93 w900 not purging air

Discussion in 'Kenworth Forum' started by Louisg52203, Feb 27, 2025.

  1. Louisg52203

    Louisg52203 Bobtail Member

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    Jul 22, 2023
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    Working on my father’s 93 Kenworth w900 cat 3406b and it takes forever to build air. And doesn’t purge through the air dryer. It has a new air dryer, new governor. I put a used air compressor on I know worked before it was taken off. Any idea on what it could be? I’m stumped and haven’t been able to figure this out.
     
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  3. Big Road Skateboard

    Big Road Skateboard Road Train Member

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    Probably the original stratoflex lines to the governor, and leaking.

    When does it quit building?
     
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  4. Louisg52203

    Louisg52203 Bobtail Member

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    Jul 22, 2023
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    Normal pressure 120psi. I started it without the air dryer on too see if the lines were plugged. Pushed air like it should and nothing seemed to be in there. Push the yellow button in and it drops to 90psi. Takes forever to get to 120 unless your drive it
     
  5. Big Road Skateboard

    Big Road Skateboard Road Train Member

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    You need to plumb shop air directly to the compressor outlet, and check for leaks with the truck off. If it doesn't leak, bypass the dryer.

    You've got a simple issue here. Don't expect to be able to hear a leak, trust me.

    Make sure your governor is plumbed correctly too. Supply side should be to an air tank, signal side to the dryer. When it hits pop off pressure, you should get a signal to your dryer from the governor.
     
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  6. Louisg52203

    Louisg52203 Bobtail Member

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    Jul 22, 2023
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    Okay I’ll give that a shot first thing in the morning! Just wasn’t sure how to go about it. Figured something simple. Not new but not a veteran with these engines. Everything is hooked up correctly. Double, triple checked. I’ll get back to you tomorrow afternoon!
     
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  7. Louisg52203

    Louisg52203 Bobtail Member

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    Jul 22, 2023
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    Did what you said and found no leaks. Seemed like the air compressor wasn’t building properly. So we put a new one on it. Only purges air when driving otherwise it takes forever to build air while at idle
     
  8. Big Road Skateboard

    Big Road Skateboard Road Train Member

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    Bypass the air dryer and see if it builds faster.

    Did you notice air pressure come up quickly with shop air?
     
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  9. Oxbow

    Oxbow Road Train Member

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    I doubt this has anything to do with your problem, especially with a new compressor, but I have had this valve (unloader?) get gummed up and stick so that it doesn't start to build again. 20190527_143327.jpg
    @Big Road Skateboard knows much more than I about this, but it only takes a second to pop it off and make sure it's not gummed up.
     
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  10. abyliks

    abyliks Road Train Member

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    What kind of dryer is on it and does it have a. E con valve off the governor or is it just signal/purge line?
     
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