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Maybe a noob question

Discussion in 'Freightliner Forum' started by Bum_Jesus, Oct 1, 2011.

  1. Oct 1, 2011 #1
    Bum_Jesus

    Bum_Jesus Bobtail Member

    42
    9
    Sep 14, 2011
    Haines City, FL
    0
    I was practicing for my CDL pretrip test today and I found a few issues and have a couple of other issues I already knew about. Its a 96 FLD120 with a 350 CAT and 10 speed Eaton.

    Heres a little on me:
    This is my first truck. Im only 24 but I am pretty mechanically inclined. I dont really know anyone that knows about trucks so I'm teaching myself as I go along.

    Alright onto the problem:
    Ever since I got this truck theres been air leaks. Both tanks would drain overnight. Ive replaced the air lines that go to the trailer as well as some gladhand seals as I have heard those go out. Also there was an air leak in the dash I could hear every time I shut off the truck. I ripped the dash apart and traced it back to a green hose that connects to the trailer valve. Loosened the fitting, pushed the hose in a bit and tightened it. Seemed to fix that and now only my secondary tank drains all the way. Primary only lost about 30-40 psi overnight now. I dont hear any other leaks anywhere but I notice the cab bags deflate overnight.

    Also during my air brake test the pressure does seem to fall more than 4 psi a minute.

    Anyone have any idea on what it could be?
     
    Bum_Jesus, Oct 1, 2011
    Bum_Jesus, Oct 1, 2011
    #1
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  3. Oct 1, 2011 #2
    josh.c

    josh.c Road Train Member

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    Feb 22, 2009
    Knoxville, Tn
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    Honestly, I wouldn't worry about the overnight leak unless it just really bothers you. If it does, take a bottle of soapy water and squirt it on everything air could leak from until you get bubbles. I'd start with the airbags and move to the leveling valve for them from there.

    As far as the break test, if you don't hear an audible leak, use something to hold down the break pedal and use your soapy water bottle again. The airlines going into the brake chambers would be the first place I'd check on that. Have you isolated the leak to the tractor? In other words, if you only have the tractor (yellow) valve pushed in, does it still leak more than 4psi/minute?
     
    josh.c, Oct 1, 2011
    josh.c, Oct 1, 2011
    #2
    Bum_Jesus Thanks this.
  4. Oct 1, 2011 #3
    lovesthedrive

    lovesthedrive R.I.P.

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    Nov 11, 2008
    Sorrento Maine
    0
    Dash air valves get old and will often drain the system. Soapy water in a bottle is best thing. Measure distance between steering wheel and brake pedal depressed and cut a 2x4 that length. Sometimes the tank drains will get some crud from the tank in the valve. Try bleeding the tank with a quick short yank on the cord. Dont really want to bleed the tank, just blast crud off face of valve.
     
    lovesthedrive, Oct 1, 2011
    lovesthedrive, Oct 1, 2011
    #3
    Bum_Jesus Thanks this.
  5. Oct 2, 2011 #4
    Bum_Jesus

    Bum_Jesus Bobtail Member

    42
    9
    Sep 14, 2011
    Haines City, FL
    0
    Thanks! I will try that. I will unhook the trailer and find out if its just the tractor. I think I could hear a leak on the rear passenger side. Im going go over to the truck and bring someone with me to hold the brake.

    Thanks! Im gonna check the tanks arent leaking.
     
    Bum_Jesus, Oct 2, 2011
    Bum_Jesus, Oct 2, 2011
    #4
  7. Oct 3, 2011 #5
    Bum_Jesus

    Bum_Jesus Bobtail Member

    42
    9
    Sep 14, 2011
    Haines City, FL
    0
    Found the major leak! It was a fitting that connects the hose from the gladhand to the trailer. Thanks guys!
     
    Bum_Jesus, Oct 3, 2011
    Bum_Jesus, Oct 3, 2011
    #5
    josh.c Thanks this.
  8. Oct 3, 2011 #6
    bender

    bender Road Train Member

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    Jul 20, 2010
    Don't Kid Yourself
    0
    Once you've soaped everything down and repaired all detectable leaks, if it still leaks down overnight chances are the air is leaking off back through the air compressor. You can install a one way check valve in the inlet of your wet tank to eliminate this possibility.
     
    bender, Oct 3, 2011
    bender, Oct 3, 2011
    #6
    Bum_Jesus Thanks this.
  9. Oct 3, 2011 #7
    josh.c

    josh.c Road Train Member

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    Feb 22, 2009
    Knoxville, Tn
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    Dang, we should've thought of that! Glad it was simple.
     
    josh.c, Oct 3, 2011
    josh.c, Oct 3, 2011
    #7
    Bum_Jesus Thanks this.
  10. Oct 9, 2011 #8
    pats-t800

    pats-t800 Bobtail Member

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    Oct 9, 2011
    0
    My friend had the same problem,,,, I will ask him.
     
    pats-t800, Oct 9, 2011
    pats-t800, Oct 9, 2011
    #8
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