question anyone specialise in (or good with) air brake systems in E.Sussex?

[scruffyHerrbert]

just wondering if any forum users in the vicinity of Brighton have professional or private experience of (Clayton) air brake systems and are/would be able to offer mobile advice/testing?

 

if not, can anyone recommend someone?

 

also, can anyone recommend good test gear?

 

I have no previous experience of air brakes and am learning as I go with a Dodge 50-series S46 to RB75 conversion, which has included the air-over-hydraulic braking system (sorry it's not strictly military vehicle related)

 

The system does not currently appear to be building sufficient pressure (around 95lbs tank1 and 75lbs tank2) according to dash gauge.

Fairly confident there are no external leaks.

From what I have gleaned so far, there are several possibilities, including

- dash gauge reading incorrectly

- governor valve faulty (or incorrectly adjusted)

- quad valve faulty

(these are all believed to have been working perfectly on the vehicle from which they were removed 2 years ago)

- compressor (water-cooled fitted to Perkins Phaser) faulty

(bought from someone I know in good faith, since the rest of the components were part of a Mk1 (Perkins 4236) system and the air-cooled compressor in that system is not compatable with the Perkins Phaser)

 

Have sourced a new replacement governor valve from Westwood Commercial Components but am enquiring about some help as back up as havn't found anyone I know with test gear or a wealth of experience yet

 

Have heard the quad valves are problematic - if anyone happens to have one spare to try as a sub that would be good!

 

Images from workshop manual attached for some more background info

 

 

thanks in advance, paul

[Zero-Five-Two]

I would look at the quad valve first (also known as a four way protection valve). Sounds like it is sending a full air signal to the govenor before the tanks are full.

 

As for test gear, try DTC at Southhampton. they do some very nice proffessional gear, but they also do more reasonably priced stuff for the DIY man. They do have a good website and technical help desk for advice.

[scruffyHerrbert]

thanks for your input zero, noting the QPV pressure setting listed as 90-94lbs on all ports and the WSM reference to the quad valve maintaining opening pressure on remaining systems in event of a failure, it does suggest the valve at least thinks it senses a leak somewhere and is 'inhibiting' pressure (although would expect tank2 to be registering around 95lbs as well, not noticeably less)

 

I did hear what can best be described as a high-pitched buzzing noise (not dissimilar to that of a small electric motor/pump running) coming from inside the quad valve yesterday after switching off engine with system having charged at it's current peak of around 95lbs (tank1) - this stopped after a few minutes and did not reoccur

 

could not detect any leaks of air in the system

 

I noticed the manual refers to special test equipment being required to set up a quad valve so obtaining a repair kit is out

have been quoted £185 exchange for a rebuilt unit so need to be sure that mine is at fault

 

has anyone had one done for less?

[Bran D]

I have found that no spares factors will supply a repair kit for any air brake component these days, they will only send off the unit for a rebuild. You ,may be able to find a repair kit from a surplus dealer, if you have the part no in the parts manual.

The only test equipment I have needed is a gauge like this sealey one, you can then connect it to the test points.

Of course a bottle of soapy water is always usefull for leak testing!

http://www.toolbox.co.uk/sealey-vs931-hgv-air-brake-6662-111045

 

Good luck