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two sailors · 11-30-2011, 04:40 PM

I started the ol Alpine today, steped outside, then returned to air leaking from under the dash. I discovered one air line on the primary side of, I assume, the air pressure warning system. air leaking from the secondary fitting. Is there supposed to be a plug on the secondary fitting or is the control shot? I could find no wayward air line or fitting.

Help please!
Brad

Wayne R · 11-30-2011, 08:03 PM

Brad,
It sounds like the Atica gauge is leaking internally. They only have 1 hose hooked to it and no plug. I Installed an analog air pressure gauge to monitor air pressure. I also defeated the low pressure beep by probing the air port and shorting/opening the internal switch. I also probably got luck defeating the switch. You can get a replacement gauge cluster from Atica. Do a search you are not the first to have thus problem. I made my modification at least 2 years ago.

two sailors · 11-30-2011, 08:39 PM

Wayne
Any idea how you managed to override the alarm and where did you put the gauge?

Wayne R · 12-01-2011, 10:41 AM

Brad,

I probed the air fitting on the cluster with an awl. This procedure probably caused an open in the small pressure switch.

two sailors · 12-01-2011, 08:45 PM

That looks good! Thank you for your help.
Brad

EngineerMike · 12-02-2011, 11:40 AM

Brad- it can also be a leak at the line/fitting interface. The PEX tubing can get frayed or take a set and leak at the o-ring inside the fitting. I have that condition currently, but it reseals itself (stops hissing) once the pressure builds to >~90psi or so. the fix in that event (sounds like yours never seals) is to first dump air, then compress the uppermost ring on the fitting to "release" the tubing from the fitting's bite, pull the tubing out, and trim off the portion of tube that is deformed, then push the tubing back into the fitting till it pops past the o-ring (you can also use a paper clip or toothpick end to measure the depth you should achieve and watch for that when inserting). Restart coach and check for leak. If its no better, then the fitting is broken per Wayne's description and needs bypassing or replacing. I did one for a customer recently, was ~$125 for the part from Actia iirc, and is a simple drop in installation. Take care to mark the wire loom plugs for same location on re-install, as it will look confusing if you (I) walk away from it for more than 10 seconds and come back.

I haven't seen it, but could also be that the fitting has backed out & no longer seals at its screw base (standard thread). There is a teeny flat o-ring at the base that might have cracked or be loose, in which case replace or tighten as applicable.

two sailors · 12-02-2011, 10:51 PM

Mike,
Thank you for the information. This is not leaking around the tubing going in. It is all coming from the fitting which has no hose attached and will not buidl pressure because all the air is passing out through the secondary inlet. Not sure what that might have been used for. I could probably plug or crimp the hose to stop the air loss but I don't know how long I could stand the dam noise.
Brad

EngineerMike · 12-02-2011, 11:09 PM

Brad- the second air port was used in Avalanche models that had air brakes, one port for front brakes, second port for rear, and the Avalanche had dual air gauges on the dash.

You can get a short piece of 1/4" o.d. tubing w/a push-on end cap (H.D. or Lowes or a good plumbing supply joint) to stab into the empty port to see if that seals the leak, cost maybe $4 vs $125 for a new cluster PCB (you only get the printed circuit board, you reuse the lens & gasket which you take off the old assembly.

two sailors · 12-03-2011, 08:08 AM

I was wondering what the second port was used for. I will try the plug! I talked with Actia and they said they would repair it, circa $150.

Thank you,
Brad