binding. If the door travels freely part of the way and stops because it is running into something which imposes some kind of drag the key is to eliminate the drag, not use more power to force the door to open or close."

Jon, Jody stated in an earlier post that he had removed the door and had it freed up. Thus, the suggestion that an increase in air pressure might be in order. Sometimes it just takes a bigger hammer. :)

So, Jody, are you saying that the aux. compressor is cycling on and off every few minutes?
If so, get a spray bottle of water with a couple of oz. of dish soap in it and start looking for leaks in the compartment shown in your first picture. The system should hold pressure much, much longer than that. I have a slight leak or two, but my compressor only cycles about every three hours. I'm living with it for now, but it needs attention fairly soon.
I have never seen a Prevost electrical compartment that did not have a listing of the fuse numbers and functions somewhere close by. Look on the compartment door and everyplace around that area. Unless someone removed it, it's there somewhere.
Here is a link to the Prevost site that has info on your H3. Dig around in here. There is more info than you will ever need, but it's a good starting point to get a grip on your bus.
http://www.prevostcar.com/cgi-bin/pages.cgi?page=publications

jkbriggs
09-29-2008, 04:28 PM
Yes, I had taken the door and door slides off the track, cleaned & lubed. But even w/o door on, slide doesn't move very quickly. The lower two pictures are from under the bathroom sink (which is where the "release" valve is for the door - so you dont get locked in). My aux air is cycling every 5-10 minutes. I assume this isn't right? How about the 40 psi on the pressure regulator, is that high enough?

tdelorme
09-29-2008, 04:49 PM
Jody, I will check when I get home to be sure, but I believe my aux. compressor pressure is set at 60 lbs. And, I have not adjusted it since I have owned the coach.

Do you not have any manuals from Liberty?

You need a list of questions for them when you call as well as your coach number.

Don't give up on any of this stuff, it can all be fixed, including the air leaks.

If you need help locally, let me know and I will PM you a guy to call.

Don't tell Jon if you get outside help. He gets all worked up when we can't solve our own problems and his BP goes through the roof. Real bad for us old farts, and he for sure falls into that group.

jkbriggs
09-29-2008, 05:09 PM
I have some manuals, including wiring diagrams and bus-shell type stuff, but nothing giving practical advice for using the components (like gen, Wabasto, etc.) like would come from Liberty. Where do I find my coach number? I have the VIN of course. Thanks -

Joe Cannarozzi
09-29-2008, 05:15 PM
Ted what's the deal with the super secret decoder ring:confused:

Been hangin out with your grandchildren a lot lately.

Your aux. compressor is cycling every 3 hrs, how embarrassing;)

rfoster
09-29-2008, 05:38 PM
On My 97 Liberty the aux air cut off at 100psi

Your pocket doors have adjustments for the pressure and speed of operation. I had one set of controls under the bathroom sink, concealed in a compartment with access door held in place via velcro. Start looking for concealed compartments that made hide the controls. Once you locate the solenoids (listen for air) you will see the threaded adjustment valves.

The other one was located under the bedroom vanity in the wall of the coach there again covered by an access panel that was velcroed in place. Worked great - no screws to remove, no rattles.. Good luck

Jon has BP medicene - its called Sour Mash:cool:

Jon Wehrenberg
09-29-2008, 07:23 PM
I'll stick with my earlier opinion that if something is binding, regardless of whether it is the door or the mechanism, that needs to be identified and possibly corrected before doing anything else.

Sometimes a bigger hammer is not the answer.

However you have more serious problems than a binding door. If the compressor is cycling that frequently its remaining life can be measured in terms of days. There is a leak or a number of leaks. To find them you are about to enter the Twilight Zone. Soapy water, your ears, a stethoscope (Sears, about $5.00) and in some cases an ultrasonic leak detector may all be required to find the leak. The starting point is to isolate the house systems (disconnect the air supply to them and plug it) from the chassis. Then see if there is any difference in the amount of time it takes to cycle the compressor. In the chassis there will be such things as the front door lock, belt tensioners, and the suspension solenoid valves and some Norgren valves (you have an early version so your leak may be in the three port valves located between the tag and drive axles).

If the chassis is not leaking and the compressor does not cycle frequently, then add air to the house circuits (six I think) one at a time and see if they have any effect. If you have a full time job, quit it now. Finding leaks will be all consuming and will cost you every waking moment. Ask any of us how I know these things.

Instead of 40 PSI try 60 at the regulated air supply. Also, if the compressor set point is 100 PSI, try adjusting the pressure switch to 80 PSI and see if that has a big impact on the cycle time. If it does that is easier than chasing leaks, but you still have the problem of finding leaks. Adjusting the pressures just is like taking an aspirin for a brain tumor. You will feel a little better but the problem is still there.

tdelorme
09-29-2008, 08:35 PM
Joe, I broke out the SDR thinking it would help Jody fix his problems.

Jody, my aux. air is set on 85 psi, not 60.

If you have any three ring binder with "Liberty" written on it, your coach number will be on the cover page. I think they can cross with your vin number as well, but knowing the coach number will speed things up if/when you call them.

It might be best to flip the aux compressor breaker off until you have time to search for leaks. Won't hurt anything being off and will save the compressor. A spray bottle of soapy water and a flashlight will reveal the big leaks. Start in that lower first bay, drivers side. Since you have the air door issue, I would go there next.

There is more info than you will ever be able to read on air leaks in different areas of POG. Just take on one thing at a time to fix and don't get overwhelmed. But, the air leaks need to be at the top of the list.

Jon Wehrenberg
09-30-2008, 07:35 AM
The air system leaks can drive a person crazy because there are so many places for leaks to occur. Some common ones are the regulator above the engine that controls the belt tensioner, the floor slide, and the air suspension system.

Prevost or the converter will be happy to find them. At $100 per hour anybody will be happy to try to find them. Often the easiest way to find them is patience and a logical plan.

One way to help is to be able to turn off each circuit individually so it can be determined which circuit(s) are leaking and making the effort to find the leaks easier. I added a shut off valve to each house air circuit. Now if I start puking air I can turn off the entire house air and narrow my search by 50%. No need to be this elaborate. A simple pipe plug will do the same thing.

Jon Wehrenberg
09-30-2008, 07:43 AM
House circuits that I can think of on my coach, also a Liberty.

Generator air bags, air horns, driver's seat, bed lift, pocket doors, floor slide, and dump valves. There may be more items, but I think I got them all.

The chassis aux air system includes the air suspension (starting with the solenoid valves in the steer compartment, all Norgren valves and all air bags), the belt tensioner in the engine compartment, air shutters (if equipped), front door air lock, tag axle lift, and windshield wipers on some older coaches.

jkbriggs
09-30-2008, 12:41 PM
Some good news... I increased system pressure from 42 to about 58 psi. The pocket door now works great (go figure). Found one leak around tubing off of pressure swith, added JB Weld, and appears o.k. for now? Compressor goes longer in between cycles (but nowhere near 3 hrs so I'll start chasing leaks).

FYI - found pages in notebook with 12v identification of fuses & circuit breakers.

I will spend some more time tinkering (I can see this may become a lifestyle) before I get back to you with more questions.

Again, thanks for all of your input! It has helped me tremendously. - Jody

tdelorme
09-30-2008, 01:07 PM
There you go, Jody. One little victory at a time and with each fix you learn something that helps down the road. I've never heard of anyone using JB Weld to fix an air leak. Usually a little plumbers putty or Teflon tape is the way to go. But, if it worked, so be it.