Air System Question

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by camaron32, Feb 14, 2011.

  1. camaron32

    camaron32 Light Load Member

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    May 31, 2010
    Rosemount, Minnesota
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    I drive a 2005 Columbia, and I've been having problems all winter with the governor freezing when the truck is off during home time. It only takes a minute with a blow torch to heat it up enough, but it's just the fact that I have to lay on my back in the snow to get a good shot at it. The air dryer has been replaced and alcohol has been run through the system, and I'm told that that governor is new. I can't say that I'm religious about draining the air system every day, but I have opened up the 3 tank valves when I'm unloading at home so it blows out air for 5-7 minutes. Now when I first start the truck there is no residual air pressure in the line, and it will not build pressure over 50 psi (that is until I get out my blow torch and heat it up). Now should there be residual pressure? If so how do I go about finding a leak. Or should the governor be "bled" in case there is a pocket of moisture in the bottom. Any suggestions would be helpful. Thank you.
     
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  3. canuck in da truck

    canuck in da truck Road Train Member

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    where is your govenor that you have to lay down to get at it?
     
  4. Beer Runner

    Beer Runner Medium Load Member

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    Canada
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    Last time I checked the govenor was on the side of the engine not under it. What exactly are you heating up under there?
     
  5. canuck in da truck

    canuck in da truck Road Train Member

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    thats kinda what i was wondering---i am not familiar with mercedes or volvo engines so i thought it might be one of their ideas
    and for the price of a govenor--if it is icing up replace it ,if it keeps screwing up--they are cheap
     
  6. camaron32

    camaron32 Light Load Member

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    May 31, 2010
    Rosemount, Minnesota
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    The company does run the Mercedes engines because they are lighter than other conventional engines. I deliver dry bulk so weight is everything. The governor is located inside the drivers side frame rail and it is "standing" upright. I could get at it from the top with a little more difficulty, but with my luck it's just safer to get at it from the bottom. I am heating up the bottom or flat side of the governor. It only takes 30-45 seconds to heat it up enough. Since I do not see any moisture from the air tanks when I drain them Im guessing that the rubber diaphragm inside the governor is freezing to the metal side since the air system does not retain any residual pressure.

    And I am about to the point of having the governor replaced myself. I can go out and buy the part and my father-in-law is a diesel mechanic so replacing it would not be a problem

    I hope the information helps. Just tired of this problem.
     
  7. wichris

    wichris Road Train Member

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    A few manufacturers tried that combination air govenor/dryer mounted on the air tank. It's not the governor that's the problem,it's the air dryer. I had 8 2004's with that system,it was a nightmere untill they were traded in.
     
  8. GasHauler

    GasHauler Master FMCSA Interpreter

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    Oct 23, 2005
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    What happens when you do your air brake test? Do you loose any amount of air pressure? Are you doing the test with the engine off? I would think your Father in Law would have a good idea. I had a problem like this one time with a tractor that was left out in the cold. I wasn't the normal driver and the others just relied on the air dryer to remove any water. When I did get to the shop there was a lot of water that came out of that truck.

    Try to find any leaks or openings in the system. I've always found leaks when the system is fully charged and very quiet. You can either use blocks to brace your tires or the trailer to hold the tractor, but whatever you do do not leave the truck unchocked. If you can not find any then it's time to invest some money unless you don't mind heating up the system everyday.
     
  9. BigTruck51

    BigTruck51 Bobtail Member

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    Feb 24, 2018
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    I have a KW 2009 T2000 I changed the Compressor Governor and air brake knobs assembly on interior of cab.... NO VISIBLE OR AUDIBLE AIR LEAKS.....adjusted Governor BIT air pressure STILL will not rise past 50psi... Can ANYONE help me with what might be the issue!.... Thanks
     
  10. easytopleez33

    easytopleez33 Light Load Member

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    Generally are mounted right on the compressor!! Drivers Side, about chest high. LOL
     
  11. kemosabi49

    kemosabi49 Trucker Forum STAFF Staff Member

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    I know it. Then I drove one with a Mercedez engine and it was down by the frame rails. Real pita.
     
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