Mositure in air tanks

[Arden Smith]

I read about your air horn problem and about the changing of the dryer canister, I have a 98 Monterey with the 300 cat and have drained moisture out of the air tank quite frequently, Where is the dryer canister located so I can replace it?

[Gerald Farris]

The air dryer was located in the engine compartment on the right side on 1998 models I believe. It will probably be mounted to the frame rail.

If the air dryer is operating properly it will be easy to find as the relief valve in the dryer will give off a short burst of air to remove excess water and oil from the dryer every time the engine driven air compressor reaches the set pressure (approximately 120 psi) and unloads the compressor. If you do not hear this air burst every time the compressor unloads, you need to repair (fairly easy repair) the dryer not just change the dessicant filter. There is also a heating element in the base of the air dryer to prevent the valve from freezeing in cold weather. I hope this helps.

Gerald

[Richard And Babs Ames]

When you change the dessicant filter (usuallay a screw on) there is a colescing filter that you also replace. It is a small foam filter and accessable when you unscrew the dessicant filter. We have to drop the dryer to get good access. Be sure to clean the outside before removing the filter.

Usually the Air Dryer starts to eject moisture (psst) more often when it is in need of changing. Once every few minites is normal. If you listen to trucks at a truck stop you can tell which dryers need service.

[Mike And Mary Engen]

Not sure if the 98 is the same location as our 95, but I was able to access ours by laying a piece of carpet over the batteries to access the top and crawling underneath to do the bottom.  A fairly easy procedure, but MAKE SURE AIR IS DRAINED OUT OF SYSTEM, by dumping and draining air tanks.  I had sent a procedure to Steve Rankin on how to do this and it is located on our website if you look at the maintenance website for a 95 Beaver (should be the same for other years with the same system), Be sure to order the complete kit and not just the main canister.

[Mike And Mary Engen]

The area the procedure is posted in is Coach Assist.

[Arden Smith]

I look and look, I see air filter for engine, compressor and powersteering pump, air tank,  powersystem(tank and pump) for leveling, batteries, starter, etc but I still can't find the dessicant and coelessing (sp) filters. Maybe I am just blind or need new glasses. Would this be mounted anywhere on the compressor or close to the airtank. What airlines should I follow to find it, Is it between the compressor and tank, discharge of the compressor, Where? Or what does it look like?

[Gerald Farris]

I think that most of our coaches run a Meritor dryer and a picture of one can be found at
http://www.anythingtruck.com/Merchant2/merchant.mv?Screen=PROD&Category_Code=HTP-AIRDRY&Product_Code=650-R955205

This is a decription of the way it works, and it should be located between the compressor and air tank.

A Typical Meritor WABCO Air Dryer Cycle:
1.The governor turns the compressor on when supply tank pressure drops below cut-in pressure (approximately 100 psi).
2.Compressed air travels into the air dryer at the inlet port:
◦Moisture-rich air and contaminants travel into the desiccant cartridge.
◦The moisture and contaminants are retained by desiccant; moisture also collects in the base of the dryer.
3.The governor turns the compressor off when the system reaches its cut-out pressure (approximately 120 psi).
4.The purge valve opens when the governor tells the compressor to unload:
◦The air dryer purges, expelling water that has collected in the dryer base.
◦Then the regeneration valve opens:
■Dry system air flows back through the dryer. 10 psi is taken from supply and secondary tanks.
■This back flow dries the desiccant, preparing it for the next cycle

Gerald
 

[Arden Smith]

Is it possible that my rig doesn't have a air dryer because it doesn't have air brakes just air suspension??? I looked at the web site for merit and for haldex and seen pictures of these units and I sure haven't found anything that looks like that yet.  But I will go look again. I will remove the intake air filter to the engine so I can get in there better.

[Joel Ashley]

Don't know if this will help, given the difference in coaches, but the dryer on our '06 Monterey is sitting large and obvious as the very rearmost of any component on the coach on the passenger side, just inside the rear bay door.  Though not precisely the same label as on the one shown at the website Gerald gave you, it otherwise looks the same.  It isn't a small device, and has large and small hoses coming and going from it, so it shouldn't be able to hide from you too well.

[Mike And Mary Engen]

Don't know if this helps, but on the 95 it is in the back of the coach, you can see it in the back of the battery compartment, it looks like a large oil filter. Mine is a Haldex.

[Gerald Farris]

I just found out that the 1997 Monterey did not come with an air dryer, and probably the 1998 did not have one either. Sorry it took so long to get back to you, but I was waiting for a call back from a 1997 Monterey owner that I know.

If you want to cure the moisture problem in your air tanks, you will have to add a dryer in the air line between the compressor and the first air tank if one does not already exist.

Gerald

[Arden Smith]

I tend to think I do not have one. I wiill add one in the off season but for now I will just keep bleeding the tanks. I thank all of you for your comment and suggestions. Being new to the Beaver community and having all these responses tends to give a person comfort in knowing he can get information and advice just for the asking. I will also be a contributor whenever I can add my two cents worth. What a great way to exchange information.
Again thank you all
Arden Smith
98 Monterey

[Richard And Babs Ames]

I tend to think I do not have one. I wiill add one in the off season but for now I will just keep bleeding the tanks. I thank all of you for your comment and suggestions. Being new to the Beaver community and having all these responses tends to give a person comfort in knowing he can get information and advice just for the asking. I will also be a contributor whenever I can add my two cents worth. What a great way to exchange information.
Again thank you all
Arden Smith
98 Monterey

If you idle and stand towards the back and hear an air discharge every few minites you have an air dryer.
http://www.freepatentsonline.com/6730143.html kind of give an overview and a general shape. I thought all modern vehicles that uses compressed air came with a dryer. Not having one is a major pain.