SOLVED: Bus Won't Air Up

[buswarrior]

The leak out the control line kept it to 130 more than likely.

So long as it still pumps, and it likely does, this isn't much different abuse than a transit operation or one of those blower units on a truck...

Don't do it again!

Happy coaching!
Buswarrior

[Oonrahnjay]

  ... I undid the control hose at the end cap of the air dryer and pushed the purge valve closed. My attempt at plugging the control line didn't work so it was open. ... 

     Did you have a 1/4 in. pipe plug?  A while ago, I sat down an put together an emergency kit for my bus.  It has 1/4 in., 3/8 in., 1/2 in. plugs, same for caps, at least one DOT compression fitting with a male threaded end for any brake line on my bus, same with a female threaded end, female joining sleeve for 1/4 - 1/2 in., male double joining nipple in all sizes, many adapters with one size female and one size male, etc.  And much more.  I think we should all carry some basics like this (as well as dryer rebuild kits, extra 150 pound blow-off valves, etc.)  You never know what you might need on the road and you'll probably need much of these items when you're working in your shop -- just remember to note what you're using and replace them.

[GnarlyBus]

Great advice on carrying a kit of extra parts that might not feel extra when you're driving through northern Nevada and the nearest hardware store is 2+ hours away!

Here's what I've ordered so far:

Bendix AD-2 Purge Valve Kit 287053 - two of them!
Bendix AD-2 Dessicant Kit 286718 - two of them!
Bendix Governor 275491X - Gonna swap mine out
Bendix Governor Rebuild Kit 276121 - I want to open up my current governor and rebuild it so I have a better understanding of it.
1/4" Brass Flare Plug - 10

I'm adding various other plugs, caps and fittings from Oonrahnjay's list as well.

I'm also working on adding a ball valve to that control line coming off the governor that goes to the purge valve just in case I ever have this problem again...which I know I shouldn't with proper maintenance but it would make me feel better knowing it was on there.

Getting jacks and cribbing set up in the next week and gonna open the tanks up to get the water out.

[Dave5Cs]

A2 upper check spring and ball valve kit. It is in the big nut at the top fitting.

[chessie4905]

Those governors come with female hex pipe plugs. Get a set of allen wrenches. Harbor Freight has them in a pack that each one swings out similiar to a pocket knife.

[buswarrior]

And remember who has to take it apart next time...

As applicable, pipe dope, teflon tape, anti-seize, lubricate, clean threads, proper wrenches vs adjustable bolt rounders...

A busnut is his own worst enemy or friend...

Happy coaching!
Buswarrior

[GnarlyBus]

A2 upper check spring and ball valve kit. It is in the big nut at the top fitting.

Thanks! I ordered one just now.

One thing I have going for me is a solid amount of tools. Plenty of Allen wrenches, flare wrenches, 6-pointers, etc.

I did have to use channel lock pliers to get the 2" purge valve housing off. Not really ideal as it needs to be really tight on there. Both times I put it back on I had to go back and tighten it further. So I ordered a socket for it.

[bevans6]

To save me measuring, what size socket is it?  I want to order one too - I used a pipe wrench on mind, also not ideal.

[GnarlyBus]

To save me measuring, what size socket is it?  I want to order one too - I used a pipe wrench on mind, also not ideal.

I read on this helpful thread over at WOG (https://www.wanderlodgeownersgroup.com/forums/showthread.php?t=23533) that it was 2" (on a picture in page 2) so that's what I ordered but in the next day or two I should be under there again and can throw a caliper on it to be sure.

I found a 2" socket on Amazon for $8 prime.

[Dave5Cs]

Next time put some anti-seize or plumbers grease on it and it will go back on easier.

[GnarlyBus]

To save me measuring, what size socket is it?  I want to order one too - I used a pipe wrench on mind, also not ideal.

Definitely 2" socket. Checked it just now.

[GnarlyBus]

Man, I have learned a ton about coach air systems and brakes this last week. Lots of great videos on YouTube but I've realized I should be been way more on top of this stuff. It really isn't that hard to drain air tanks (especially with the pull cord valves I'm adding) or get under the bus (when properly crib bed).

I've been busy. I got the governor changed out. When I did, I added a schraeder valve on the unloader port and a ball valve to the control line heading to the air dryer. This should allow me to test the unloader valves on the compressor with the engine off. It will also allow me to test the purge valve on the air dryer and shut off the control line if I ever need to in the future. With proper maintenance I'm sure it's unlikely I'll ever have this sticky purge valve issue again.

I rebuilt the dessicant cartridge for the AD-2 air dryer I have. When I opened it up, there was what I would consider to be a lot of oil in there. Not just in the oil catch brass part but in the dessicant. I would guess maybe a half cup. This really freaked me out but I suppose running the compressor for 7 hrs with the control line off like I did meant it ran the whole time without a break. The next time I fire up the bus I'm going to pull the discharge line off and hold cardboard 6" from the hole to check for oil splatter. How much oil is too much?

I rebuilt the air dryer purge valve and tested the heater. The end cover goes black on tomorrow.

[luvrbus]

The heater in air driers is controlled by a thermostat in the drier they come on around 38F

[GnarlyBus]

Yep, left it outside overnight and ohmed it in the morning. Right around 2 ohms.

[chessie4905]

Dessicant doesn't like oil. If you continue to get oil there, consider replacing compressor.