Detroit Series 60 air compressor having trouble building air when parked. Smart solution

Freightliner Century 2008-2009 with a Series 60, having issues building air. Air compressor is only 3 years old, no signs of oil being pushed through the system. Air dryer and air governor were also in good condition. This video will help you replace the unloader kit first instead of replacing the entire air compressor.

[@bundylovess]

Awesome stuff mate keep them coming big thumbs up 👍

[@vicmed6088]

Thanks for the info I have the same engine

[@lve5571]

Thank you very much, I will try this hopefully it fixes my air buildup issue.

[@CarlosDieselElectric]

I figure it’s the least expensive place to start. Also, check your drain tanks for any water. That can cause issues

[@ahmedamiinisack9997]

Thanks man

[@custommadetruckingllc4639]

3:27 mark in your video you have your hand on a airline. Is the line hard to replace? How long should it take a shop? Mines is leaking air looks really old

[@ratrod3598]

Awesome

[@quocbinhduong-pv4ef]

thanks anh carlos vì clip cũng tạm được.

[@smartmotives]

Would cleaning the unloaded valve work if valve looks good still or that doesn’t necessarily matter and should just replace?

[@CarlosDieselElectric]

The spring could also be the culprit, after all the heat exposure the spring may become weak and not allow the move correctly. I usually go with full replacement.

[@bastiaan1532]

I don't really have a problem building pressure, sometimes it's hangs a bit when the secondary tank hits 70psi, but I do have some air escaping from that port.

[@CarlosDieselElectric]

you can check your gasket just underneath the cover. If you remove the two torx bolts you should be able to see it.

[@raulmaarcheco5099]

I have the same issue my compressor is only 6 months old and now it won’t build air unless I accelerate a lot. So I’m trying this out tomorrow.. the 2 dislikes are mecanics that would tell you your problem is the compressor

[@CarlosDieselElectric]

raul maarcheco if you air compressor is under a year old you should have warranty through Detroit or Freightliner. I’m sure some mechanics will tell you it’s the air compressor. But it doesn’t hurt to try this first before replacing the entire air compressor and going through all the labor. Also, check for air leaks and air governor. Air leaks will kill you air compressor because it always has to keep working.

[@ER_666_]

Can the unloader valve cause my compressor to keep running? I replaced the governor and dryer and it doesn’t purge. Pressure gage gets to 150 and I hear a hissing sound from the compressor.

[@CarlosDieselElectric]

ER1191 could be the unload also, look at any restrictions in the lines or leaks. There is a bronze color valve just to the side of the unloader.

[@Craftymantiss]

Damn, it would have been nice to see how you took the valve out? Did it just come out easily?

[@CarlosDieselElectric]

Small amount of resistance. Just use something that will you to hook it from the inside lip. It pulls right up

[@Craftymantiss]

@@CarlosDieselElectric ok, perfect, thank you!

[@Gcal1956]

I was just about replace the the compressor. Gonna try this first. Already did the governer and the air filter and purge vale on the dryer. Still taking 12-15 minutes to build full air. Takes for ever. But no oils in lines. So the compressor seems good. But slow as fuk. Btw. Million mile Detriot s60 14l. I’m not sure if it’s original compressor. I’ve had it for 300 k miles and it’s the same one since I had it. UPDATED Changed the loader and still the same problem. SLOW to build air. replacing compressor today. Pulled the old one out and it spins with easy by hand. The new one will barley spin by hand the compression is so tight. . So it was for sure my compressor.

[@junior281991]

Gcal1956 i’m getting ready to replace a compressor with this same issue. Will not build any air at all at idle but will build very slow when reved up. Already changed unloaded and governor and still same issue

[@Aman-nb8nb]

@@junior281991 Did the exact same thing, then decided to test to see if it was the air dryer so I bypassed it using a elbow directly connecting the discharge to the air tanks. Ended up blowing the discharge line. What could this mean?

