Trikes Without The Optional On Board Air Compressor; Trikes With The Optional On Board Air Compressor - Motor Trike GL1800 SPYDER / 2+2 Service Manual

Trikes without the Optional On Board Air Compressor

Increase the pressure in the system to 50/60 pounds via the Schrader valve located in the trunk.
Locate the air lines, and connector manifolds. Start from either side of the Trike, at the air bag. Spray
the soapy water on the connections. There are two connections on the top of the air bag. One that the
black hose is connected to, and another where the "L" connector screws into the top of the bag. Look
for bubbles coming from the area that you just sprayed. If a leak is detected in the upper connection
where the hose is inserted, gently tighten the Ferrell nut. If the leak is at the bottom connection where
it screws into the bag. Release the air from the system before continuing. Remove the hose from
the top connection, and back out the main connector. Clean the threads of the connector thoroughly.
Wrap the threads with silicone tape (at least two wraps), or coat with Non-Hardening "Silicone Base
Plumbers Putty". Reinstall the connector and hose. Pressurize the system and recheck for leaks.
Move to the hose connector manifolds located under the seat in the center. There are three of them that
may or may not be tied to the cross member. Spray the manifolds with the soapy water, and examine
for leaks. If a leak is detected, with one hand lift up the red top of the leaking line, and with the other
hand press the hose firmly into the manifold. Recheck for a leak. If the leak persist in the manifold
release the air in the system, and with the same method as above remove the hose, and check that the
end is cut square and clean. Trim the end of the hose with a sharp knife or razor blade. Re-insert the
hose fully into the manifold. Pressurize and recheck for a leak. Do this with all of the connections that
may be leaking. Trace the last line to the location of the Schrader valve, and check the underside in the
same manor. Tighten the Ferrell nut gently if there is a leak. If a leak here persist, remove the Ferrell
nut and trim the hose end as with the manifold. Check the Schrader valve from inside the trunk for a
leak in the valve itself. If the valve is leaking, tighten with a valve core tool and recheck. If the valve
core is still leaking replace it with a new one. Valve cores can be found at any Auto Parts Store. This is
mentioned last because a leaking valve core is rare.

Trikes with the Optional On Board Air Compressor

Increase the pressure in the system with the compressor control switch to 50/60 pounds.
Removal of the seat is required to gain access to the main air hose and the air compressor, as well as
the low pressure solenoid switch, and the air line that goes to the air gauge and switch.
As mentioned previously above, check the air bag connections, air lines, and the manifolds
After the air bags and manifolds have been checked, and with the seat removed, trace, and check the air
line to the main air hose. The main air hose is much larger, and has a brass connector on the end to
which the smaller black plastic hose is attached. This hose connects directly to the air compressor. See
Photos below for location and identification. The compressor is located on the topside of the Trike frame.
The compressor is located on the topside of the Trike frame just under the modified rear
inner fender.
Locate the main air hose, and check the connector where the small plastic line connects with the soapy
water as with the other connections. Also check the main air hose for cracks, and leaks in the same
manor.
Gaining access to the compressor is a little difficult to check the connection at the compressor head. You
can cut the tie wraps that are holding the back side of the inner fender, and lift it up to spray the head
and connection. If you find that either the main air hose or the connection at the compressor head to be
leaking, you should contact your Installer or Motor Trike® for a replacement. Also look to be sure that
there is a filter attached to the compressor, just below the compressor head. If the filter is missing
contact Motor Trike® for a filter.