Only 8 months after replacement, ACS failed again

[larryd]

Me TOOO!!!

Whe I took mine all apart, I decided that if the compressor goes bad again...you know it'll be on a trip....I needed a way to basically unplug the air release solenoid without taking the bike apart. So I cut one of the wires going to the solenoid and put in a quick disconnect on 6 inches of wire and routed it to under the seat. So if it quits now, I raise the seat, pull the quick disconnect and can add air manually without it losing any.

Thats exactly how I did mine about 2 years ago when the compressor failed...I think mine is getting ready to fail again...I hear it running often and it don't sound good...I think mine now has the check valve problem causing the air to bleed back...

 

[teninospyder]

finally got the courage to try and disconnect the release solenoid

OK.....Probably sounds strange to many in the SL community, but still not being comfortable with removing the mirrors and tupperware to get to things (primarily because I haven't had to), yesterday I did all this and disconnected the wires to the release solenoid. Put in 60PSI at the schader, started the spyder, sat on it (in gear and without parking brake on), moved around a lot in the seat, got up and down, listened and looked in the left mirror for any "sinking" of the spyder (as I definitely saw before) and didn't see any. :yes: So I think I can now expect as others have, that I can use it as a "manual" system. If that works out and no other parts fail to hold air.....I'll probably just keep it this way and recommend to anyone who asks that they not pay for the ACS option from BRP. :banghead:

One more thing......I realize there isn't much air in the system, but in checking pressure a number of times, it looks to me like you lose anywhere from 1-3 pounds every time just by putting the gage on and taking it off. Anybody put a small permanent gage on at the Schrader location somehow??

 

[2dogs]

OK.....Probably sounds strange to many in the SL community, but still not being comfortable with removing the mirrors and tupperware to get to things (primarily because I haven't had to), yesterday I did all this and disconnected the wires to the release solenoid. Put in 60PSI at the schader, started the spyder, sat on it (in gear and without parking brake on), moved around a lot in the seat, got up and down, listened and looked in the left mirror for any "sinking" of the spyder (as I definitely saw before) and didn't see any. :yes: So I think I can now expect as others have, that I can use it as a "manual" system. If that works out and no other parts fail to hold air.....I'll probably just keep it this way and recommend to anyone who asks that they not pay for the ACS option from BRP. :banghead:

One more thing......I realize there isn't much air in the system, but in checking pressure a number of times, it looks to me like you lose anywhere from 1-3 pounds every time just by putting the gage on and taking it off. Anybody put a small permanent gage on at the Schrader location somehow??

I use an FOBO on the Schrader valve. Works great. Just be sure and push your small tool kit a little bit toward the rear of the seat to give the FOBO the room it needs. :thumbup:

 

[DGoebel]

Kudos Ray, I too was initially hesitant about getting in there, but some days you just gotta go for it and learn, after less than 2 years I've learn to remove and replace everything but the front fenders and handlebar surround.

 

[teninospyder]

2 hour ride last night. All is well with ride air pressure

Got to try a 2 up ride last night after unplugging the release solenoid and putting approx 60 PSI in system thru Schrader. Ride felt great, even cornering seemed more in control. Soul mate was happy with the feel too. hyea: Checked air this AM and it is about 55 PSI, but as I said earlier, I lose that much each time I check, just in the checking process bleed-off. We are happy with the ride again :yes::yes: ACS ?????? :dontknow:

 

[DGoebel]

Ray sounds like you're at least comfortable with it's current rideability. Now to determine if there's some kind of leak in the system. Top it up to 60 lbs AFTER your next ride when you know you won't be riding it for two or more days. Then check the pressure after 48 - 72 hrs and see if it's dropped just the pressure gauge loss amount, or significantly more. I think the brass check valves are prone to sticking open and now know they can be cleaned (at least mine could be). I can set my pressure with my air chuck and 3 days later it's the same pressure now. Before it would drop below my gauge's lowest reading.

 

[teninospyder]

I'll let you know.

Ray sounds like you're at least comfortable with it's current rideability. Now to determine if there's some kind of leak in the system. Top it up to 60 lbs AFTER your next ride when you know you won't be riding it for two or more days. Then check the pressure after 48 - 72 hrs and see if it's dropped just the pressure gauge loss amount, or significantly more. I think the brass check valves are prone to sticking open and now know they can be cleaned (at least mine could be). I can set my pressure with my air chuck and 3 days later it's the same pressure now. Before it would drop below my gauge's lowest reading.

I intend to check this as you say, for a few times. I'll let you know.