[@trawk244]

Did it end up being your compressor

[@bluedemon79]

I tested the pressure coming out of the discharge side and it only pumps up to 60psi. Does that mean the compressor is bad or should I try the unloader kit. My truck is a 2006 Freightliner Columbia with a Detroit 14L.

[@CarlosDieselElectric]

I would lean towards the air compressor. But try the kit. It’s inexpensive and takes a few minutes to remove and install.

[@MS-oz2wu]

@@CarlosDieselElectricI have a 199 kw dd 12.7, Bendix compressor. It took you 3 mins 15 secs to build to 125 psi. It sounds like you were on idle, maybe 600 rpms. How did the, whats called, the "engine check" do? I did the Engine Check, which is supposed to be 85-100 psi in 45 secs at 1500 rpms. It took me 2 mins to get to 85psi. How can i get this to 85+ psi in 45 secs??? Did you do this test, and did it go? T4TV.

[@shawnamiker1958]

What did you do with your truck I’m having the same problems with the same truck as you

[@bluedemon79]

@@shawnamiker1958 i got a compression tester and tested pressure at the compressor. It was a 50Lbs. I replaced the compressor. It was bad.

[@shawnamiker1958]

Thanks

[@gabrielcastro8710]

Could the unload kit leak?...because I have a leak from the top of compressor between unloaded valv and discharge line but is really hard to see clearly. Is cascadia 2012 dd13

[@CarlosDieselElectric]

It is possible. But check the fitting at the back of the compressor. It is a 1/4 air line that comes out from the back of air compressor. The fitting will usually leak. Little difficult to reach but spray some soapy water and look for bubbles

[@gabrielcastro8710]

Thanks for.anser very helpful 👍

[@robelr1012]

I have the same problem on my truck and on highway it goes over 150psi what do you think the problem is?

[@CarlosDieselElectric]

robel R always start with the air governor. Try using the Bendix air governor with the blue cap. Those are regulated at 130 psi max. Also, check the fittings for any leaks. This will also not let the air governor work properly.

[@chony07pr]

My 60 serie 14L is poping from the small valve, witch is near that kit, and it pops air after 5rpms but when idel it dosent pop or biult air that fast, just happend today, you think my compresor is bad or this kit will fix problem? Thanks

[@CarlosDieselElectric]

I had a similar issue, truck would build air to about 60-80 psi but would pop over and over. Popping. I replaced the valve and air governor and it resolved the problem. Truck was able to build air to 130 PSI with no further issues. I would say try it, the cost is a lot less then the air compressor.

[@CarlosDieselElectric]

Forgot to mention, there is also a valve on top just to the side. Protection valve, bronze/gold color, I also replaced that.Sometimes the carbon builds up and blocks.

[@chony07pr]

I did replace those 2 componets, keep.doing the same, now am here buying that kit from this video, lets see, i hope it fixes it

[@JOKER-zf3dr]

? I have 2005 century gets low on air on secondary air gauge after just sitting a little while and warning comes on. had air dryer filter changed they said oil was coming through all over filter and that my compressor is about to go out. Will I be able to try this kit as a solution or is it too late and have to swap compressor? theres 1.4 million miles I just got truck 2 months ago so I dont know when anything has been changed It looks like an old bendix compressor. Thanks

[@CarlosDieselElectric]

Trucker Barry if you have enough air for the primary then you should have enough air for the secondary. Try the air governor but also, some of the Freightliner trucks have check valves on the air tank. One of them could be bad. When you are building air, do you have to use the accelerator to help it? Also, you should not have oil pushing through. This could be a sign the air compressor is bad.

[@JOKER-zf3dr]

@@CarlosDieselElectric Yes I have to accelerate to build it up I should have said both gauges loose air but start losing more air from the secondary 1st. Not all the time but sometimes when its built up I release brakes and it drops to 100 sometimes 80 psi quick. Once I get going it'll build back up and I'm good driving. But the issue with oil going thru I'm not sure.

