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Rcdukes · 01-27-2015, 08:02 PM

I have a slow leak in the front air tank. After letting the pressure build up, I crawled under and found a screw in one of the red air lines a few inches from the tank. Anyone ever seen anything like this. Is this some sort of temporary repair someone may have made? Any help or insight is appreciated.

guardrail53 · 01-27-2015, 08:49 PM

Who knows how it got there? Or why? Bottom line is you need to replace that red air line! If there is enough line you could cut it at the screw and shorten it up, If not, go buy a coupler and put it in where the screw is, Just cut the line and install the coupler. I would replace the line, if it was me, the plastic line is not expensive. You do not want that line breaking while you are driving down the road! Rail!

2 Stroker · 01-27-2015, 08:51 PM

If plastic, cut the line and take a sample to Napa and get an air line splice fitting. It just slides on the line then you slide the other end on, fixed in about 30sec. I keep 1/4 and 3/8" fitting on hand.
2 stroker

Mr_D · 01-27-2015, 09:03 PM

Be VERY careful around the air lines! Lose pressure while under there and it could kill you!

dvmweb · 01-28-2015, 12:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr_D

Be VERY careful around the air lines! Lose pressure while under there and it could kill you!

My first thought! Saw it happen one time. The kid under the bus got a broken rib. Could've been the end of him.

2013 FleetWood Expedition 38B

wa8yxm · 01-28-2015, 03:38 PM

I can think of several ways I might temp repair a line, but.. None that Id care to mention.

The cut and splice (Blow the pressure release first to zero pressure in the line) method described above is the only one i would recommend.

If it appears that screw was factory installed, Contact them as well, even if they do not do anything for you (the splice is about the cost of the postage stamp so do not count on "relief",, they may figure out who screwed you and .. Talk to them.

Jake74 · 01-28-2015, 06:29 PM

I'm sure it was a temporary fix as I have done it many times on the side of the road on semi trucks to make it home. A screw in a hole in the air tank or plastic air line is a truckers trick to get home.

DA_BUS · 01-28-2015, 06:45 PM

All good posts - buy the splice and also buy an extra to keep on hand. If it happens in Copper Harbor UP - like happened to us - you won't have to call a mechanic from an hour away on a Friday like we did. No repair shops in the sticks...

Rcdukes · 01-28-2015, 09:04 PM

Thanks for all the information. I have decided to take it to the repair shop and have it serviced. I think I will purchase a coupler to keep for emergencies. Thanks again.

Craig

Hooligan · 01-28-2015, 10:13 PM

RcDukes- Here is a recent article in Motorhome magazine about repairs to an airline. Again be sure all the pressure is off the system before you begin.
Finding and Fixing Leaks in Your Coachâ€™s Air System May Be Easier Than You Think

sknight · 01-28-2015, 11:07 PM

Who knows, it's actually a decent repair and works well, it's just not typically a permanent one.

Here's what I'd do though, I'd get the necessary parts to add an air chuck to it. Mount the air hose quick connect somewhere easily accessible, run the line to where the screw is and connect it. Then get a 50' coiled air hose and you can use that to air up tires, blow up toys, all sorts of things. Over the road trucks often have the same type of connection.