Yellow Crud in Airlines

[drew78634]

Every time I blow out my airlines I get this yellow crud out of one of the lines. Anyone know what this could possibly be?

https://www.flickr.com/photos/167154197@N06/44235669934/in/dateposted-public/

 

[o1marc]

Most likely some air tank anti freeze residue.

 

[drew78634]

Most likely some air tank anti freeze residue.

Well, I guess that makes sense. The bus came from Washington State near Seattle, but hardly necessary now since she lives in Austin, TX.

Thanks o1marc. I appreciate it.

Drew

 

[cadillackid]

the yellowish crud is normally oil mixed with moisture.. water vapor in the air condenses to a liquid when compressed... a little oil usuallty gets by the compressor rings.. more as the compressor ages... if your bus has no air dryer or the air dryer dessicant cartridge is old you'll see more of these end up in the tanks.. esp the first tank.. AKA the wet tank...



-Christopher

 

[drew78634]

Ahhhhh, It's all starting to make sense now. When I was coming home with the bus the compressor died on me and I was stuck until I could get it replaced. The gunk in the lines was much more than it is now, but it's still there. The mechanic deleted the air dryer as it was blocked. I got her home and I parked the bus. I was worried about ruining my braking system and haven't done much with it until now. Is there a way I can clean the entire system out?

 

[Brad_SwiftFur]

Ahhhhh, It's all starting to make sense now. When I was coming home with the bus the compressor died on me and I was stuck until I could get it replaced. The gunk in the lines was much more than it is now, but it's still there. The mechanic deleted the air dryer as it was blocked. I got her home and I parked the bus. I was worried about ruining my braking system and haven't done much with it until now. Is there a way I can clean the entire system out?

You'll want to replace the air dryer, as it helps eliminate a *LOT* of moisture from the system. They fail (get blocked/stuck open) often because they frequently are forgotten during service (they have a filter that needs to be replaced).


As long as the moisture stays in the wet tank, and you drain it regularly, you should be fine. The brake system draws from the dry tank (or it should).

 

[cadillackid]

+1 on replace the air dryer.. esp if you EVER find yourself caught driving in temperatures near or below freezing... you live in a very humid climate and the air moisture can get excessive...



-Christopher

 

[drew78634]

Absolutely going to replace the air dryer. Looking forward to tearing the old one apart and seeing what makes it tick.

Thank you for the responses!

Drew

 

[drew78634]

Drew 1 : Air Dryer 0

I got the air dryer out today. I don't know who decided to mount it in the way they did but it was worthy of a "Kick in the Crotch" award. They actually cut into the bracket which holds the fuel tank in order to mount it in the most difficult place possible. No wonder they didn't do any maintenance to it when it was in service!

Sorry for no pictures at the moment but it got dark on me. I will take and post some tomorrow.

Drew

 

[drew78634]

All Cummins owners listen up... When you replace your air dryer make sure you know what compressor you have. Check out this video: https://youtu.be/EAZJuaX1xNM

If you have a QE or E Type compressor you need a 4th line on your dryer. I need one but there's no telling how long my bus has been without one. No wonder I was getting a ton of yellow crud in my lines / wet tank. When I took apart my old air dryer, not only was there no filter in it, but it was full of oil and crud. My compressor, an E-Type requires head pressure during the discharge phase. Look at your Midland compressor and if it has one of the following model numbers, you need a 4th line. https://www.cbsparts.ca/admin/bulletins/CUMMINS HOLSET E or QE Air Dryer Guide.pdf

See y'all out there.