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    • #6251
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      Keymaster

      I headed to the bus barn yesterday to prepare for a short trip to the racetrack this week. While there, I noticed the aux. air compressor was running and heard a leak. In the steer bay, I found that one of the 1/4″ air lines had broken at a connection for no apparent reason. After shutting down the compressor, I cut off the old compression fitting and replaced it with a quick connect fitting, then turned the compressor back on. It pumped up just fine, and I didn’t see any leaks at the repair. However, about ten minutes later, the line broke again.

      Upon fixing it a second time, the same issue occurred. I discovered that the line running back into the coach seems to have lost its integrity; it cracks and breaks shortly after any pressure is applied. The line coming from the compressor looks new and is in good condition. This air line supplies air to the fresh water fill valve. My quick fix was to plug the supply line and ask for help.

      Unfortunately, I’m running out of line to work with as it gets shorter with each repair, and I haven’t found an area where it’s still good. I’m considering running a new 1/4″ air line back to the wet bay in my older Liberty. While I can manage for now, I plan to call Liberty for advice when I have the time. Any help or suggestions from others who’ve tackled a similar issue would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

      #6253
      MyPrevost
      Keymaster

      Ted, We just plummed a 1/4 inch tube from the steer bay through the forth bay, for our bay doors air lifts. Jan and I wern’t talking afterwards.

      #6254
      MyPrevost
      Keymaster

      Ted,

      If I were tackling that issue, I’d consider two possible approaches.

      First, since it’s an air line, I’d run it out the bottom of the steer bay along the length of the coach through a groove I’d create just behind the angle that runs the length of the bays. This groove would be just under the polished stainless door threshold trim and behind the bottom flange of the bay door. After grooving it out for the new air line, I’d install the line and re-insulate it with spray foam. The foam insulation acts as a sound deadener, so while it’s not critical, it would help keep the air line in place without needing additional adhesive. Once you reach the bay, you can determine how to route the line to the valve.

      The second option, which is trickier, would involve feeding the line through one of the tubes that Prevost uses to carry wiring and air lines from the front to the rear. You can access these tubes by dropping the bumper and looking up at the top rear of the Cruise Air compartment. These tubes extend to the rear, and at least one exits at the rear bulkhead of the water compartment ahead of the drive axle. I’d probably prefer this route and would use a snake or line that plumbers and electricians use to fish the air line through the plastic conduit.

      Either way, it’s going to be a job. Honestly, I’d rather eat bees than go through what you’re facing, especially since this repair won’t add any value to the coach. But think of the quality time you’ll get to spend with your bus!

      #6255
      MyPrevost
      Keymaster

      Definitely, that approach makes sense. Tapping into the holding tank line probably isn’t ideal, considering Liberty’s design choices. For now, it’s best to enjoy the Texas Motor Speedway and soak in the excitement of the race—watching Danica go all out will be thrilling! Have an amazing time!

      #6256
      MyPrevost
      Keymaster

      Ted, if you’re up for it, join us at Erion Racing this weekend at Elkhart Lake, WI! I’ll help you with the air line, and we can indulge in some amazing brats—the best track food I’ve had in the last 20 years!

      #6257
      MyPrevost
      Keymaster

      Ted,

      One thing that I was wondering, can you pull the new line through using the old line as the fish tape?

      #6258
      MyPrevost
      Keymaster

      Ted,

      Liberty draws their auxiliary air from the Prevost port in the steer compartment. From there, the lines are manifolded to various devices like air floors, dump valves, seats, and air horns. This setup ensures that if a line fails, the protection valves activate to maintain the integrity of the bus air system. I highly recommend against pulling air from any other location, even if it seems easier to tap into the tanks in the rear. You might even find an auxiliary air tank back there. If you can connect downstream from a protection valve, that works too, but it has to be part of the auxiliary air system.

      Not me, though—I’m a bit chicken when it comes to these things!

      #6259
      MyPrevost
      Keymaster

      Ted, if you’re up for it, join us at Erion Racing this weekend at Elkhart Lake, WI! I’ll help you with the air line, and we can indulge in some amazing brats—the best track food I’ve had in the last 20 years!

      I’d love to be up there with you all, Kevin, but it’s a bit far for a weekend trip. Wishing you great success and good weather! We’re at the track this morning, and the wind is gusting up to 40 MPH—the bus is rocking like a boat. I think I’ll go dump the bags and see if that helps settle things down. GO FAST!!

      #6260
      MyPrevost
      Keymaster

      Ted, if the holding tank line you’re thinking of tapping into is for auxiliary air, that could work. Are you referring to the line for the air dump valve for the wastewater? If that’s the case, it is indeed auxiliary air.

      Dale’s advice is solid as well; I’ve used similar approaches many times.

      #6261
      MyPrevost
      Keymaster

      Joe, it wouldn’t be acceptable unless the connection is made downstream from a protection valve. If a line is installed incorrectly, it can not only bleed auxiliary air but also draw from the brake system air, causing pressure to drop to around 70 pounds, which could lead to serious issues.

      However, if you install it downstream from a protection valve, the entire line can be removed without significantly affecting the brake system pressure.

      #6262
      MyPrevost
      Keymaster

      Wouldn’t Liberty have considered that when plumbing air to the dump gate on his holding tank? It’s definitely wise not to make assumptions. It would be better for him to check first by pulling the line he’s thinking of tapping into and seeing what the situation is before proceeding. That way, he can avoid any potential issues with the air system.

      #6263
      MyPrevost
      Keymaster

      Liberty routes a line from the Prevost aux air attachment port, labeled “converter air,” to a manifold. In my coach, there are six lines branching from that manifold to various devices, including the floor slide, air horns, dump valves, generator air bags, driver seat, pocket doors, and bed lift. Since these lines originate from the Prevost-supplied port, they receive the necessary protection.

      While it would be much easier for Liberty to plumb air lines for their needs from the rear aux air tank—considering that the bed lift, generator air bags, dump valves, and pocket doors are all located toward the rear of the coach—there are likely several reasons for their current setup. The primary reason is the protection it affords, but they can also isolate leaks and issues more effectively by blocking each circuit at the manifold to identify any problems in the air system.

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