TexasDrifters "Pneumatic Reliability Upgrade"
Leak FREE! Yes, my coach is "Bubble Tight!
Those words are extremely rare in the Prevost community. But my coach, a 1994 model XL chassis, is leak free (both the braking system (Pri/Sec) and auxiliary air!). Now I know their are those "doubters", (you know who you are) that might doubt this, but it is true. I have had my coach on test for 5 days and have not lost one pound of air pressure in either system. For my coach, this is a first (during my ownership).
How did I do it! Simple! (All it takes is a little time and patience.......)
First, I used the nationally renowned "Texas Bubbler" as a leak detector and installed a "TexasDrifters Pneumatic Reliability Upgrade". This is a non - Prevost modification that included a 12 volt solenoid (I purchased the solenoid from www.airridefittings.com, a great supplier for air fitting and accessories) that blocks the air supply to the step well floor slide and ISRI seat when the key is turned off. These two converter installed items, IMO, are the two worst potential "leakers" on the coach. (You will need to locate a "switched" 12 volt (or 24 volt if you want to use that as a switched voltage) location in the Prevost electrical panel in front of the coach to control the solenoid). Attempting to get these two devices leak free will represent challenges that could mean continuous routine component maintenance and/or design changes, especially for the floor slide (as simple as the floor slide cylinder looks, if the shaft alignment is not perfect or is "floating", it will leak around the shaft seal when the slide is in the retracted position). I also found that my auxiliary air compressor was leaking back "through the compressor". So I installed a double check valve setup at the outlet to the converter installed aux compressor/inlet to converter installed air tank (not Prevost aux air tank). So after installing this modification and repairing a few minor leaks, 100% leak free.
A sidebar comment, I am one that thinks any modification to the Prevost suspension system requires much thought. I would probably do this only in an emergency, as a temporary fix. Remember, Prevost has a staff of design engineers developing things for durability and safety. I take a "hands off" approach to Prevost suspension modifications. Their systems works great and very long-lasting!
Many POG members may remember my comments at the Austin Rally, "That I "MANAGE" my air system leaks. What that means, I manage my leaks to a tolerable amount, then find and correct the leaks (the only leak free coach I have ever seen in when it is sitting in my bus barn). Once I take it out for a spin, all bets are off. So I am bragging now, while it last. Seriously, once your coach is tightened up, it should last a while, unless you have a component failure. The last time I did this level of air leak detection was three years ago. My aux air compressor was running twice a day, so it was time to check things out.
I call my coach "the other woman", because she is complicated and definitely a high maintenance gal. But when all systems are "fine tuned" and she is "tight (I mean air tight), she is ..........., she is ..........., well, the she is ....... "the other woman."
I'm happy!
Hector
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