C15 very slow to build air pressure

Discussion in 'Heavy Duty Diesel Truck Mechanics Forum' started by Sumothertrucker, Oct 29, 2025.

  1. Sumothertrucker

    Sumothertrucker Light Load Member

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    I have an 03 C15 in a 379. All of a sudden it takes upwards of 4 minutes at 1000rpm to fill the system from 0 psi. I've checked the pressure out of the compressor with a compression tester at about 150psi at 900rpm. I've checked the braided line to the dryer for air leaks using shop air. And I replaced the air dryer and no change. Any ideas? Thanks.
     
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  3. MRMTRANS

    MRMTRANS Medium Load Member

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    Just a guess: sticking valve? Not opening up all the way for more air flow?
     
    Sumothertrucker Thanks this.
  4. Sumothertrucker

    Sumothertrucker Light Load Member

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    In the compressor head?
     
  5. Big Road Skateboard

    Big Road Skateboard Road Train Member

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    How fast does it build with shop air?
     
  6. Sumothertrucker

    Sumothertrucker Light Load Member

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    Very quickly.
     
  7. Big Road Skateboard

    Big Road Skateboard Road Train Member

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    Well, there ya go. Take the governor off and make sure no air is going to the unloader. Pump it down, start it. If it still builds slow, change the compressor
     
    wore out Thanks this.
  8. Sumothertrucker

    Sumothertrucker Light Load Member

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    Yeah, I was pretty much down to that but I couldn't make sense of why it showed 150psi compression. But if it is a valve it would still build pressure from 1 cylinder, just slower. Makes sense. Any idea where to find specs on rebuilding it?
     
  9. Nss

    Nss Light Load Member

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    Does it have the box with the reed vale in it mounted to the engine block? Follow intake piping backwards from the compressor to the intake. Maybe issue in there.
     
  10. Nss

    Nss Light Load Member

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    Reed valve
     
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