Author Topic: Air Leak in 1999 Contessa on Drivers side only  (Read 6457 times)

Mike Gineris

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Re: Air Leak in 1999 Contessa on Drivers side only
« Reply #15 on: May 13, 2021, 10:36:28 PM »
I don't believe I have any control to switch "travel modes".  I don't know of a leveling panel?  I just have two push buttons for dumping air....that don't work with the ignition switch in any position.

Mike Gineris

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Re: Air Leak in 1999 Contessa on Drivers side only
« Reply #16 on: May 13, 2021, 10:38:59 PM »
Air leaks were discovered in the "push-to-connect" joints where the lines connect to the manifolds.  Jiggle the line and you can hear the air leak (in my case).  Soapy water does reveal a very small slow leak. 

Lee Welbanks

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Re: Air Leak in 1999 Contessa on Drivers side only
« Reply #17 on: May 14, 2021, 03:12:57 AM »
A lot of the push-to-connect fittings will start leaking over time. I've replace almost every fitting in my 06 PT with brass compression Parker DOT fittings, no more leaks.

Mike Gineris

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Re: Air Leak in 1999 Contessa on Drivers side only
« Reply #18 on: January 23, 2025, 03:10:23 PM »
I know it's been years but life interfered with my issue for this long!  I replaced all 8 bags and 4 Manifolds (one at each axle).  Every Manifold had leaks.   The Coach has a single centered Ride Leveling Valve (No six pack) with an adjustable Arm for which I still have to replace the T-boot and fix more air leaks.  I've looked everywhere and cannot find a proper air system diagram telling me how this all functions.  I get it that I have the "simple" system where you bleed the bags from the four dump valves first and then extend the jacks (single forward jack and then the two aft ones).  I also understand that the center Ride Height Valve provides LH-RH Leveling.  I don't know if I have one Ride Height Valve in the Rear or another one in the Front but can certainly figure that out soon.
Mike Gineris
1999 Contessa Naples

Eric Maclean Co-Admin

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Re: Air Leak in 1999 Contessa on Drivers side only
« Reply #19 on: January 23, 2025, 03:42:26 PM »
Mike
The ride height on your coach is controlled both front and rear
The front axle will have one ride height control valve in the center of the front axle this valve controls all 4 front air bags these air bags are all plumbed together and air can move freely from one side to the other so they can not raise or lower one side individually.

The rear axle has two ride height valves one on each side of the coach each of those valves is connected to 2 air bags on its prospective side
This separates the driver side from the passenger side and allows the system to keep the vehicle from leaning one way or the other

If your coach is on level ground and is leaning to or is  low on say the passenger side then the either the passenger side rear ride height is set too low or the drivers side rear ride hight is set too high.

On your coach ride height is adjusted by moving the tee shaped rubber connectors on the linkage rod of the ride height valve the proper setting 10" measured from the top of the upper air bag mounting plate to the bottom of the lower mounting plate.using tape measure.
Make small adjustments and give the valves time to react you will likely have to go back and forth several times to get it just right.
This should be done with the air pressure above 100 psi.

NOTE:
To avoid being crushed in the event of an air leak or mistake place the coach on equal height blocks (4 to 6") under each tire to give you enough clearance with the air dumped to be able to get out from under  the coach if it comes down on you

Hope this helps
Eric
1997 Patriot Yorktown
3126-B
2009 Chevy HHR
Roadmaster falcon tow bar
Demco Air Force one tow brake.

Mike Gineris

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Re: Air Leak in 1999 Contessa on Drivers side only
« Reply #20 on: January 23, 2025, 04:05:51 PM »
One or two valves for each side in the rear?  I would think only one?
Mike Gineris
1999 Contessa Naples

Mike Gineris

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Re: Air Leak in 1999 Contessa on Drivers side only
« Reply #21 on: January 23, 2025, 04:12:30 PM »
The valve would feed the manifold which in turn feeds both bags on that side.  Each manifold has four ports one for each bag and one for air bleed valve and one for input.
Mike Gineris
1999 Contessa Naples

Steve Huber Co-Admin

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Re: Air Leak in 1999 Contessa on Drivers side only
« Reply #22 on: January 23, 2025, 04:16:15 PM »
Mike,
On the rear there is 1 valve on each side (left & right). You will find a complete write-up on air leveling with illustrations  in Common Problems/Air Leveling, located under the Technical tab on the Club website.
Steve
Steve
Coachless
2015- 6/24  07 Contessa Bayshore C9,  400 hp
2013-2015: 00 Marquis Tourmaline, C12, 425 hp
2005-2013: 01 Contessa Naples, 3126B, 330 hp
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Mike Gineris

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Re: Air Leak in 1999 Contessa on Drivers side only
« Reply #23 on: January 23, 2025, 04:17:40 PM »
Eric,  Sorry I read your reply wrong.  One on each side in rear.
Mike Gineris
1999 Contessa Naples

Mike Gineris

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Re: Air Leak in 1999 Contessa on Drivers side only
« Reply #24 on: January 23, 2025, 04:42:03 PM »
Thanks Steve.  I found it.
Mike Gineris
1999 Contessa Naples