drain air tanks every day the easier way

Discussion in 'Experienced Truckers' Advice' started by crucar1800, Apr 15, 2019.

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  1. crucar1800

    crucar1800 Light Load Member

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    Draining air tanks averyday after your shift is important. It helps the air system and it's components to function efficiently.

    Here is an easier way to drain them out in three minutes. All we need is an elastic cord and an air hose cleaner attached to the drivers seat. Take a look at the images for quick set up.

    Cord attaches to two drain valve cables without stressing and over pulling the system. It has to be a mid size/lenght cord. Not the longest and not the shortest. Do not over pull the valve cables. They do brake.

    Air cleaner hose attaches to the seat which takes air from the second tank.

    Remember to change air dryer filter every nine months to avoid moist in the air system.

    IMG_20190414_210342315.jpg IMG_20190414_210350499.jpg IMG_20190414_212922155.jpg
     
    crucar1800, Apr 15, 2019
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  2. peterbilt_2005

    peterbilt_2005 Medium Rare

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    So what do I do if my Peterbilt doesn't have that flippy plastic below the seat. Mine is screwed on.
    @OLDSKOOLERnWV
     
    peterbilt_2005, Apr 15, 2019
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  3. D.Tibbitt

    D.Tibbitt Road Train Member

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    I just put a bungee cord on mine and hook it to my side box , then walk in the truck stop come back and its drained
     
    D.Tibbitt, Apr 15, 2019
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  4. OLDSKOOLERnWV

    OLDSKOOLERnWV Captain Redbeard

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    When I pull the cables on my tanks which are behind the sleeper, I pay attention to see if anything comes out other than moisture and air. Never know when the compressor is needing attention.


    @crucar1800 what is the blow nozzle for? I’m not understanding what it’s for sorry. I know some guys blow their pants legs and boots off before getting in the cab, and blowing dirt out of the floorboards. I’m not understanding it’s purpose in draining the air tanks.
     
    OLDSKOOLERnWV, Apr 15, 2019
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  5. Espressolane

    Espressolane Road Train Member

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    Have lanyards on the tank drains. Pull them to drain tanks. Pull and hold for a minute, if water sprays, hold longer for water to stop.

    If your air system is working properly, you should have very little moisture in the system.
     
    Espressolane, Apr 15, 2019
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  6. 062

    062 Road Train Member

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    Geez do we have to do everything for you. You go buy a truck with the flippy plastic and while you’re at it pick up some white tape to wrap around the fitting on the blow nozzle.
     
    062, Apr 15, 2019
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  7. gentleroger

    gentleroger Road Train Member

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    You don't need to completly evacuate the tanks at end of day. A quick pull of the drain cords is all you need. Also most cascadias have a third tank drain mounted at the back.

    If I did need to drain thr tanks, why not just pump the brake pedal? Takes less tine than rigging up a bungee.
     
    gentleroger, Apr 15, 2019
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  8. Grumppy

    Grumppy Trucker Forum STAFF Staff Member

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    If you have that much water in your tanks that you need to drain your tanks everyday, you need a new air drier, not a bungee cord jeri-rig. Draining your tanks once a week with a properly operating system is more than enough. I only drain my tanks about once a month & I don't get enough water out to even know if there is really any water in it.
    And as @gentleroger said, you don't need to completely drain the tanks. The water is all on the bottom & a quick 2 second pull on the cord that comes on the truck is sufficient. Again, if you have enough water in your tanks every day where you have to hold the drain open more than a couple of seconds, you got a bigger issue than needing to rig up a bungee cord.
     
    Grumppy, Apr 15, 2019
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  9. 201

    201 Road Train Member

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    I agree, quick pull on the cable is all you should need. The days of before air dryers, where you'd get a puddle of that gray matter every day, are over, thank heaven. You youngun's have no idea how good you got it.
    Far as pumping the brake pedal, I don't think that would do it, as water tends to go to the lowest point.
     
    201, Apr 15, 2019
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  10. jammer910Z

    jammer910Z Road Train Member

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    AMEN. I remember the grey porridge well.
     
    jammer910Z, Apr 15, 2019
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    201 Thanks this.
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