BUSRide Maintenance November / December 2016 by Power Trade Media

NOV / DEC.2016

BUSRIDEMAINTENANCE.COM

THE EXCLUSIVE MAINTENANCE RESOURCE FOR THE TRANSIT AND MOTORCOACH INDUSTRY

Garage Safety p4

Roundtable discussion: Parts distribution p8 | The driversâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; room p10

FROM THE EDITOR IN CHIEF

Garage safety trumps all

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This month, BUSRide Maintenance is headlined by the Garage Safety Showcase, featuring experts from BayNets Safety Nets, Fall Protection Systems, Granite Industries and Rel-Tek. They offer their thoughts on the cardinal rules and typically overlooked areas of shop safety, as well as crucial pieces of safety equipment and the overall state of shop safety in the motorcoach and transit industries. Also in this issue: • Around the industry: Davey Coach is now the exclusive parts supplier for the Ameritrans Bus brand, while Stertil-Koni has launched an innovative new website. • John Gillis of ABC Companies, Tim Guldin and Neil Wells of CH Bus Sales, Scott Robertson of Motor Coach Industries and Todd Pocobello of REV Bus and Mobility Group participate in a roundtable discussion about parts distribution in today’s bus industry.

VOL. 06 • NO. 8 Richard Tackett Editor in Chief rtackett@busride.com David Hubbard Associate Publisher dhubbard@busride.com Stephen Gamble Art Director sgamble@busride.com Judi Victor CEO & Publisher Director of Sales jvfly@busride.com Mitch Larson Business Manager mlarson@busride.com

•M ark Ellis of Maintenance Design Group speaks to the importance of a modernized driver’s room and dispatch center. • Valerie Scherer writes about turning leak detection from a nuisance into regularlyscheduled maintenance.

Blair McCarty Sr. Sales and Marketing Coordinator bmccarty@busride.com Hannah Riley Marketing and Sales Associate hriley@busride.com

Thank you once again for reading BUSRide Maintenance. Richard Tackett Editor in Chief BUSRide Maintenance Magazine

BUS INDUSTRY SAFETY COUNCIL

CONTENTS NOV / DEC 2016

ON THE COVER: Garage Safety Showcase

FEATURES Davey Coach sales purchases entire Ameritrans Bus parts inventory 6

A publication of:

New Stertil-Koni website showcases latest innovations 7 Official BUSRide Maintenance Roundtable Discussion: Parts and Parts Distribution

Experts from ABC Companies, CH Bus Sales, Motor Coach Industries and REV Bus and Mobility Group offer their thoughts on the modern-day parts supply chain

Leak detection Turning a nuisance into routine maintenance By Valerie Scherer

Departments From the Editor in Chief Products and Services Columns Maintenance Facility Design

2 3 10

BUSRide Maintenance Magazine 4742 North 24th Street, STE 340 Phoenix, Arizona 85016 Phone: (602) 265-7600 Fax: (602) 277-7588 busridemaintenance.com BUSRide Maintenance™ Magazine is published eight times annually by Power Trade Media, a division of The Producers, Inc., 4742 N. 24th Street, Ste. 340, Phoenix, AZ 85016. Subscription rates for non-qualified subscribers, single issue prices and pricing for reprints of 100 or more are available from: info@busride. com. All articles in BUSRide Maintenance™ Magazine are copyrighted and may not be reproduced in whole or in part without the express written permission of the publisher. Copyright 2016 by Power Trade Media. No advertisement, sponsorship or description or reference to a product or service will be deemed an endorsement by Power Trade Media, and no warranty is made or implied. Information is obtained from sources the editors believe reliable, accurate and timely, but is not guaranteed, and Power Trade Media is not responsible for errors or omissions. Opinions expressed in BUSRide Maintenance™ Magazine are not necessarily those of the publisher or sponsors or advertisers. Content addressing legal, tax and other technical issues is not intended as professional advice and cannot be relied on as such; readers should consult with their own professional advisors.