[@CarlosDieselElectric]

Trucker Barry sounds like the air compressor is starting to fail. Try replacement of the unloader kit first. That may help, if it does. It work then yes the air compressor could be bad. Especially with over one million miles.

[@JOKER-zf3dr]

@@CarlosDieselElectric Where can I order that kit?

[@JOKER-zf3dr]

Also the air dryer makes a weird whistle sound when it purges I'm guess from the oil in it.

[@ibisevicaziz]

I’m having an issue with my air purge valve. It does a small purge at 115 then when the compressor gets it to the full 135 it can’t purge completely, like it lacks pressure to purge, bc when I hold the purge valve with my hand it gets back pressure and purges probably. It’s not every time but it gets stuck like this 4 to 6 times a shift. Things I changed in order 1 air cartridge filter 2 governor 3 air purge valve 4 turbo cut off valve 5 the whole air filter system 6 governor I have a two piston compressor which is building air properly.

[@CarlosDieselElectric]

Aziz Ibusevic any air leaks? Check the fittings for leaks. What kind of truck?

[@ibisevicaziz]

Carlos Diesel Electric thanks for the reply, it’s a 2013 fl Coronado dd15, no air leaks. I changed the governor 2 days ago and noticed that doesn’t purge when full when I have the truck worming up and when I stop with low rpm it starts acting up. This is how it was with the governor that I changed 3 months ago but with that one it started to not purge while even driving I would have to stop and hold in the purge valve but with this new one it doesn’t act up while driving

[@CarlosDieselElectric]

Forgot to ask, how old is the air compressor?

[@ibisevicaziz]

Carlos Diesel Electric it seems to be original 670,000

[@CarlosDieselElectric]

Aziz Ibusevic so this one is tricky. Replacing the air governor is a good start, checked for any air leaks at the fittings at or around the governor or compressor, next I personally would have just replaced the complete air dryer depending on the age and last it might be the air compressor itself. I know this isn’t too helpful, but try draining the air tanks for water that may collect. Just remove the drain plugs so any and all water can completely come out of the air tanks.

[@Arturo76312]

I heard him say that this driver services is vehicle every 20000 miles. Is that too much or what? I was told to do it every ten to twelve thousand. I also have the Detroit series 60 but with the 14 leader. Am I changing it too often?

[@CarlosDieselElectric]

Typically every 12-15,000 miles is normal for the Series 60 14L. If you are using a premium oil like Mobil Delvac 1300 and good quality oil filters then you should be ok. The truck on this video is already at 1,021,106 miles. He runs from Los Angeles to Bakersfield, so stop and go traffic doesn't really apply. The local stop and go is what breaks down the motor oil faster.

[@Arturo76312]

@@CarlosDieselElectric Yes I do use Mobil Delvac 1300 and thank you for the quick reply! I'm about to go local in the Chicagoland area in a few months. Once I do that, how often should I change my oil? Still every 12,000 to 15000 miles?

[@CarlosDieselElectric]

Arturo Abasta I would say every 15,000 miles is fine.

[@Arturo76312]

@@CarlosDieselElectric Great, thanks again. Gonna share your page on my social media! 😁

[@runebetta]

Hey Carlos , i have a 2011 freightliner cascadia with a series 60 & my unloader valve is leaking a ton of air when purging , my secondary air tank have a hard time building air sometimes , can I just remove the cover and seal it or should I replace the whole thing with this kit ? Thanks

[@CarlosDieselElectric]

Frangel Nova which cover? Where the unloader is?

[@runebetta]

Carlos Diesel Electric got it fixed boss , I just bought this kit and installed and problem went away

[@benfrank2575]

My truck primary builds air secondary you have to put build with foot sometimes it builds majority time it won’t. Not sure if it’s governor, compressor, or Unloader valve. Also I bought truck used so I’m not sure if the parts or new or not

[@CarlosDieselElectric]

Start off with low hanging fruit. Try the air governor or the unloader kit. Is it a Series 60?

