In regard to airing up...

[nklf]

If sitting stationary for a period of time and wanting to start the engine to run the diesel for a short period of time, how do you keep the air bags from automatically airing up? We have a spring loaded air dump switch.

[windsorbill]

Your profile says you have a 03 endeavor. What leveling system do you have?

[Ljwt330]

My limited understanding is that you cannot prevent the air bags from automatically airing up when starting the engine as they share air tanks with the air brakes and both systems are essential to drive the coach. Pushing the Dump Air switch activates the valves at the air bags, but does not cut off the air flow from the tanks to the air bag valves. I have read of people activating the dump switch and moving their coach short distances upon start up, however.

Again, this is my limited understanding which may be incorrect.

[windsorbill]

Originally Posted by Ljwt330

My limited understanding is that you cannot prevent the air bags from automatically airing up when starting the engine as they share air tanks with the air brakes and both systems are essential to drive the coach. Pushing the Dump Air switch activates the valves at the air bags, but does not cut off the air flow from the tanks to the air bag valves. I have read of people activating the dump switch and moving their coach short distances upon start up, however.

Again, this is my limited understanding which may be incorrect.

It really boils down to which system OP has. That's why I had asked earlier. For example, on my Valid air only system in either 'manual' or 'auto' (not 'Travel' mode) I can start engine and run it all day without bags filling up as long as I don't put transmission into gear and start moving. Once I hit about 3-5 mph, it will go right into 'travel' mode and start filling bags up to ride height..

In my particular case, it's very important to be in ride height (Travel mode) BEFORE I start moving. If coach bags are empty and coach is sitting on frame, you can do some real damage real quick once the wheels start turning.

[Old-Biscuit]

Originally Posted by nklf

If sitting stationary for a period of time and wanting to start the engine to run the diesel for a short period of time, how do you keep the air bags from automatically airing up? We have a spring loaded air dump switch.

Not doing that diesel engine any good running it for short time

Need to GO...drive it, get fluids *engine/trans/diff up to 'operating temps to be of any value
Otherwise...while stationary...leave it OFF
That solves the airing up issue and the engine short run time

Exercise the Gen monthly...50% load for 30 minutes.
Again up to operating temps

[Ljwt330]

Originally Posted by windsorbill

It really boils down to which system OP has. That's why I had asked earlier. For example, on my Valid air only system in either 'manual' or 'auto' (not 'Travel' mode) I can start engine and run it all day without bags filling up as long as I don't put transmission into gear and start moving. Once I hit about 3-5 mph, it will go right into 'travel' mode and start filling bags up to ride height..

In my particular case, it's very important to be in ride height (Travel mode) BEFORE I start moving. If coach bags are empty and coach is sitting on frame, you can do some real damage real quick once the wheels start turning.

Thanks for the clarification. Always wanting to learn.

[JohnBoyToo]

I rarely if ever run the engine without having to move... don't see a need...
but if I did, I would prop the air dump switch open with a key or something and press the air brakes every 5 seconds or so...
Won't keep the bags from inflating, but will slow it down a lot so easier to finish dumping

[96 Wideglide]

Without an air leveling system, I'm not sure you have a choice but to let it air up the springs, and dump when your done.

[1doodadd]

On my system HWH 625 I start the engine and hit the air button 1 time on the touch panel and it will Stop the deflate and stay in the level mode. Only when I turn the system off will it start to deflate and air up to travel.

[Timaz]

Originally Posted by 1doodadd

On my system HWH 625 I start the engine and hit the air button 1 time on the touch panel and it will Stop the deflate and stay in the level mode. Only when I turn the system off will it start to deflate and air up to travel.

X2, I have the HWH. As long as you turn it on by pushing the air button once before you start the engine it will stay level.

[dca81]

I have a 04 Windsor and I believe it has the HWH air level system only. It has no turn off (will not raise the coach) method of which I am aware. This creates a real problem for me because my storage barn door is 12 ft (height) and the ac and satellite dome are few inches in excess of 12 ft. Therefore, I hold the dump air button down to pull into and out of my barn. This lowers the coach height to slightly under 12ft. Never more than 2 or 3 minutes. I keep an eye on air pressure gage. It goes down to about 80lbs then seems to hold. But it is a real pain driving with one hand thru the door opening.

[96 Wideglide]

dca, not sure if your HWH leveling system works the same as the Valid system, but if I have my coach lowered or raised in manual mode, once I put the transmission in gear, and take off the parking brake, my leveling system will automatically go to 'travel' mode. If I quickly press manual mode again, it will stop adding, or releasing air.
Doing this I have two hands to drive. Once I crawl out from under, or over, I just press travel mode for the bags to inflate, or deflate to travel height.
Like Bill mentioned earlier, reaching a certain speed will also automatically switch the leveling system to travel height.

[Lowflyer1]

Originally Posted by nklf

If sitting stationary for a period of time and wanting to start the engine to run the diesel for a short period of time, how do you keep the air bags from automatically airing up? We have a spring loaded air dump switch.

I'm with Old-Biscuit. Starting a cold engine wears it out the most as it takes some time until all the moving parts get lubricated and the engine to warm up for proper operation. It's better to let it sit until needed for a long drive.

Also, you should avoid extended idling as it causes carbon build-up in the injectors, piston rings and valve sticking. The engine manual for my ISL 400 says 10 minutes max.

[Ted Lambert]

Running your diesel a short period of time does way more damage and increased wear to internal engine parts than leaving it sit.
So unless you have to run it for a short time.
Don't!