By Mark Ellis 2

BUSRIDE MAINTENANCE | NOV / DEC . 2016

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PRODUCTS & SERVICES

STERIFAB protects buses from bed bugs

EZ Oil Drain Valve fits many applications The new EZ Oil Drain Valve is now available to fit Caterpillar C-15 ACERT engine with 1-5/16 inch x 12UNF drain plug. Some C-15 ACERT engines come with a larger drain plug option, and the new drain valve part # EZ-215 fits this over-sized drain plug application. The EZ Oil Drain Valve is available in over 30 different sizes and fits Caterpillar, Cummins, Detroit Diesel, Navistar, Volvo, Ford, Mack, Deutz, Isuzu, Hino, Mercedes, Mitsubishi, John Deere, Perkins, and more. The EZ Oil Drain Valve not only offers time and cost savings as well as the convenience of a one-touch oil change, it also prevents oil spills and overflows to keep the environment clean.

Noble Pine Products Company Yonkers, NY

Global Sales Group Redmond, WA

Freedman goes ‘angelic’ This heavy-duty transit seat incorporates tested strength and durability with function, ergonomics and value. The Angel is made with high-quality SMC fiberglass (PreFormed construction is also available). This rugged construction means consistent shell thickness, uniform color in the molding process and long life with no maintenance worries. Every Angel comes with the service, low price, short lead-time, on-time delivery and after-the-sale support that builders, distributors and operators have come to expect from Freedman Seating Company. The Freedman Seating Angel is the perfect seat for tough heavy-duty transit applications. From transit to shuttle, the Angel is ideal for buses and rail cars. Its design and construction creates the most maintenance free seating solution in its class. Freedman Seating Company Chicago, IL

Perhaps no environment can hold the claim for being the hotbed of potential exposure for bedbugs. With that having been said, buses can certainly make a strong case for the top spot. Bedbugs and a transient population are a perfect match due to both the breeding habits (bedbug eggs can remain dormant for over one year), and the ease with which passengers, and employees can unknowingly bring them onto a bus. With an almost 50-year history, STERIFAB remains not only one of the most unique products registered with the EPA (it is both an effective insecticide, but also a disinfectant that kills bacteria, viruses, mold, mildew). Unlike insecticides that are residual, STERIFAB dries quickly (15 – 20 minutes at room temperature) and is essentially inactive after it dries, allowing both employees and passengers to effectively inhabit the premises. This easy to use product contains no dyes or perfumes, and does not require dilution. Available in plastic pints, gallons, and 5-gallon containers.

Reduce Maintenance Costs. Improve Safety Ratings. Ruler

» Old » Slow » Risky

V’Stroke

Push Rod Meter » Precise » Fast » Electronic

VericomComputers.com busridemaintenance.com | BUSRIDE MAINTENANCE

Ketler: Many propane users feel one can detect propane by smell. But noses desensitize with exposure. Recent propane explosions and fires indicate that propane has the same risk as CNG and LNG.

BUSRide Maintenance spoke with a group of expert vendors in the bus maintenance field to discuss garage safety – critical safety equipment, underutilized philosophies and the state of shop safety in North American motorcoach and transit facilities.

Our Panelists: Joe Menhart, sales manager, BayNets Safety Nets Danielle Thomas, marketing manager, Fall Protection Systems Jeremy Rupp, marketing manager, Granite Industries Al Ketler, president, Rel-Tek What do you regard as the cardinal rule of bus maintenance shop safety? Joe Menhart: Safety awareness and safety training cannot be stressed enough as the cardinal rule of shop safety. Shortcuts are always a risk to oneself and to others. Accidents are typically the result of a coincidence of occurrences, none of which can be predicted or completely prevented. Danielle Thomas: Following OSHA standards and providing adequate fall protection are both extremely important when workers are operating at elevated surfaces 4 feet above the floor level. Jeremy Rupp: It’s paramount to ensure that when workers are operating at any level of height, they are properly protected from falling. Al Ketler: Install a gas detection system if alternative fuels are in use. Be sure to respond to alarms. Demand “automatic calibration” to minimize the costly labor of manual calibration. What area of shop safety typically goes unnoticed by most operators? Menhart: Other than the everyday procedures that get momentarily yet dangerously interrupted, it would have to be a cluttered walking working surface – or worse, an open pit fall hazard. Thomas: Roof top safety is often overlooked. There are almost always various pieces of rooftop equipment that are maintained on a regular basis. However, they are typically not visible and many times follow the “out of sight, out of mind scenario.” Usually a freestanding guardrail system will provide coverage for the majority of hazards on a low sloped roof. Another neglected area is the door opening while maintenance is taking place. This fall hazard is the exact reason why FPS created the Safety Gate. Rupp: Preventative safety measures. These measures can create a more secure feeling for employees to do their jobs. Improving the safety of a work environment can increase productivity and decrease potential of injury. This goes unnoticed by most operators because the job may still be getting done, but the employee could be experiencing higher levels of stress and working slower. 4

