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Topic: Air Dryer Desicant (Read 3771 times) previous topic - next topic
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Re: Air Dryer

Reply #25 –
Yahoo Message Number: 58819
I didn't look at it when it was replaced. Had a local truck shop do the job.
As far as coolant strips, I got mine from NAPA - but that was several years ago when I was still using the "fully formulated" stuff. I use Final Charge Global now and no longer worry about test strips. The last time I tried to buy a few at NAPA, they switched their sales process so that I would have had to buy way too many for my purposes. They have a shelf life. Also, I'll bet that if you and I were to try to interpret the same strip, we would disagree on the colors. Strips are subject to interpretation and if you or I are even a little bit color blind the results would be different. I played that game for a little while but then decided to switch and take away the problem. The only thing to be careful of now is the 50/50 mix. Check it with a refractometer. Use it on your automobiles too.
The issue of Motorhome magazine that arrived today has an article on coolant. Worth reading.

Mike Cebula
'95 Magna 5266

Re: Air Dryer

Reply #26 –
Yahoo Message Number: 58825
Mike

That is a tremendous contribution you've made by saving those tech articles.
I just need some clarification. Did you do any of the writing we see there or did you just assemble the articles from Destinations magazine?
Also, were all the articles and information in your compilation written by Country Coach techs to the best of your knowledge?
I noted that the article that references air dryer desiccant disintegration on page 40 says "I recommend..." So, I'm wondering if "I" is you or a CC tech?

Thanks

George Harper
04 Allure
31093

Re: Air Dryer

Reply #27 –
Yahoo Message Number: 58860
All the articles are directly from CC Destinations and were cut/pasted from their tech tips site. Some were attributed to an individual, some were not. None are modified by me.

Mike Cebula
'95 Magna 5266

Re: Air Dryer

Reply #28 –
Yahoo Message Number: 58884
Thanks for that clarification, Mike.
So, the statement on page 40 of the CC tech article compilation you did is apparently from a Country Coach rep. He advises changing the air dryer cartridge every two years or 50,000 miles. That is consistent with the guidance from Bendix in their application charts, but a Bendix tech told me that is only a guideline. He said that each owner should establish a replacement cycle by changing the cartridge at the first sign of moisture, then making a note to change the next time one month sooner than that.
I called a second time about desiccant disintegration. The Bendix tech was immediately familiar with that problem and told me it is called "dusting." The following may certainly be sales talk, but he told me that Bendix does not see that problem with their disiccant. He said after-market competitors pack their desiccant loosly. When the air rushes through the canister the desiccant particles are agitated and crash into each other leading eventually to disintegration. Bendix, on the other hand, packs their desiccant tightly.
We have heard anecdotal stories of coaches dusting, but we don't know how old the desiccant was, whether or not the tanks had been checked frequently for moisture, or what brand cartridge failed. I do know that my local shop here uses a Chinese brand.
Absent more evidence to the contrary, I plan to check my air tanks frequently and change the air dryer cartridge along with the purge valve at the first sign of moisture. I will use a Bendix replacement.

George Harper
04 Allure
31093
 

Re: Air Dryer

Reply #29 –
Yahoo Message Number: 58895
One other item I might add. There are rebuilt units available on eBay (and probably other places) that are reputed to be very poorly made. Most are in unlabeled canisters (as opposed to rebuilding the Bendix canister). The canisters themselves fail at the seams, some show bulging after a short period of time. Some have wrong filling in them. Some are new, but of questionable origin. These are absolutely not worth the cheap $$. If you get a rebuilt canister, first make sure it is a Bendix canister, then buy from a reputable source - preferably one you can take it back to if it fails.
My local truck service shop showed me some examples of the above that he kept handy. Scary stuff..
A useful check to make is look at the spot on the ground directly underneath the canister - where the blow-off hits. Moisture is OK - that's one of the good things that happens as it purges any trapped moisture. Moisture further into the system coming from the tank drain valves is not a good thing and the canister is in need of replacement. Also, if there is an oil spot underneath the canister, the compressor is starting to fail and is leaking oil into the air system. Need to have it looked at to see if it is excessive.

Mike Cebula
'95 Magna 5266