Capped air tank question
Posted by Odd-Fuel-9002@reddit | Truckers | View on Reddit | 9 comments
I was running 44 east through Missouri yesterday when out of nowhere I started losing air pressure fast and struggled to get to the side of the highway because my brakes were dragging. Roadside came out and said the air tank release valve busted (the one for draining moisture out of the tank) and he ended up just capping it off. Got me back on the road and haven’t had any issues. My question is how long should I run like this before getting it fixed properly and is it legal to run it like this? I have two loads scheduled going to Pennsylvania and then down to Atlanta so I’m trying to get those done first. Thanks for reading.
Ornery_Ads@reddit
Hi
Opposite_Sell_9857@reddit
Technically, you don't really have anything to worry about until winter when that moisture has built up and freezes.
And I doubt they'd even think to check the drain during a roadside, so you'll be good.
Waisted-Desert@reddit
This is bad advice. In the summer there is much more humidity in the air. That moisture in the tanks can rust out all the fittings and even the tank itself if not purged on a somewhat regular basis.
Only draining your air in the winter is asking for trouble down the road. The exact situation that OP was in is what to expect from not draining the air.
Opposite_Sell_9857@reddit
Right. But it's not gonna do all that between now and the time he gets to Atlanta.
Which is, of course, what he's asking about
Waisted-Desert@reddit
Not an OOS but definitely an exception in an inspection. It's not difficult to replace a drain valve and they're only like $15. Get it replaced the next time you stop.
49 CFR 393.50(d)
Odd-Fuel-9002@reddit (OP)
Will do. Thanks for the reply
offsetbackingtoright@reddit
How did he cap it off ? Is it a screw on fitting maybe with some teflon tape on threads ? Lucky for you it isn't winter, but you still need to be able to drain that tank occasionally. Bottom line is, imho you are GTG, send those loads. I don't see any reason why it would be illegal, you just have a more manual release now.
Odd-Fuel-9002@reddit (OP)
Thanks for the reply. Yeah I should have asked him for more detail on how he capped it off I’ll remember to do that next time
OilOk3463@reddit
Just make sure you’re not in the plug’s line of fire when you “manually release”.🔫