BUSRIDE MAINTENANCE | NOV / DEC . 2016

From your perspective, what are the most critical pieces of safety equipment that many shops don’t posses? Menhart: From the point of view of BayNets, it would have to be fall protection nets over service pits. The shop that covers a pit with temporary boards for walking across, only to remove them later for pit access, has just created an unguarded and frequently unnoticed “floating” hazard. Thomas: The most critical piece of safety equipment missing in a shop is a portable fall protection system. These systems can be used throughout the shop and in outdoor areas. It is crucial to have designated fall protection bays. Another fall protection vulnerability is door openings during routine maintenance. Fall protection that is OSHA compliant to cover door openings provide the worker with hazard free security. Rupp: Secure and stable work platforms and guardrails. The bus scaffold work platforms designed by Granite provide a semi-stationary structure for bus maintenance. The designs are full of safety conscious features such as toe boards, locking gates, guardrails, stairs with railings, expanded metal floors, and locking casters. The work platforms can be a critical upgrade for any shop that is looking to reduce ladder liability and increase worker safety. Ketler: The latest NFPA 30A and NFPA-52 standards need to be studied and applied to your CNG/LNG/LPG facilities and operations. Factory training offers can save money and lives. In your experience, how would you rate overall shop safety in the motorcoach and transit bus industries? Menhart: From our point of view as a safety system provider, the bus and rail industries are better organized with safer shops and practices than consumer automotive oil and lube shops that are more frequently driven by violation compliance than by forward thinking. That may be hard talk, but bus and rail centers are just that good. Thomas: The transit industry is more advanced in terms of overall shop safety, but there are still cases of fatal falls every year that can be completely eliminated. Many transit bus facilities still do not have proper fall protection in place. Most of the repair and maintenance work on a bus is performed on the roof of the bus; therefore proper fall protection is necessary. The motorcoach industry, in contrast, does not have as many equipment repairs if any on the roof. However, there are still regular maintenance tasks that require a worker to be atop of the motor coaches, requiring the necessary fall protection. Rupp: They could use improvement. Most shops do their best to eliminate falls. The major issue is budget constraints. If the money is not available then the fall issue is solved in the most cost effective solution which is not always the best solution for productivity. Ketler: In transit, the major shops are excellent – clean, organized and visibly safe. Some smaller shops don’t invest enough in needed safety equipment. The motorcoach industry’s shops are generally good, but can use more technically-trained maintenance personnel. busridemaintenance.com

GARAGE SAFETY SHOWCASE

SAFETY CITY TM

Gas Detection Systems for CNG, LNG, LPG — Get your facility into compliance — fast. Free consulting, specs and quotes.

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OSHA compliant service pit safety.

