BENDIX BW2657 Fascicule
When The Cold Weather Hits, There’s Help
As the cold weather approaches, fl eets and owner operators will begin to winterize their vehicles,
especially against air system freeze-ups. Here are some basic tips for optimum cold weather
operation from the brake system experts at Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems LLC.
especially against air system freeze-ups. Here are some basic tips for optimum cold weather
operation from the brake system experts at Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems LLC.
G Engine Idle
Avoid idling the engine for extended periods of time. Winter idling is a major
factor in compressor discharge line freeze-ups, which account for a signifi cant
number of compressor failures annually.
factor in compressor discharge line freeze-ups, which account for a signifi cant
number of compressor failures annually.
The discharge line recommendations – listed in the section below – are important
for all vehicles, especially when extended engine idling cannot be avoided.
for all vehicles, especially when extended engine idling cannot be avoided.
G System Leakage
Check the air brake system for excessive leakage
using the Bendix Dual Circuit Brake System
Troubleshooting guide (BW1396). Excessive
system leakage causes the compressor to pump
more air and moisture into the brake system.
using the Bendix Dual Circuit Brake System
Troubleshooting guide (BW1396). Excessive
system leakage causes the compressor to pump
more air and moisture into the brake system.
G Reservoir Draining
(System without an air dryer)
Routine reservoir draining is the most basic step
(although not completely effective) in reducing
the possibility of freeze-up. All reservoirs in a
brake system can accumulate water and other
contaminants, which must be drained. The best
practice is to drain all reservoirs daily.
(although not completely effective) in reducing
the possibility of freeze-up. All reservoirs in a
brake system can accumulate water and other
contaminants, which must be drained. The best
practice is to drain all reservoirs daily.
After turning off the engine, drain all of the air
from each reservoir (Alternate Method - Open the
drain cocks on all reservoirs and leave them open over
night to assure all contamination is drained. See Bendix
SD-04-400). If Bendix
from each reservoir (Alternate Method - Open the
drain cocks on all reservoirs and leave them open over
night to assure all contamination is drained. See Bendix
SD-04-400). If Bendix
®
DV-2
™
automatic drain
valves are installed, check their operation before
the weather turns cold (see our SD-03-2501).
While the need for daily reservoir draining is
eliminated through the use of an automatic drain
valve, periodic manual draining is still required.
the weather turns cold (see our SD-03-2501).
While the need for daily reservoir draining is
eliminated through the use of an automatic drain
valve, periodic manual draining is still required.
+
If the discharge line length must be less than six (6) feet
or greater than 16 feet in these applications, contact your
local Bendix Account Manager, or the Bendix Tech Team at
1-800-AIR-BRAKE for additional information and assistance.
local Bendix Account Manager, or the Bendix Tech Team at
1-800-AIR-BRAKE for additional information and assistance.
Typical P&D, School Bus & Line Haul –
The maximum discharge line length is 16 feet
The maximum discharge line length is 16 feet
+
.
Length
I.D. Minimum
Other Requirements
6.0 – 9.5 ft
½ inch
None
9.5 - 12 ft
½ inch
The last three (3) feet,
including the fi tting at the end
of the discharge line, must be
insulated with ½ inch thick
closed cell polyethylene pipe
insulation
12 – 16 ft
5/8 inch
Severe Service / High Duty Cycle Vehicles (City Transit Coaches,
Refuse Haulers, etc…) –
The maximum discharge line length is also 16 feet
Refuse Haulers, etc…) –
The maximum discharge line length is also 16 feet
+
.
Length
I.D. Minimum
Other Requirements
10 – 16 ft
½ inch
None
G Discharge Lines
The discharge line should slope downward from the compressor discharge
port without forming water traps, kinks, or restrictions. If it crosses over
from one side of the frame rail to the other, it should occur as close
to the compressor as possible. Fitting extensions must be avoided.
port without forming water traps, kinks, or restrictions. If it crosses over
from one side of the frame rail to the other, it should occur as close
to the compressor as possible. Fitting extensions must be avoided.
Recommended discharge line lengths and inside diameters are application
dependent as follows:
dependent as follows: