Air Brake Reservoir

RobRV · 09-27-2009, 12:45 AM

Not to sound entirely stupid but where are the 2 Air reservoirs' located onthe Spartan "Highliner/Mountain Master chassis? Also the Air dryer!

GaryKD · 09-28-2009, 09:46 AM

Hi RobRV,
On my MM chassis the air tanks are located on the chassis above the front axle. The air dryer is on the passenger side in the engine compartment. It is accessible only by crawling under the coach.

RobRV · 09-28-2009, 03:32 PM

Thanks Gary,
I slid underneath and sure enough the Primary and secondary Tanks are located above the Front Axle. I still can't spot the compressor and governor, but will dig a bit deeper.

I could not see a manual Drain on either Tank however each one has an Automatic Drain Valve. Perhaps I need to slither under there again or will have a look the next day or so when I take it in for Service!

Part of the "Daily" Pre Trip requirements for Air Brake Equipped Vehicles here in BC Canada mandates Draining the "Wet Tank". We are also required to check the Slack Adjusters for proper travel and We must inspect all Air Lines for Leaks! We also do an Air Down --Recovery --Time Check, and are required to do a Full Brake application 3 Times.All this before moving the Rig !

I am presently trying to Put together a Non Commercial Pre Trip Inspection that is geared more to the Recreational Vehicle Owner. The Normal Commercial Routine although "Good To Know" is just not practical for Our Buses . The Big Hurdle will be to convince the Motor Vehicle Department that this should be implemented .

If Any of You have some suggestions to Help Me in this endeavor , Your Input is welcome!

Cruzer · 10-03-2009, 03:55 PM

The compressor is mounted to the engine's accessory drive system and the governor is probably mounted on the compressor. Nothing you really have to check there.

You probably have 3 manual drain valves (the primary tank is partitioned so there's more than two reservoirs). They will have steel cable lanyards attached to them. On my '04 Bus/Freightliner, two were in the PS front wheel well while one was in the DS front wheel well. On my '07 Bus/Spartan all 3 lanyards are in the PS wheel well. You may have trouble seeing them if the air bags are dumped. Let them fill up first to give you more clearance. I'd recommend using your awning rod hook to pull them rather than chance gettig your arm pinched in there should the coach suspension settle.

RobRV · 10-03-2009, 06:03 PM

Mark , I have looked everywhere under this Puppy. There are No Manual Drains to turn or Lanyards to pull. I am completely baffled! She is going to be serviced in a few Days so will be discussing this with My Mechanic!

The Chassis is a Spartan under a 98 Newmar Dutch Star.

RobRV · 11-15-2009, 06:32 PM

Well I now know where the Manual Drain Valves are located and Yes They do work. I guess Newmar decided to not bother installing those Lanyards. Oh Well at least I now can prove that I do know how to drain the wet tank if necessary!