860-531-1046 incord.com/baynets busridemaintenance.com | BUSRIDE MAINTENANCE

Davey Coach Sales purchases entire Ameritrans Bus parts inventory Agreement with ABC Companies ensures continued support and aftermarket service Davey Coach Sales, Sedalia, CO, recently announced its major agreement with ABC Companies, Faribault, MN, to acquire the remaining inventory of Ameritrans Bus parts in its entirety and become the official North American supplier now that this small and mid-size OEM has ceased manufacturing. Under the terms of its agreement with ABC Companies, Davey Coach says it has procured supplier relationships that support the Ameritrans parts brands. “We are delighted that Davey Coach will continue to serve Ameritrans operators with the reliability and quality that this reputable industry-leader represents in the market,” says Jon Savitz, senior vice president, Business Development for ABC Companies. Founded in 1998, Ameritrans manufactured and distributed a range of small and mid-size transport vehicles from its 40,000 square-foot facility in Elkhart, IN; now closed after 18 years. According to Davey Coach, many Ameritrans Bus owners were feeling abandoned after learning of the demise of this OEM, and now heartened by its stepping in to purchase the parts inventory. “Our number one priority is to ensure current Ameritrans Bus owners do not feel abandoned,” says Davey Coach founder and CEO Tom Davey. “These customers can now enjoy the peace of mind in knowing their purchase of Ameritrans vehicles will still include aftermarket support for years to come.” “Modern day customers are more educated – even more than the salesperson in some cases,” Davey says. “In which case, it is extremely important we understand the necessity of operating with complete transparency, and demonstrate our desire to build an even greater customer loyalty base.” Davey Coach is therefore attacking this most recent transaction head-on. While offering an industry-best highest trade-in values and insurance appraisals, the company says it is taking a threeprong approach, contacting all present Ameritrans Bus owners with the most up-to-date parts list. If that is not enough, a 6

BUSRIDE MAINTENANCE | NOV / DEC . 2016

salesperson along with a parts and service representative will reach out to customers, and continue to supply them with updates as parts become available. Davey Coach encourages all Ameritrans Bus owners with questions to contact the dealership at 1-800-873-1856. Located in the South Metro Denver area and one of the largest fully integrated shuttle bus dealerships in the region, Davey Coach Sales, Inc., has provided bus sales and service to a wide range of customers from small single vehicle operators to entire shuttle fleets throughout the U.S. Renowned for quality product lines and high level of customer service, Davey Coach has consistently earned “Top Distributor” honors and awards from manufacturers and consumer groups nationwide. For more information, visit www.daveycoach.com. busridemaintenance.com

New Stertil-Koni website showcases latest innovations Heavy duty vehicle lift manufacturer, Stertil-Koni, Stevensville, MD, recently debuted its new fully responsive company website to showcase the latest innovations in heavy-duty vehicle lifting systems and accessories, as well as related shop equipment for the North American marketplace. The company says with the latest dynamic appearance and functionality, its stateof-the-art site, www.Stertil-Koni.com, immediately addresses and recalibrates to fit the viewing screen for any device — computer, mobile phone, laptop or tablet. The new site presents an approach Stertil-Koni is calling Freedom of Choice, the broadest range of heavy duty vehicle lifting options to address all lifting solutions for servicing buses and coaches. “We are pleased to deliver the very best in in web technology for our customers and dedicated network of exclusive distributors, as well as prospects who want to learn more about our award-winning lifting systems,” says Stertil-Koni President Dr. Jean DellAmore. “Our new site is fully loaded with videos, images, computer animations and informative content – all presented with dynamic graphics in an easy-to-use format.” Stertil-Koni, a brand of the Stertil Group, says it is a global market leader in heavy duty vehicle lifts, and the preferred

supplier to the leading companies in the truck and bus industries. Stertil-Koni’s breadth of products includes mobile column lifts, two-post, four-post, in-ground piston lifts, platform lifts, halfscissors and its innovative axle-engaging, in-ground, scissor lift configuration, The Diamond Lift is now available in a “frame” version, engineered specifically for concrete foundations and ideal for replacement situations. Headquartered in Stevensonville, MD, Stertil-Koni USA operates U.S. production facilities in Streator, IL.

busridemaintenance.com | BUSRIDE MAINTENANCE

O F F I C I A L

BUSRide Maintenance

ROUNDTABLE

DISCUSSION

Parts and Parts Distribution BUSRide Maintenance spoke with experts from around the maintenance industry about parts and parts distribution – current trends, supply chain developments, changing operator demographics and the value of third-party parts vendors.

Our Panelists: John Gillis, director of parts division, ABC Companies Tim Guldin, vice president sales and service – Southeast / Neil Wells, director of operations – Parts, CH Bus Sales Scott Robertson, vice president of product management and engineer, Motor Coach Industries (MCI) Todd Pocobello, director, Product & Dealer Services, REV Bus and Mobility Group

Are customers reducing parts inventories and relying more on you, the OEMs? If so, what types of parts / components are they no longer stocking?

this decision lies in the size of the operator’s fleet and the type of operation they are.

