2000 Journey With Air Leak at Level Valve

[Marvin-WO]

2000 Journey with HWH system. After being parked for several days, I raise the jacks. I start the engine. When air pressure needle reaches straight up, often the air bags start to fill. Sometimes I have to press the rabbit and then they fill. Recently, when the pressure reaches straight up, the air escapes at one front axle or the other like it's in the dump mode. Sometimes I shut off the engine and cycle the system by putting down jacks and retracting them, etc. Sometimes that works. Recently it hasn't. The air continues to escape from the level valve. I have wiggled the level linkage. Sometimes that stops the leak and sometimes it doesn't. I keep trying different things and finally the leak stops. I am now home and wish to solve the problem before we leave again.

Do I need to replace the level valves or call Paul at HWH? Thanks.

 

[Morich]

Since you appear to have found the near location of the leak, what about trying to spot exactly WHERE with soap solution like you were checking for a tire leak?
Sounds like a fitting on that valve may be a problem?
Slobber some soap on and see if one of the bubbles grows!

But if it is not one of the fittings, you may at least find if it is an internal problem with the valve that says it needs replaced or repaired.

 

[Marvin-WO]

The air comes out the exit tube where it is supposed to when I dump the air. Once I try different solutions and it stops, there aren't any leaks. So I guess I need new values unless there is a way to lubricate the valves. ⁶

 

[Morich]

Yes, if you have located the leak as coming from inside, I would assume the next step would be to get the valves repaired/replaced.
There would be assumed to be various air solenoid inside and those likely need service. Whether that is a DIY or pro job is where i would go for pro!

 

[RayIN]

Wait! Before spending money; remove each air pressure inlet tubing and add a few drops of air tool oil into the tubing, then reconnect.
This requires having no air pressure in the tanks first.
These valves just need a bit of lubrication sometimes. If this doesn't work, the only thing you spent is a few drops of air tool oil.
Other oils may contain additives that are detrimental to O-rings and seals; I never use any of them, only air tool oil.
Are you sure which air solenoid is leaking? The dump valves (one at each axle) are Winnebago-installed, they are not supplied by HWH. Also they are 12V operated by the Winnebago dump valve wiring married to the HWH wiring.

 

[Marvin-WO]

Thanks for the advice. I borrowed some air tool oil from my neighbor. After it sat long enough that all the air was gone, I raised the front end using the jacks. This gave me adequate room to access the valves. I was careful not to be in a dangerous place although I know my jacks are hydraulic and I was disconnecting air lines. I added some oil directly into the valves and reattached the lines.
I went through the steps to get to travel mode. I had to press the rabbit a couple of times, but it worked. I leveled it again and let it sit a couple of days. I went through the travel steps today and it worked. Again I had to punch the rabbit button a couple of times, but that may be normal. My neighbor says it will improve with use. He has an excavation business with semis and large trucks. We will be going on a two week trip to graduation and alumni reunions. I will let you know how it goes. Thanks again for the advice.