Brake Air Compressor Troubleshooting - Simplified

The Basics

If you're reading this you probably already know at least a little something about diesel brake air compressors. So we won't bore you with the simple stuff.

What you really need to know is that the compressor is built of two main sections:

 

The Engine Block

 

Diesel Engine Block | Highway and Heavy Parts

 

The Cylinder Head

cylinder-head


If you're in the market, browse our quality selection of new air compressor drives.

The diesel engine block holds the crankshaft and piston. The cylinder head holds the valves and unloader. If you're having problems with the compressor, here are some simple fixes to common issues.

 

What's the Most Common Diesel Air Brake Compressor Complaint?

 

My Air Compressor Won't Build Air Pressure or My Air Compressor is Slow to Build Air Pressure

This is the number one complaint we hear when it comes to diesel engine air brake compressors.

There are a few things that can cause this:

  • Compressor Drive
  • Piston Rings
  • Air Governor
  • Unloader
  • Valves
  • Head Gasket


Here's how to quickly check all of these parts.

  1. Diesel Air Brake Compressor Drive Failure:If the compressor drive failed, in most cases the compressor won't put out any air at all. It is possible that the drive catches intermittently, but that is rare. If the piston rings / cylinder wall are worn out, depending on the severity, the compressor either won't pump at all, or it will pump slowly. The easiest ways to test both the drive and rings at once are to disconnect the discharge line and push a compression tester equipped with a rubber tip into the outlet fitting.

    Note : Do not thread a tester onto the discharge line as it could cause extreme pressure and damage. If the pump is capable of building at least 120psi, this means the drive and rings are fine.
  2. The Air Compressor Doesn't Build to at Least 120psi:If your diesel air compressor doesn't build to at least 120psi, remove the air governor and test again.
    If it builds air with the governor removed, verify that the air dryer is not sending a signal to the governor to unload the compressor.
    If no air is coming from the air dryer signal line, change the governor. If there is air present, repair
    the dryer.
  3. The Air Brake Compressor Still Won't Build Air Pressure With the Governor RemovedIf your air brake compressor still won't build air pressure after removing the governor, the next step is to disassemble the unloader.
    Inspect the parts for damage and correct operation. If a problem is found, replace the damaged pieces and re-test with the compression gauge.
  4. No Problems Were Found with the Uploader:Remove the parts necessary to inspect the cylinder head valves and head gasket. Repair or replace any damaged parts and use the compression gauge to test again.
  5. No Problems Were Found:At this point, either the drive is bad, or you need to change the compressor. Extensive troubleshooting may or may not reveal the cause, but factoring time and labor rates could easily exceed the cost of replacing the compressor. We offer a wide range of new and remanufactured air brake compressors at Highway and Heavy Parts, the leading diesel engine parts supplier.

 

Have more questions about your Air Brake Compressor? Call our ASE certified technicians!

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If at any time during these tests the compressor is found to be producing at least 120 psi, the compressor should be considered fine. The problem of your air compressor building air pressure slowly (or not at all) will be found somewhere in the air system.

The most common issues are a blocked discharge line or a malfunctioning air dryer.

Visually inspect the discharge line for blockage or kinks. You can use a shop air compressor to blow through the line, ensuring it's clear of obstruction. Replace the line if any problem is found.

The easiest way to test the air dryer is to bypass it. If the system builds air with the dryer bypassed, rebuild or replace the dryer.

For more information on issues you may be experiencing in your engine, check out our past blog, Common Diesel Engine Problems.

 

Other Common Problems with Air Brake Compressors

 

Why Does My Air Brake Compressor Cycle Constantly?

This problem usually points back to the air dryer, air governor, sensing line, or the air compressor unloader. Here are some easy ways to troubleshoot:

  • Remove the air governor sensing line at the governor and use regulated shop air to cycle the compressor. If supplying and removing the shop air cycles the compressor normally, it indicates the air compressor unloader and governor are working normally. If not, inspect and replace the unloader parts or governor as needed.
  • Check the air governor sensing line and fittings for leaks. Leaks in this line will let the pressure bleed off and cause the compressor to cycle. If a leak is found fix or replace the line. 
  • If no problems are found, check the air dryer for correct operation. Rebuild or replace it if any problems are found.

My Air Compressor is Leaking Coolant Internally/Externally

Internal: Most of the time, an internal diesel air brake compressor coolant leak is the result of a failed head gasket. In some cases the air compressor may have a cracked head or develop a hole in the cylinder wall.

A large problem is that since the engine and the air compressor share the same coolant, many times a mechanic will go after the engine as the source of the coolant loss. The truck owner can help prevent this by regularly draining the air tanks and servicing the air dryer. This way the truck owner has a better chance of noticing excess water/coolant in the tanks or dryer and can alert the mechanic.

If the compressor is found to be at fault you now have the option of trying to find the source of the leak or just changing out the compressor. If it's a high hour/mileage compressor, it's usually the most cost effective to change it out.

 

External: If the air compressor is leaking coolant externally, it's probably either a head gasket or a fitting. In some rare cases the leak can be contributed to a cracked head.

In order to find the leak, you will need a can of break clean, a mirror, and a good light. Many times a slow leak will show as a white stain left by the evaporating coolant. Larger leaks will have a clean area where normal road grime has been washed away. If you get really stumped, buy a bottle of coolant dye and use a black light to find the source.

Head gasket repair kits are available for most air compressors, as are replacement fittings or the o-rings for the fittings. You need some mechanical skills to swap out these parts, but it's usually a straightforward fix.

My Air Compressor Leaking Oil Internally/Externally

Internal: When the air compressor is leaking oil internally, one of the first noticeable symptoms is that the air dryer is passing oil. It's normal for the air dryer to collect some oil but if the dryer is maintained regularly it's easy to spot what would be considered excessive.

Another possible symptom is that the air system builds air slowly. This can be caused by the oil being passed by the air compressor burns in the discharge line and eventually blocks it off.

If you find that you're having these problems, it's usually the most economical to change the compressor. The problem possibly could the result of a failed head gasket. However, in many cases it is due to oil passing by the piston rings. 

 

External: External leaks on the air compressor are usually going to be coming from the oil pan, head gasket, crank seals or mounting gaskets.

Look for areas that are dripping or are washed clean by leaking oil to find the source. If it's a small leak, oil dye and a black light are great tools to locate it.

The oil pan and mounting gaskets are simple fixes. Many times the pan is just a flat plate sealed by RTV silicon sealant. It may however require removal of the compressor to re-seal it. The head gasket is also not too difficult of a fix and gasket kits are available for most compressors.

If the crank seals are found to be at fault, most times the easiest fix is to replace the compressor. 

An oil leak may be a result of seal failure. For an example of seal failure caused by installation error, click here.

Summary

These checks and tests are meant to be a quick and simple way to test a diesel brake air compressor and determine its functionality. There are always exceptions and rare occurrences, but these should be able to diagnose most issues. Highway and Heavy Parts has an extensive selection of compressors for nearly all applications.

 

Let us help you get the right air brake compressor! We have ASE Certified Techs who can help make sure you're getting the best compressor for the job. Call them at 844-304-7688, or request a quote online.

 

Originally Posted June 26, 2014; Edited September 9, 2019

 

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