John Gillis: We see that customers are relying more and more on ABC Companies to stock everything that pertains to brakes, airbags and other high-consumable items. Customers are reducing their inventory levels by relying on the OEMs for more parts support.

Scott Robertson: I think customers are reducing their inventories and relying more on us, the manufacturer. Basic maintenance parts are usually the target of inventory reduction activities. Those are items that are available to ship throughout our network of warehouses. If we have the part in stock at a regional warehouse, it can be at the customer location in a day or two via ground freight.

Tim Guldin & Neil Wells: Many customers aren’t afraid to stock items that will ensure the uninterrupted operation of their fleet. However, they’re not tying up large amounts of dollars in non- maintenance and non- critical items. Much of

Todd Pocobello: Fleets today have reduced their on-hand inventories as our technology has improved to provide quicker order fulfillment. Fleets are now able to eliminate much of

BUSRIDE MAINTENANCE | NOV / DEC . 2016

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the vehicle specific components and are only focused on the maintenance requirements to keep their vehicles in service.

In the past five years, what has been the most significant change in the parts supply chain – from OEM to operator? Gillis: The shift from customers stocking their own parts to relying on us is the most significant change I’ve seen in that period. From a supply chain perspective, we’re taking on a heavy inventory investment to support customer’s needs. Customers are buying more on availability versus price, because they are not keeping any products on the shelves. Guldin & Wells: We would say there hasn’t been any major change in the last five years. Most of the emission changes have been subtle compared to 2010 and 2007. Robertson: The internet has made shopping easier and has increased competition. Pocobello: E-commerce enhancements have provided more tools for the operators to obtain the parts and materials more effectively without seeking assistance from a dealer.

In the past five years, what has been the most significant change in the customers who are ordering parts? Gillis: Our online store has grown around 75 percent in the last five years. That’s a result of a younger generation feeling more comfortable with an online store versus ordering over the telephone. Guldin & Wells: Customers are ordering smarter and better utilizing technology. They’re more resourceful on-line when it comes to finding what they need. Robertson: Customers are shifting to online purchasing as that becomes more common in their lives. For customers that do call in, expect better service and lower hold times than ever before. Pocobello: The raised expectations of order fulfillment times. It is expected that any part can be delivered same day or next. There is also less loyalty to the purchase with more and more options becoming available to source from.

With so many changes, both economical and technological, affecting the parts industry today, how are the roles of your sales and field representatives changing? Gillis: We’ve shifted from a “meet-and-greet” salesman to a more technically-inclined parts representative. They can handle customer problems in real-time because they intimately know the buses and their parts. We have internal support to get instant feedback to the customer, which is crucial in today’s timecrunched industry.

Guldin & Wells: Representatives now need to be more involved in assisting operators with their needs. It’s not enough to show up with a line card and say hey. Operators are looking for those vendors who are willing to help them not only to supply parts but help them overcome trouble spots or be problem solvers. Robertson: Our sales and field reps need to be the eyes and ears of the organization at the customer location. I want our team to communicate the value of doing business with MCI and focus less on transactional sales. Pocobello: Our field staff is critical to maintaining relationships with our customers. The parts business is more “service” than just fulfillment today.

What kind of components and parts are customers seeking from OEMs, and what items are they seeking from third-party vendors? What should dictate that decision? Gillis: Everything from glass, body panels, brakes, etc. ABC also offers a wide range of aftermarket parts as well. It’s all about helping the customer drive down their cost per mile. Guldin & Wells: Customers are still coming to the OEM for a full range of items. The difference is they’ll go to thirdparty suppliers if they’re not satisfied with the offering from the OEM. The OEMs are expected to compete with the thirdparty suppliers and offer more than just the OEM product. Safety and reliability should always be the first factors considered when buying OEM versus aftermarket. Decreased prices are great provided they’re not leading to a lesser quality. Robertson: I think it’s all over the board. Some customers see the value in OEM body panels, but others will spend less on the part and more labor to install it. To me, you always know what you are getting from an OEM. Any of our competitors can put an MCI part number on a will-fit part. To us, the MCI part number means you get exactly what was engineered and installed at the factory, and that is valuable. Our challenge is to make sure we are market priced as much as possible to discourage our customers from having to shop. Pocobello: Customers have always been limited on brand specific parts to acquire from the OEM, but generally try to source all other materials locally. This has been historically driven by the perception that the OEM will be costlier and take longer. Applying focus to the customer’s top concerns of availability, part quality and pricing from the OEM will help customers know they are getting the best parts at the best value.

