Maintenance 145
Air Tanks
WARNING
When draining the air tanks, do not look
into the area of the draining air. Dirt or
sludge particles may be in the air stream
that could cause eye injury.
Air tanks should be drained daily. Make
sure the drain cocks close properly after
draining. Empty moisture from air tanks by
pulling the drain valve wire. The tanks
should be checked for condensation fluid,
even if an automatic drain valve is installed.
It is very important that the air system is
kept clean. Air reservoirs should be drained
daily or even twice a day on very hot days.
Daily drainage expels any condensation in
the air reservoirs. If sludge or oil is found
in the drainage, the air compressor should
be checked for proper operation.
If an excessive amount of fluid is drained
out of the tanks (even when drained daily)
have the system checked for possible prob-
lems with the air dryer.
W5001203
Air Dryers
Air dryers have a regeneration system that
cleans out the accumulated moisture but
eventually the drying medium will be filled
up. Change the dryer cartridge when more
water than usual is noticed at the daily tank
drainings. The volume of daily drain water
will change depending on temperature, geo-
graphical location and how much the
brakes are used.
Dryer manufacturers recommends changing
the cartridge every 2 to 3 years but the in-
tervals need to be adjusted for vehicle
application. In hot, coastal climates, the car-
tridge may have to be changed every year.
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