Chasing Air Leaks...?

Discussion in 'Peterbilt Forum' started by haulinasphalt, Nov 19, 2024.

  1. haulinasphalt

    haulinasphalt Bobtail Member

    45
    11
    Nov 23, 2010
    0
    I've been having some issues with air leaks.

    Issue 1: For quite some time, my air dryer has been "leaking" from the purge valve. With the engine off, the purge valve will continue to hiss for about 2-3 minutes with no air loss. I have been told by a Peterbilt technician this is "normal," despite the fact this dryer has never done this before, until it started doing so. I was further advised to replace the air dryer filter, which I did, yielding the same results.

    Issue 2: Yesterday, I replaced a bad shark bite from the supply line going into the primary air tank. This fixed that leak, but now I noticed a new "leak" coming from around the foot control pedal, but not the actual foot pedal itself. I can feel air near the frame, but I cannot see any air lines, let alone any air lines or fittings that may have been compromised. Even more puzzling, the hissing will stop after the PSI reaches 110 for both tanks, with the engine off.

    I performed an air brake test and everything passed. However, after sitting parked overnight, I lost half of my air pressure in both tanks. If I let it sit all weekend long, all pressure is lost.

    Has anybody else ever had this issue before? Any ideas what it could be? Any help on this is greatly appreciated.
     
  2. Truckers Report Jobs

    Trucking Jobs in 30 seconds

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

  3. NightWind

    NightWind Road Train Member

    2,610
    18,528
    Nov 11, 2006
    Sunny South, AL
    0
    Is this a triaxle or tractor trailer? There is a brake valve that has a (for lack of a better term) rod. Sometimes that rod gets corroded and will stick. I had to spray PB in it using the little tube. That valve is a Bi**tch to replace.
    Also you have pilot valve and the list goes on and on....... I contacted the factory where my 03- 379 was built and got the air plumbing schematics as well as the electrical. Maybe they will help you "see" the plumbing.
     
  4. Iamoverit

    Iamoverit Road Train Member

    1,168
    2,567
    Oct 31, 2023
    0
    Air leaks are a never ending battle. Get yourself a bottle of soapy water and you'd probably be surprised to find more leaks you never noticed before.

    The one near the treadle valve cou be a real PIA to handle so if it's not bad I wouldn't mess with it. The dryer is normal but they are easy and fairly inexpensive to replace if it bothers you.
     
  5. haulinasphalt

    haulinasphalt Bobtail Member

    45
    11
    Nov 23, 2010
    0
    Thanks for the help, guys. I replaced the dryer purge valve, which helped (air "purge" time dropped to about 30 seconds after the cutoff.) Unfortunately, the "leak" or "purge" is still happening after the governor activates.

    Oddly enough though, if I manually purge air by pumping the brakes a few times, it stops. Also, if I turn off the engine before the governor kicks in, no "purge" or "leak."

    This truck is nothing special at all, just a 2014 337 single-axle flatbed. I'll definitely look into getting the plumbing schematics for this thing though. I believe I've narrowed it down to the discharge line from the compressor to the dryer, but I can't see what exactly I'm touching. Just praying DOT doesn't put me OOS for what would otherwise be a "normally functioning" air system.
     
  6. 062

    062 Road Train Member

    6,076
    32,861
    Oct 20, 2013
    0
    Not sure what compressor or governor you have, but a lot of the time either the unloader valve is sticking or it leaking right at the governor when doing that.
     
  • Truckers Report Jobs

    Trucking Jobs in 30 seconds

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