is my air governor going bad?

Hi rc, anytime a governor failed for me, it either didn't turn the compressor on, or it wouldn't shut off. Possibly air dryer needs servicing?

 

Could just be a loose bolt or fitting.

 

First thing I would check is the hose from the governor to the dryer. If you lose pressure there it will cycle the compressor. And yes replace the dryer cartridge.

 

Your air gauges are showing air pressure in the primary and secondary tanks, not the wet tank. It is the wet tank that is leaking down and triggering the governor because the governor senses wet tank pressure. If you have a big leak in the wet tank or lines between the wet tank and #1 and #2, or the sensing lines between the air dryer or governor, or the unloaders, you will get rapid cycling. Basically the leak is in the system somewhere before your primary and secondary tanks.

 

As stated you want to test the air governor mount, the hose to the dryer, the purge valve in the dryer, all conections to from the wet tank, and most likely the problem, the unloaders, to test those I use shop air, a #10 fitting with a shut off valve, You charge the system and when the compressor unloads, and with the air intake to the air compressor removed, feel the intake if air is flowing out of the compressor intake then the unloaders are damaged. It is not rocket science to repair the unloaders. You buy a kit and the instructions are in the bag.
Just a thought!

 

I replaced my governor with the new type, that has a blue plastic cap on bottom. it is not adjustable like the older ones, but I like it cause it builds up more air 125-130 so it's handy when I use the air hose, plus with the little air leaks, at 130 it takes longer to leak down. it also helps keep pressure up when going down steep hill on the brakes all the way down. I have no jakes. may want to consider if you ever change governor.

 

Rollin, a governor is only twenty bucks or so, and VERY easy to change. I normally don't like throwing parts at trucks, but when it's so cheap and can be done in twenty minutes why not try it? If this doesn't do it, then look for a low leak between the governor and first dry tank. If your hearing is like mine you won't be able to hear it, water mixed with high bubble dish washing detergent in a spray bottle will show you the leak. Spray down everything, every line and connector.