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Good for them, good for you – today’s Drivers’ Room and Dispatch Center By Mark Ellis Let’s say you’re a transit bus driver. Your vocation can be pretty rewarding. You help people, meet the public, and provide a valuable service to your city’s citizens. But you report to work in a facility that’s unwelcoming, chaotic, and unorganized. A place that, just by its configuration, size and furnishings, actually makes your job difficult and your frame of mind hectic. How does that impact your morale and productivity? Now imagine if that same space supports your professional and personal needs. A space so carefully planned that it enhances your productivity, social encounters, and overall wellbeing. A facility that makes it more fun to go to work. How do you feel now? The Drivers’ Rooms and support areas in bus maintenance and operations facilities often seem an afterthought to the overall facility design. But that’s changing with the evolution of the modern Drivers’ Room. The Drivers’ Room (aka: Train Room, Drivers’ Lounge, Operators’ Room) is one of the most important “people spaces” in your facility. It impacts the largest percentage of your workforce – your bus drivers. In the past, Drivers’ Rooms served simply as meeting and waiting areas for drivers prior to being dispatched as the face of your agency to the public. They were functional; nothing more. Today’s new Drivers’ Rooms are interactive and dynamic spaces. They not only provide driver meeting and lounge areas but also are the hub of driver support, information distribution, and social interaction. All are important aspects of any successful and modern work environment. Facility design professionals and agencies that recognize the importance of experiential driver support areas make intentional design decisions to that end. They capitalize on functional adjacencies and opportunities to centralize support functions and implement technology and sustainable design features to reap long term benefits. These benefits impact human resources through lower absenteeism, better job performance, and higher overall employee engagement. They also lower operating costs via more energy efficient spaces and longer lasting materials. The modern Drivers’ Room includes: • A central lounge area with durable yet comfortable furnishings so drivers can relax before and after shifts. • The kitchenette/vending area, sporting modern appliances for storing and preparing food and vending machines to purchase meals and snacks. • Wi-Fi internet access and integrated charging outlet areas for mobile devices.

BUSRIDE MAINTENANCE | NOV / DEC . 2016

• Driver amenities including exercise facilities, quiet rooms, and TV rooms, and other support functions like restrooms, showers, and open genderless locker alcoves, all designed to take advantage of workplace flow. • Natural lighting and innovative heating and cooling features to reduce energy use. Recent trends include galley kitchenette/vending areas and open concept design. At the City of Raleigh/Capital Area Transit (CTA) facility, the driver lockers are arranged to take advantage of natural light, making the space feel open and enhancing the Drivers’ Room experience. At Division 13, Los Angeles Metro’s newest facility, the Driver’s Room kitchenette is a hub of activity and social interaction.

The Dispatch Center is an important consideration within the Driver’s Room. It’s where drivers get information such as extra board assignments, shift information, bus assignments, and route deviations. Dispatch often wants visual connection with the Drivers’ Room and interaction with drivers on their way to the buses. To achieve this, most have a dispatch counter, but the noise and bustle of the Drivers’ Room can detract from business conversations and other Dispatch functions. In response, the “Bank Teller” design is sometimes used, but it’s restrictive, impersonal, and ill-suited for professional interactions. The latest solution is the Dispatch Vestibule. The vestibule, typically an all glass enclosure, separates the Dispatch counter from the drivers’ lounge area, behind the drivers as they enter it. It’s an open and quiet area. This design maintains the visual connection between the Dispatch Center and the Drivers’ Room, yet provides an environment conducive to driver-dispatcher interaction. Intentional decisions can make your Drivers’ Room a welcoming environment, a respite before or after a shift, the place to be. Bottom line – drivers that report to work in a modern, professional Drivers’ Room will be happier, want to come to work, and head out to their routes feeling like a valued member of your agency. And that translates to a better experience for your passengers. Mark Ellis, central region manager for Maintenance Design Group, has worked with transit agencies throughout the U.S. to plan and design their bus maintenance facilities. To learn more about MDG’s capabilities and to gain valuable insights and information, please visit www.maintenancedesigngroup.com.

