my k3a has been making funny sounds for awhile now, and tonite I finally narrowed it down - the #1 bell makes a shrill, high-pitch noise for awhile and doesn’t settle to the correct note until the tank is all the way down to 60 psi. This is with BRAND NEW diaphragms. It’s possible that the base leaks since I have custom mounts, but I highly doubt it and even so, it should just be quieter than the rest.
What can be done about this? Time to send it somewhere for remachining? If so, where?
Thanks
my best guess is a loose bolt somewhere. tear it down and put it back together while inspecting for any gunk and torque the bolts to the proper specs.
I agree with the above suggestion. Take the diaphragms out (even try turning them around) and re-assemble it. When I bought my K3 (brand spanking from the factory) it came with one bell which wasn’t properly seated. Took it apart and put her back together and she came good.
diaphragms are brand new (just got them in the mail, put them in the horns, and went out to test them)
i’ll try taking the #1 apart and reassembling it, hopefully tonite.
…but like DBO said - flip the diaphragms or switch them. His were brand new also.
i should be able to get at this tonite, i’ll swap the front and rear diaphragms and see how it goes.
still doesn’t work. Swapped the front and rear diaphragms, bolted everything back together, and still nothing. Guess it’s time for a new #1 bell
dont throw in the town just yet…check for blockages too. And try the horn and whistle board, they will probably have better advise.
air system looks good, so it should be getting all the air it needs ( i run 3/4" OD line to a manifold and 1/2" OD to each horn). Hoses and fittings seem to be in good shape.
I asked over at the horn and whistle board so hopefully they have some good insights. I did not replace the cushion ring however mine appear to be in good shape.
When you have the suspect bell off the manifold, can you blow air through it just with your lungs?
change the discs with a different bell and see if same result but dont use the same disc positioins in the different bell