Veteran School Bus driver has a question about air brakes

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by JoNana, Nov 15, 2012.

  1. JoNana

    JoNana Bobtail Member

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    I need some imput here. I've been driving school buses with air brakes for 26 years. 4 years ago, I went to work for a company that says we have to drain our SERVICE brake tanks every night...I think it was started by the mechanic who was questionable in his knowledge. I've NEVER EVER seen this, and I don't understand the reasoning. I'm also a driver trainer, and can find no information about doing something like this is any of our instruction manuals.
    The only reason I can think of is theft-protection although our buses are behind a locked gate. Is it necessary to drain your SERVICE brake tanks by pumping them down every night? We do drain our "wet tanks"...and I've read where it isn't a good idea to pump your service brakes down before draining the wet tanks, as it may draw the moisture into the lines, etc. Wow...that was long winded, but this is driving me nuts! Imput please??? Oh...btw...we are on the Oregon coast...it freezes here...but not seriously freezing...froze harder in Sacramento when I worked out of there!
     
    Last edited: Nov 15, 2012
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  3. Pmracing

    Pmracing Road Train Member

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    In school our teacher would pump the air out at the end of each day. That way if some hooligans got in the truck and pushed the air brake release buttons, there would be no air to release the brakes. Therefore no chance for the truck/bus to roll.

    Pull your air release on the tanks to blow out the moisture then get back in and pump out the final bits of air for safety of the unmonitored vehicle.

    Fences are little protection.. German shepherds inside the fences, now that is a deterrent! And if it isn't then intruders are a doggie snack! heheheee

    Mikeeee
     
  4. Quickfarms

    Quickfarms Heavy Load Member

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    If you are on the coast you should drain the water out of the tanks each day. If you have an air dryer there should be very little moisture if the dryer is working. If you do not have an air dryer than draining the water out of tanks is a must.
     
  5. bagman12002

    bagman12002 Bobtail Member

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    There is no real reason to do this. The only reason I can see and this is a reach, is to be sure the drivers are doing a proper pre/post trip given its a school bus and the issues that come with moveing kids and the crack down on bus's in general, if the system is properly maintained water and oil into system is minimal at best. Here is link to look at it has a forum where you may get a better answer. Good luck

    http://www.schoolbusfleet.com/
     
  6. JoNana

    JoNana Bobtail Member

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  7. JoNana

    JoNana Bobtail Member

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    There is very rarely any water, even on our wettest days, or most humid days. And we do pull the drain on the tank we are required to drain...but emptying the service tank by pumping it down as always befuddled me. Thanks for your imput.
     
  8. JoNana

    JoNana Bobtail Member

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    thanks bagman. I've been all over that site, and can find absolutely no reference for draining the service tanks. that's why I came here. Appreciate your time tho. Thanks again
     
  9. Pmracing

    Pmracing Road Train Member

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    Thanks Bagman?

    Didn't you read the first reply? I gave a logical and practical reason for pumping all the air out of the tanks!

    Mikeeee
     
  10. ‘Olhand

    ‘Olhand Cantankerous Crusty

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    I'm going 2 guess ur mechanic has been around a while--Draining air tanks was STANDARD daily procedure for many years--today's air driers do a pretty good job of keeping lines/tanks etc dry--so it isn't really necessary--but can't hurt--I did it for so long it is just part of my daily routine.
    Just my $.02
     
  11. JoNana

    JoNana Bobtail Member

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    I agree that it is a practical reason, Mikeeee, but it's really not an issue where we live. I don't believe it is a theft deterrent, at least not logically, as there are people right across the street and right next door...I believe it was misguided information from a mechanic who was forced to resign. I do appreciate your imput, tho...and I'm sorry that I didn't respond more personally.
     
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