Air Suspension not inflating

[JWLSC]

I went to move the coach this weekend and the air bags did not inflate. I have the 1998 Mountain Master 240 that is on a 1998 American Eagle. I started the engine and turned on the leveling jacks and brought up the jacks.But the air suspension never inflated.The air gage is reading 100lbs.I’m new to this coach and diesels and not sure where everything is located, but I’m mechanically inclined.
So does anyone know where to start trouble shooting this issue? I’m thinking to check the fuses, then the air tanks, air values and air dryer.Anyone tell me where these are located.Also any documents on the chassis would be great.Any and all help is greatly appreciated.

[Lloyd in S.C.]

Hi!

Something to try.....

Wait till the air builds before you retract the jacks. The valve that opens to air up the bags is air powered. If you have low or no air pressure it does not open.

If you have already retracted with no air pressure,,,, and the valve didn't open, the fix is to hit the retract jacks button again. This will again signal the valve to open....

The above works on my coach.

L.

[JWLSC]

I ran the engine and got the air up to 120lbs. I get the jacks down and they touched the ground. I then brought the jacks up and powered the jacks off. The air was at 120lbs but the bags did not inflate. Is there a fuse I can check, I'd do where is it.

[palehorse89]

Originally Posted by JWLSC

I ran the engine and got the air up to 120lbs. I get the jacks down and they touched the ground. I then brought the jacks up and powered the jacks off. The air was at 120lbs but the bags did not inflate. Is there a fuse I can check, I'd do where is it.

Sounds like you need to replace the rear air ride valve........had to replace mine last year, same problem, would not air up......mine actually had some air blowing by the air ride valve. Bought mine from https://rvchassisparts.com:8443/apar...is/runApp?id=5
They are great guy's to call and work with....

[mackwrench]

OP, is both front and rear bags deflated? on the air leveling valve you should see 2 air lines, one from the air system the other goes to the air bags. Using a 5/8 wrench, remove the system air line from the valve and be sure there's air there. If so, then leveling valve failed. If both rear and front are deflated then you may have a hyd leveling control issue. I think you can get trouble shooting info from mfg wad site of the brand of levelers you have....

[OldHatt45]

John,
Who is the manufacturer of the Jack System??? Reason I ask is that on my coach, I need to retract the Jacks and leave the system on. There is a delay system involved. So, you might want to leave the jack system on after the jacks are up. Also, many people, myself included, turn the coach on, let it build up pressure, then retract the jacks.
Drew

[JWLSC]

machwrench, thanks for the info. I have the Powergear Jack system. After more thought I remember that the front airbags have been slow since I got the coach and now they don't airup at all. I'm leaning towards either the leveling valve or the hyd leveling control and not to individual components as all bags are not airing up.

So now how do I trouble shoot the issue to isolate the bad part. I believe this is the leveling valve, if it is which line do I take off to check for air, the upper left blue line. Any idea how to check the hyd control panel. Also the black body in the picture looks fairly new from the marks.


Thanks eveyone

[Maik]

I have the same 1998 American Eagle. I have a separate electrical switch on the dash (left) that I can use for inflating and deflating the airbags. If you have such a switch maybe it is in the deflate position?
I hope you find the problem; as I would probablyrun into the same problem later.

[gptexas]

My coach had a similar problem. The air bags got very slow to air up and at times would not. Replaced air dryer desiccant cartridge--problem solved. Most overlooked maintenance item.

[mackwrench]

JWLSC, the valve in the picture is not the leveling valve, that's the dump valve that's connected electrical to the jack system and dash dump switch (if equipped)
The leveling valve will be mounted very near suspension, you'll see a steel rod connected to the valve and suspension. Probably mounted in front of steer axle.

Go under coach and make sure rear bags are deflated as well.

[JWLSC]

Is it possible that the dump valve is stuck open as all air bags are deflated. If so any one know how to trouble shoot. I have emailed Spartan and Power Gear on the issue.

[mackwrench]

One of the solenoids could be stuck. Can you check if power is on any of the wires at that valve?
Perhaps lightly tap the solenoids...if I had to guess, the supply line is the top left, next to the exhaust line...

[mackwrench]

Hopefully this won't confuse matters more, lol

http://www.lci1.com/assets/content/s...2-L0051-00.pdf

[OldHatt45]

JWLSC,
The Valve in the picture is the Master Dump Valve. It controls the valves at the wheels. You will either have 2 or 3 wheel valves (in most cases) Look near the wheels for those. Highly doubtful that the Master Valve is bad. It is most likely a wheel valve. Also, As has been said, have you replaced the Desiccant Filter on the Air Dryer?? That single item will cause your problem and many people don't even realize they have one.
Drew