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detection

Turning a nuisance into routine maintenance By Valerie Scherer

dauber, will produce bubbles as the refrigerant escapes. But small leaks or windy conditions might render this method ineffective, and does not work for oil, hydraulic fluid, transmission fluid or fuel leaks. Talcum powder Applying powder on and around the suspected leak site may locate the leak, but this turns into a real mess when the engine is running and only works on oil leaks. Electronic detectors Electronic detectors — or sniffers — used exclusively for refrigerant leaks can only detect one leak at a time, making them ineffective where there are multiple leaks in close proximity. Units that do not utilize heated-diode or infrared sensors are susceptible to false triggering, and some units do not function well in humid conditions. Compressed air Compressed air is the most commonly used technique for detecting leaks in cooling systems. However, this method can also damage hoses, radiators and other components. Worse yet, compressed air can actually cause additional leaks and enlarge existing ones.

Repairing a leak is not the biggest problem — it’s finding the leak in the first place.

Leaks are more than just a nuisance. If not repaired in a timely manner, even a minor leak can lead to more costly repairs, downtime and ultimately vehicle failure. Leaks can also cost bus and coach companies hundreds of dollars each month in lost refrigerants and fluids. The longer the leak goes undetected, the more serious the situation becomes. But repairing a leak is not the biggest problem — it’s finding the leak in the first place. While a single leak detection method that can locate every leak in every possible situation does not exist, a reliable leak detection program as part of regular preventive maintenance is a proactive way to prevent major problems. From the most commonly used methods, a technician should be able to select the most appropriate leak detection method for the particular situation. Leak detection methods Visual inspection Visual inspection is effective only for large leaks. Besides, it is very labor intensive and time consuming. In the case of fluid leaks, the technician can put down newspaper to collect the drip and determine the general area of the leak. The color of the fluid will determine the system that is leaking, i.e., red for transmission fluid, green for coolant. Still, it is difficult to pinpoint the exact source. This method is ineffective for refrigerant leaks or small leaks that evaporate away. Soapy water and bubble solutions In principle, a bubble solution applied at the suspected refrigerant leak sites, usually with a squeeze bottle, brush or

Fluorescent leak detection Fluorescent leak detection is the most versatile method for finding vehicle leaks of all types. Just add a small amount of the appropriate fluorescent dye to a vehicle’s air-conditioning or fluid system and run the system to circulate the dye. The dye will escape with the refrigerant or fluid and remains at all leak sites. When the suspect area is scanned with an ultraviolet or blue light lamp, the dye glows brightly to pinpoint the exact location of each and every leak. Fluorescent can even detect multiple leaks during a single inspection. Once the repairs have been made, wipe off the dye, run the system again and re-inspect with the lamp. No glow means the repair is a success. Most refrigerant dyes are supplied in disposable cartridges that attach to dye injectors that enable the technician to dose the system with a precise amount of dye without any mess or spillage. When using fluorescent dye for A/C systems, be sure to use an OEM-approved, co-solvent free dye that is compatible with the system’s lubricant. Dyes containing co-solvents can adversely affect the lubrication qualities of the oil in the system, which can lead to premature compressor failure. In addition, the co-solvents themselves are not miscible in R-134a and contain naphthalene, which OSHA lists as a hazardous material. Select an ultraviolet or blue light lamp for use with a fluorescent dye that produces a high-intensity light output. This will cause the dye to glow brighter and make it easier to spot the leaks. The fluorescent dye method of leak detection is safe, exceptionally accurate and inexpensive, fast and easy to use, and it detects leaks of every size. Because the dye remains safely in the system until the lubricant or fluid is replaced, fluorescent leak detection is also perfect for periodic preventive maintenance. Valerie Scherer is a publicist for Tracer Products, a division of Spectronics Corporation in Westbury, NY. www.tracerline.com.

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