Pete 379 air leak, 3 hrs and can airbags are empty.

Discussion in 'Heavy Duty Diesel Truck Mechanics Forum' started by believe456, Jan 5, 2022.

  1. believe456

    believe456 Light Load Member

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    Hey guys me again. I know this is a needle in the haystack post. I have an appointment at shop wed. But i figured i would ask you guys as well. 06 379 with 18speed tranny. I can leave my truck and after 3 hours the can air bags are completely empty. Suspension bags still full. And then once i start truck and let it warm and build air pressure to 150. My transmission doesn’t work on the high side (switching the grey switch) takes a good 20 mins riding down the road. (I’m guessing the air gets back built up) then the high low switch will work. Is this maybe a major transmission air leak or line going to it or something else. I know it’s hard to say but maybe someone else has dealt with this
     
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  3. rogermunn1

    rogermunn1 Light Load Member

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    18 speeds from 06 were notorious for the selector switch on the tranny itself getting sticky from contamination in the air system , i used to take them apart and clean them up real good and lubricate them with silicone based spray . Good for quite a while again. As for the air leak could be a hundred different places , the air stays in the ride bags because its not going to flow back through the leveling valve . Pick a rainy day and a quiet spot and look listen and gently move air lines around . A spay bottle with soapy water works wonders too. I would bet the tranny problems shifting are the valves not the air leaks though .
     
    BoxCarKidd Thanks this.
  4. believe456

    believe456 Light Load Member

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    Only reason i thought it was air related is because. It only doesn’t it on morning or first run of the day. And it’s everyday not just one. Seems like once air pressure is built up it starts to work and then doesn’t stop until shutting trucks down and restarting the next day
     
  5. BoxCarKidd

    BoxCarKidd Road Train Member

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    If you have enough air to release the parking brake the transmission should shift. Try search block at top right.
     
  6. believe456

    believe456 Light Load Member

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    Apr 22, 2015
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    The transmission shifts it just doesn’t split gears until 20 mins of driving. And air pressure is up to 150. I’ve seen times transmission don’t go into high gear at all because fitting from air tanks were on wrong spot.
     
  7. 062

    062 Road Train Member

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    As was mentioned you have a contamination issue. It works after driving because you have built enough heat to free up the binding parts.
    Think of the difference in fifth wheel grease on a summer day vs a winter day.
     
  8. SmallPackage

    SmallPackage Road Train Member

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    150? Thats pretty high. I’ve experienced in the past that some valves and things do not work very well if psi is above normal working range. Most trans only need 90 and are regulated at such. 130 can sometimes put to much stress on things in the system and thats what i try to set purge at if governor will let me.
     
  9. believe456

    believe456 Light Load Member

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    Apr 22, 2015
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    Simple enough for mid level? I’ve changed my oil and a water pump on a
    Cummins
     
  10. rogermunn1

    rogermunn1 Light Load Member

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    Your tranny is also warming up , the valves are warming up with it . Most likely sticky valves work better when warm
     
  11. rogermunn1

    rogermunn1 Light Load Member

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    Yes pretty simple . Locate the valves on the tranny ( air lines running to them ) disconnect air lines and take them apart and clean . Brake cleaner works well . blow them all out with an air hose and lubricate all moving parts with silicone lubricant spray . or any LIGHTWEIGHT oil . Nothing heavy or they will stick again or maybe even worse
     
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