PSA: Check your air compressor drain valves every week

I had a 2003 Peterbilt 379 towed into my shop last Wednesday after it lost all air pressure on I-35 near Waco... The owner said it just dumped air suddenly. Turns out the air compressor had a frozen drain valve that backed up moisture into the system for months. I drained about 2 gallons of water out of the wet tank after replacing the valve. The compressor was shot too, a full rebuild kit ran $275 and two days of labor. Has anyone else seen this wreck a compressor before the valve gets caught?

3 comments

3 Comments

laura18916d ago

Oh man, that brings back memories of my old pickup doing the exact same thing out in the middle of nowhere. Had to coast into a gas station with no brakes, scared the heck out of me.

danielw8816d ago

Throw the truck in neutral and steer with the e-brake next time if you can. I've had to ride the shoulder to slow down twice now when my brake line blew. Just make sure you pump the pedal a few times first to see if pressure comes back, sometimes it's just a temporary loss. And for the love of all that is holy don't turn the engine off or you lose power steering and your brake booster.

olivia_allen16d ago

2 gallons is a lot but that compressor rebuild kit costs less than a new valve and an afternoon of your own time if you catch it early. Your mechanic made bank off that job, not the frozen valve itself.