Air pressure & hello

[Florida Eagle]

Greetings from central Florida from a bus newbie seduced by the siren call of an iconic 1989 Silver Eagle. I'm a 4-year full-timer and, until 3 months ago, comfortably residing in a 40' Monaco Dynasty with 2 slides. Fate intervened and the rest is history. The classic good looks of the Eagle sold me and the Monaco went quickly to a new home. I'm really looking forward to being a part of the Eagle community. I of course have many questions. But to start off, what is the average air pressure for Eagles underway at highway speed? How long on average should it take after a cold overnight start to reach underway pressure? After shutting down, how long should the tanks retain air pressure? My suspicion is I have an air leak (or other cause?) because it takes at least 15 min to just reach 90 lbs. and it does not rise much over 90. Thoughts on where to start? Thanks in advance, colleagues.

[akroyaleagle]

Welcome,

Sounds like the D2 governor needs changing. About $20 last time I bought one. Located on top or to the side of the air compressor. Pretty easy job.

Go to DMV and get a free copy of the Commercial Drivers Manual. Read the section on air brakes pre trip inspection and it will answer all your other question and more.

Hope this helps!

[Florida Eagle]

Thanks Joe, really appreciate the info!

[beltguy]

Hi Steven. Welcome to our forum.

Joe has indicated the most likely problem. That said, our air brake systems are pretty complex with lots of components that can develop problems. Bendix publishes their Air Brake Handbook on line. I will add it to our library when I get a chance.

Several years ago I wrote an article for our Eagles Chapter Newsletter. It covers your question and a lot more. I have attached a PDF of that article:

Eagles International article on air brake.pdf

(24.2 KiB) Downloaded 521 times

The commercial guideline is that the air pressure should increase from 85 PSI to 100 PSI in 45 seconds with the engine at high idle. They make provisions for system configuration. However, you can see that your system does not come close to being acceptable.

Jim

[Florida Eagle]

Thank you Jim, I have been reading up on air systems & slowly boosting my air IQ. I appreciate all the info!

[luvrbus]

Check all the tank drain the automatic DV-2 drains are a problem sometimes ,I just replaced all of mine because of small air leaks every one was leaking

[Florida Eagle]

Update: I replaced D-2 governor with new Bendix and crossed my fingers. But I'm never that lucky. No change. I bought new DV-2 drains so I'll start replacing those. Two questions: (1) what is likelihood of compressor itself needing replacement? (2) anyone know of a competent mobile mechanic in or near central Florida? Thanks

[blue_goose]

It could be the compressor, but there are lots of other things.
You didn't say where in Florida you live. I am in Polk City FL just north of Lakeland. If you would like to meet others in area we are having a rally this coming week end. Go to
SEBUSNUTS.org for the info.

[Florida Eagle]

I am in Ocala. I look forward to joining you when the Eagle can fly again.

[blue_goose]

Thinking back to 1986 when I brought my Eagle home, there was a bad air leak. Found it when I got home, open quarter in line in the bathroom. What may help you would be to use a compressor at the back air input. If you have a leak it is hard to find it with the engine running. Use a outside air compressor that can stay running and it may make it easer. Leave the compressor on and get a bottle of soapie water go looking.
Jack