Air Compressor

Discussion in 'Ask An Owner Operator' started by krupa530, Feb 11, 2022.

  1. krupa530

    krupa530 Light Load Member

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    Just wandering how long an air compressor should last and what are the diagnosis of one going bad. Got an X15 Cummins 565/2050 555000 miles on it. Think the air compressor is running too often. Can’t find any leaks, keeps pressure all weekend and over nights. Had the leveling valve off and over inflated the bags. No leaks. Then today I’m blowing coolant out. Pretty sure it’s the compressor pressurizing the coolant and blowing it out the pressure relieve cap.
     
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  3. 062

    062 Road Train Member

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  4. Big Road Skateboard

    Big Road Skateboard Road Train Member

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    Why do you think it's working too often? While it is possible and you always want to eliminate the possibility of air compressor issues, it's not common for the compressor to fail in a way that it pressurizes the cooling system. Possible, just not common.

    You can unload the compressor and put a pressure gauge on the coolant tank to verify.
     
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  5. ProfessionalNoticer

    ProfessionalNoticer Road Train Member

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    Disconnect the main airline from the compressor, drain both air tanks and do a bottle test before you blame the compressor.
     
  6. Goodysnap

    Goodysnap Road Train Member

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    Cap/bypass the coolant lines to the compressor and bottle test. You can also test for Exhaust gas with the fluid detection method but must be for Diesel, gas engine fluid will not work. You are right at the mileage where dropped liner can become an issue on the high horsepower engines. More likely a dropped liner than failed compressor, but always eliminate the compressor before pulling the head. I have overhauled these at less mileage than yours for dropped liner in the past.
     
  7. Siinman

    Siinman Road Train Member

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    Has the dryer been changed? if it is just cycling to much it might be the dryer.
     
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  8. AModelCat

    AModelCat Road Train Member

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    Most cases if the compressor is cycling often and you don't see pressure dropping on the gauges I'd be looking at a leak between the compressor and wet tank, along with the governor lines or gasket if its mounted right to the compressor.
     
  9. krupa530

    krupa530 Light Load Member

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    Air dryer has been changed.
     
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  10. krupa530

    krupa530 Light Load Member

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    The gauges are showing a drop. Kicks in around 110 and cuts off at 130. Thanks.
     
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  11. Dadetrucking305

    Dadetrucking305 Heavy Load Member

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    Get a spray bottle with water and soap and go around spraying all the lines and fittings including the main line,governor,air dryer,and tank fittings.Even better if you have a pump sprayer.Some leaks come out fast enough where they don’t bubble so it would also be a good idea to find a quiet place to park and with the engine off walk around listening for a leak and also getting under the truck to listen under there as well.When you find the general area spray it and if it doesn’t bubble put your hand over the part until you hear it quiet a little bit.
     
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