Where to order air tank for freightliner flc120 possibly upgrade to aluminum?

Discussion in 'Heavy Duty Diesel Truck Mechanics Forum' started by Mountainmover, Jul 16, 2018.

  1. Mountainmover

    Mountainmover Bobtail Member

    37
    4
    Feb 24, 2015
    0
    i have a 1985 freightliner flc120 with BC4 . I keep,having air tank leaks. I have been having to weld them up due to budget and it being hard to find parts.
    I know that a weld is temporary as moistu is causing rust. I have a dryer on the truck. I guess a dryer isnt perfect?

    How do I order tanks? My truck have a salvage Vin. We put on a cab so numbers aren't correct. The tank has a brand and numbers on it.
    It is:
    Ventra
    A12-11924-000E (I think E I see last symbol due to scuff).
    082 (tiny o) 105

    Sae code j-10
    150 psi max wp

    It is located on passenger side inside frame rail at same spot that exterior frame rail storage box/possible battery box Is located. About where the pogo stick would begin.

    I'd like to upgrade to aluminum or stainless if possible unless it's too expensive and not worth it.

    Any ideas on where to order and estimated cost? Thanks so much!
     
  2. Truckers Report Jobs

    Trucking Jobs in 30 seconds

    Every month 400 people find a job with the help of TruckersReport.

  3. x1Heavy

    x1Heavy Road Train Member

    34,016
    42,139
    Mar 5, 2016
    White County, Arkansas
    0
    Any time you weld a pressure holding vessal you weaken it further. And expose it to further rusting and so on.

    It's way better to replace a compromised tank than to burn welds into it trying to save a dollar.

    It's probably going to be a junkyard salvage type situation or similar from a donor vehicle. I have no idea what it will cost but I do know enough that if a pressure holding vessal is compromised then it must be replaced. Not welded.

    I prefer steel over aluminum any time. It has a higher temperature tolerance than aluminum does and more durable if you happen tun across angle iron sitting in your travel lane. At best you cut some air lines and clang off the steel tank.

    When you weld something that takes incredible loads in metal, they use plasma under a sufficient line of material so that nothing else will reach the actual burning joint as it happens. The new woodrow wilson bridge used that technique on their steel.
     
  4. Mountainmover

    Mountainmover Bobtail Member

    37
    4
    Feb 24, 2015
    0

    Thank you for the reply.
    You are right and I am worried about the welded tank. I have one that I welded that has lasted two years. The current one is welded just so I can move a machine this week on a backroad.

    What did you mean by “clang off”? Did you mean to bypass a tank? I’m curious as you may be giving me a tip that I can use in case of emergency.

    I’m worried that buying from a junkyard will set me up for a tank that’s just as rusty as what I have?

    I thought I stumbled across a popular site similar to big rig chrome shop or something that made custom air tanks for a good deal but now I can’t seem to find the site when searching.

    A custom stainless would be nice but that would cost a fortune.

    I have a Mack ch613 with aluminum tanks tucked up above the battery box. It’s a dump truck.

    Thanks!
     
  5. Oldironfan

    Oldironfan Road Train Member

    5,776
    5,544
    May 22, 2017
    0
    Never seen aluminum air tanks? Is that legal?
     
  6. Ridgeline

    Ridgeline Road Train Member

    22,640
    120,716
    Dec 18, 2011
    Michigan
    0
    Two thoughts, are you welding them yourself and do you actually clean them outside down to bare metal and inside then re-coat them with a rust inhibitor outside and a sealer inside?

    Oh and if you just want to order new tanks, you measure what you get and go to the parts store, they have a lot of different types you can order.

    ALSO try this place - Hoosier Tank & Manufacturing, Inc.
     
  7. Mountainmover

    Mountainmover Bobtail Member

    37
    4
    Feb 24, 2015
    0
    Thanks for reply.

    I had a cousin who is an ex aircraft/machinist/General Electric nuclear employee weld it for me. He did grind it down on outside to get to the good “meat”. He put plugs in it and pressure checked it with soapy water.
    But, no coating on inside. I don’t think he opened it up big enough to get to inside. The leak was on the end bead where weld holds cap end on tank.

    I didn’t know parts store had tanks. I knew they have universal tanks I’m sure.... but wouldn’t I need the right fittings?

    Mine has a big opening on the cab side (used a 1 inch wrench on fitting/nut) and the rear outlet side has two outlets that are smaller.
    I googled and saw the Hoosier tank place. Is that reputable? Thanks for the recommendation.
    I’m on a tight budget as I have so many machines and tractors that I spend a fortune constantly.
    I’m thinking I’ll end up having a cobbled up mess of lines and adapters If I find a universal tank.
     
  8. Oldironfan

    Oldironfan Road Train Member

    5,776
    5,544
    May 22, 2017
    0
    Did tank look rusted any other spots? It may need to be replaced if your in salt belt. But I will say this the new tanks are made with way thinner walls it seems.
     
  9. Mountainmover

    Mountainmover Bobtail Member

    37
    4
    Feb 24, 2015
    0
    I am in north of atlanta georgia. Only rust is if clay sticks to things and hold moisture or salt from some mild road salting in winter in upper elevations.

    Yes. My Mack ch613 has some aluminum tanks on the side above battery box. I need to get a picture.
     
    Oldironfan Thanks this.
  10. BoxCarKidd

    BoxCarKidd Road Train Member

    4,525
    6,586
    Aug 26, 2014
    0
    Yes there are aluminum air tanks on trucks as mentioned.
    Good used tanks are sometimes hard to find. Usually have to find them on new salvage yard arrivals. Stick a magnet in them and check for rust. Hope to find oil without rust. It is amazing how many different tanks the same series of trucks use.
    Shakers have the serial number stamped in the frame near the steering box. If the tanks are original you can order one that way. The last ones I ordered were for a binder. They cost about $400 ea.
     
    Oldironfan Thanks this.
  11. lilillill

    lilillill Sarcasm... it's not just for breakfast

    5,642
    13,472
    Nov 7, 2007
    Possum Booger, Alabama
    0
    I just replaced both of my tanks. I think it was about $700 from the Freightliner dealer.
     
  • Truckers Report Jobs

    Trucking Jobs in 30 seconds

    Every month 400 people find a job with the help of TruckersReport.