83 Freightliner compressor

Moline_guy · Dec 18, 2009

Went to use the semi today and the air compressor won't shut off. Its been sitting for 3 weeks or so and worked when parked. It has been cold out but in the upper 20's today, not sure if i have an ice issue or something else. Any ideas where to start, thanks for any help with it.

Keith in Iowa · Dec 18, 2009

Sounds like ice in your air governor. Usually you'll hear it hissing. They are'nt very expensive, best to just replace it.

twopop · Dec 18, 2009

would think you have moisture in the governor,and it cant work. warm it up with a propane torch,or put some alcohol in the lines

twopop · Dec 18, 2009

doesnt have to be ice in the governor,but if the line supplying constant air to the governor is frozen then the governor cant work.take that line off and see if air comes thru

Anonymous-0 · Dec 18, 2009

Or the unloader valve in the compressor itself.They can stick.It is what makes your compressor build up air,the governor tells it when to unload.

armand tatro · Dec 18, 2009

When was the last time you drained the air tanks on the truck and trailer? Do you have an air dryer and when was it last serviced? Also is the heater on the air dryer working? If none of this service has been done you need to start at the air compressor and work your way back to the trailer. Put air dryer in every tank unless it is warm enough to drain the tanks. Tanks need to be drained every night unless you have an air dryer or keep air dryer in the tanks. Look for any place where the air lines are sagging including the supply lines as water will collect and freeze. Could be easy to fix or could be a nightmare!! Armand

Moline_guy · Dec 19, 2009

Thanks for the replies, will try the governor, unloader and if that dont work probably going to have to get it in some place warm and start cracking open lines, it doesnt have a drier and I didnt drain anything before it got cold. We don't use it much but I should know enough to drain it out before winter got here.

Tim in OR · Dec 19, 2009

Back in 1980, I saw a compressor throw a rod because the wet tank was about 1/2 full of water that had turned to ice. The governor didn't know that the compressor was pumping the line full only, so the compressor pumped till something broke, in this instance it was the compressor.
Tim in OR

Steve in Oh · Dec 20, 2009

I would also suggest the governor, or the unloader. Both fairly inexpensive to replace. I sell the governors for about $17. Bendix part # is OR275491X should you need a new one. Good luck

Moline_guy · Dec 21, 2009

Finally got to town today and got a governor for it, also put in a jug of air line antifreeze, everything seems to be working. Simple, cheap repair, can't beat that. Thanks for the help.

83 Freightliner compressor

Moline_guy

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Keith in Iowa

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twopop

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twopop

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Anonymous-0

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armand tatro

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Moline_guy

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Tim in OR

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Steve in Oh

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Moline_guy

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