air compressor in cold weather?

Discussion in 'Trucks [ Eighteen Wheelers ]' started by coadman, Jan 4, 2010.

  1. coadman

    coadman Light Load Member

    153
    26
    Dec 20, 2008
    Freeport,Kansas
    0
    Pretty cold here this morning, down in the teens, but thought I would try and start our '94 Peterbilt with the Detroit motor. Surprisingly, started right up! Only problem, air compressor kept "popping". Do you imagine moisture was causing this? We didnt let it run long, but did bleed the air tanks when we shut it off. Son was going to maybe haul some grain later this week, and the truck has been setting since christmas, so thought I would see if it would start. He did buy some type of alcohol mixture for the brake system, but hasnt added any yet.
    thanks,
    coadman
     
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  3. Native Dancer

    Native Dancer Heavy Load Member

    978
    3,259
    Dec 28, 2007
    Portland, Or.
    0
    Possibly you had ice form blocking a line that caused the compressor head gasket to fail.
     
  4. bulldozerbert

    bulldozerbert Medium Load Member

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    Oct 5, 2008
    Ontario
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    We had a Kenworth do this. the driver thought he blew up the compressor. Lol

    Turns out there was ice in the air dryer, so the blow off kept "popping" off on the compressor. I took a heat gun and warmed up the dryer (takes a few minutes)and that fixed the problem. (I had also put in alcohol) Now we are getting the dryer fixed/replaced.

    Cold weather and moisture in the air can be a problem.
     
  5. coadman

    coadman Light Load Member

    153
    26
    Dec 20, 2008
    Freeport,Kansas
    0
    I'm thinking that is the problem. I will check it out more tomorrow.

    thanks!
    Jim
     
  6. Longhood379

    Longhood379 Medium Load Member

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    125
    Nov 30, 2009
    Cremona AB
    0
    There is probably ice in the line between the compressor and the dryer
    take the line off at both ends. pour air brake antifreeze in the compressor end re connect it and spin the engine over to presurize the line you don't need to start it let tit sit a while and spin it again watch out for chunks of ice comming out of the dryer end. you shouldn't run anti freeze thru the dryer it clogs the dessicant pack.
     
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