[@benfrank2575]

@@CarlosDieselElectric yes it’s 60 series

[@benfrank2575]

@@CarlosDieselElectric just came check on it today it’s not building air pressure at all now unless I put foot on the gas

[@CarlosDieselElectric]

@@benfrank2575 check the discharge line for any blockage. How many miles on the air compressor? Is it original?

[@benfrank2575]

@@CarlosDieselElectric which line would that be I checked them ion see any oil or anything on them

[@dominicg1237]

How do you know if your governer and air dryer is good?

[@CarlosDieselElectric]

Well, I look at a few things. How old is the air governor? Is it the original? What is the air governor or air dryer doing? But, I also look at the cost. Air governor is a lot cheaper than the air dryer. So start there if you are unsure.

[@tonylg3840]

What is the part number called

[@INBINC]

My cascadia wouldnt build pressure when cold. Would stay at 60 psi. Replaced compressor due to oil in tanks. Now it still does it at times.have to pump brakes and drain and rev engine to get it going New compressor from freightliner. Should i replace unloader valve.

[@CarlosDieselElectric]

No, the unloading valve is new in the air compressor. Have you replaced the air governor? Also, check the primary discharge line, check for any check valves on the tanks. Depending on the application, there is a primary and secondary on te air tanks

[@INBINC]

@@CarlosDieselElectric replaced air governor too. I will look for check valves on the tanks and see if theyre staying open. Its just weird how revving solves the problem afterwards

[@ancormane524]

@@INBINC did you find the problem for this

[@INBINC]

@@ancormane524 yep, it was the gear shifter actuator inside the transmission. Was leaking air until it would finally decide to unstick itself

[@nunu6158]

Did this solve the problem?

[@CarlosDieselElectric]

For this customer, yes it did work.

[@kurtglendale540]

Hey mines just have slight leak at the gasket, can I just replace the gasket..

[@CarlosDieselElectric]

Definitely, if the gasket is leaking just take it apart clean it up and the reinstall.

[@jimstone2286]

Removal and installation is what I want to know

[@CarlosDieselElectric]

I am trying to get better at showing more, I am now trying to use my GoPro for this. For this job all you need is torx, pick to be able to grab the orings inside the air compressor and that is pretty much it. The Bendix kit comes with instructions and illustrations. Pretty quick fix, it will take approximately 30 minutes to complete.

[@jimstone2286]

@@CarlosDieselElectric getting the unloader piston out was my issue, but I figured it out. Install complete, problem solved

[@CarlosDieselElectric]

Jim Stone glad you were able to get it done. Sorry, I didn’t the question. But I am trying to make the videos a bit better to help illustrate. Appreciate you watching

[@marceldelouizo4954]

New air compressor, new air dryer, new air tank and new airliner and still not building air

[@CarlosDieselElectric]

Check your discharge line from air compressor to air dryer. Check for any air leaks Check the check valves if equipped. Check air governor

[@robelr1012]

Can i find it in store?online

[@CarlosDieselElectric]

robel R you can get them at any Freightliner. What kind of truck do you have?

[@robelr1012]

Carlos Diesel Electric 2007 freightliner columbia S60

[@CarlosDieselElectric]

robel R so you should have an air governor on the back of the air compressor or on the air dryer. Depending on the model air dryer. But try using the Bendix with the blue cap and the fittings that are on it should not be leaking. What have you tried changing or replacing?

[@robelr1012]

Carlos Diesel Electric i got replace unloader kit and now its not building any air at all even 15rpm.i have bendix compressor the mechanic also disconnect the line from the head of compressor to drayer ,the compressor pumping air about 60psi

[@CarlosDieselElectric]

robel R the only reason to change the unloading kit is when the air compressor is not able to build enough air properly. The original problem you had was you were building too much air air 150 psi. Something might not have been installed correctly or now another problem has presented itself. Email me and I can help you out as much as possible

[@javieramador216]

It not work for me cost 120.00 dealer

[@licthongcedeno6843]

Gggg