12V compressor rated to 130psi for air assist suspensipn (Branded Air-Lift) - advice? (1 Viewer)

[Jev88]

I tried the RVOC forum but not many responses.
I have air assist bags x4 on my RV. Either the pump or solenoids are not working properly. Air-Lift Model 16130

I was trying to inflate all four corners a little - the system has two toggle switches and double gauges. Toggle 1 press left for rear left, press right for right rear etc...
It still works on 2 of the bags but does nothing on the other two. Fuse blew too!

I suspect the pump may be failing? But I guess it could be the solenoids too - seen in the "spaghetti" picture below.
Is there a simple test to see if the solenoids are faulty? I have a spare 12V battery and wires available and so could in theory supply power to each one individually?

Looking for advice as the pump is £180 plus shipping (approx) and Air-Lift closed down July 2022!

If I can confirm the solenoids are okay then I think I can replace the pump unit with a UK sourced 12V, rated to 130+psi bu getting appropriate adaptors? The old pump is in a picture below and has a "push small black plastic pipe inside" style connection which you simply depress the little collar to release the pipe again - very similar to some speed fit / push fit plumbingsystems.

 

[jockaneezer]

You can check the solenoid's coil integrity with a multimeter set to ohms and in this case, you have others to compare the readings with. I used one of these detectors for checking solenoid operation in the dim and distant past, just hold it next to the coil and it lights up to tell you it's working. https://uk.rs-online.com/web/p/non-contact-voltage-magnetic-field-indicators/3755422

 

[Bessy765]

You are looking at around 7.5 thats a lot for the ordinary 12 volt compressors

 

[XxAnthxX]

Why not just swap the air outlet of the solenoids over……and see if the opposite two work?

 

[TinaLes]

Hi Jev88
You can easily check the solenoids with a seperate 12VDC supply across the two + & - coil input terms, you should hear a loud click to show they are functioning.
As for a replacement compressor then have a look at Viair 4x4/RV compressors, they seem to be purpose built for the job.
I am considering buying one as a stand alone portable tyre compressor, as all The Ring type supposed HD pumps are not up to the job IMHO.
See Link Below.
LES

VIAIR: #1 Brand For Tire Inflators & Air Compressors

With best-in-class design and performance, VIAIR compressors lead the market in quality, reliability, and convenience.

www.viaircorp.com

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[Steve and Denise]

I got our parts from Savage 4x4 In Derbyshire they are Viair agents

 

[Jev88]

Hi Jev88
You can easily check the solenoids with a seperate 12VDC supply across the two + & - coil input terms, you should hear a loud click to show they are functioning.
As for a replacement compressor then have a look at Viair 4x4/RV compressors, they seem to be purpose built for the job.
I am considering buying one as a stand alone portable tyre compressor, as all The Ring type supposed HD pumps are not up to the job IMHO.
See Link Below.
LES

VIAIR: #1 Brand For Tire Inflators & Air Compressors

With best-in-class design and performance, VIAIR compressors lead the market in quality, reliability, and convenience.

www.viaircorp.com

Looking closely I think Air-Lift were rebadging/using Viair as even the cooling fins match.
My main airline looks bigger than Viair provide though - I have emailed a Viair supplier to ask - I might have some dumb USA imperial size ?

 

[Jev88]

I just learned that because the "C" range of compressors used for these jobs do not have their own solenoid or check switch (unless you specify it) there is a risk that when a solenoid goes faulty the compressor does NOT like being started under load - such as 50 or 60psi already in the airbag trying to escape back down the feed line.
This causes a ampage spike........ and I did get a blown fuse!!!!
My system is not automatic and so has no receiving tank. I.E. no bag inflates itself if pressure drops below XYpsi.

I also just put two wires from a 12V supply to the pump and it instantly springs into life. More evidence the solenoids are not happy?

 

[Martin How]

You can test each of the solenoids by putting 12v on the terminals. normally you can feel or hear a clunk as they operate.

 

[Jev88]

You can test each of the solenoids by putting 12v on the terminals. normally you can feel or hear a clunk as they operate.

Hi. I provided external 12v to each solenoid today and each one Clicks.
I tried the dash controller buttons and one rocker works fine (front wheels I think) and the same rear left fails to start the pump but solenoid opens and would blown fuse if held there.
Then after several tests the rear right also failed to start the pump occasionally. So both rear bags/pipes are intermittent?
I now think the pump itself is not up to the task? No it ran out of light to check connection to rear of toggle switches.

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