Strange clattering from air tank

[dthomson]

While camping in Astoria OR we suffered a failure of the pressure relief valve on the air dryer. The great techs from Frieghtliner talked me though bypassing the air dryer so we were able to continue our trip. Since that time we have had an intermittent strange loud clattering sound coming from the right air tank. It seems to be related to air pressure and I can make it occur by pulling the front lanyard on the right tank. The Freightliner help line can't think of anything that can be causing this noise. The noise is intermittent in a fairly narrow rpm range when we are traveling. I would appreciate an ideas you can come up with. Thanks.

[Boris and Natasha]

Shortly after we bought our rig, the pressure-relief valve on our air dryer failed. A technician came out and bypassed the air dryer and told us we would hear an intermittent sound until we had the valve replaced. It sounded like a periodic "rat-a-tat-tat". And, it stopped when we had the valve replaced. Don't know if this is the sound you're hearing. But, hope this helps.

Mary

[autofish]

It is most likely the check valve between the two tanks the noise is normal.

[dthomson]

Thanks Mary and Autofish for your replies. I think the sound must have something to do with the bypassing of the air dryer because it wasn't around before the dryer had to be bypassed. We won't return to SoCal until after Oct 1st and will address it then. In th meantime we are camped here on the banks of the Rogue River for the month of Sept while I chase my golf balls and the elusive salmon in the river. It is raining today but I am thinking of going fishing again. I figure the fish don't mind being wet why should I.

Anyway thanks for your replies. I appreciate them.

Dale

[wagonmaster2]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Boris and Natasha Shortly after we bought our rig, the pressure-relief valve on our air dryer failed. A technician came out and bypassed the air dryer and told us we would hear an intermittent sound until we had the valve replaced. It sounded like a periodic "rat-a-tat-tat". And, it stopped when we had the valve replaced. Don't know if this is the sound you're hearing. But, hope this helps. Mary

Can you tell me what happens when the pressure relief valve on the air dryer fails? This is my first diesel after owning 3 gas RVs and from all the postings I've read on the Forums it seems there is always something failing on these diesels. If its not related to the air system it's the fuel delivery system or the cooling system.
Thanks for any information on the relief valve.

Wagonmaster2
2004 Meridian 36G

[Boris and Natasha]

Dale, you're very welcome. When our relief valve failed, Freightliner told us it wasn't an urgent problem once it was bypassed. They said we wanted to get it taken care of before we were in any cold weather. BTW, I think the rat-at-tat-tat happened whenever the air tanks were filling. But, I can't remember for sure. Happy fishing!

Wagonmaster2, it was easy to tell when the valve failed. We fired it up and it wouldn't build air pressure. Did a quick walk around and detected a big ol' air leak (Couldn't miss it!) near the rear wheels on the driver's side.

Hope that helps. Safe travels!

Mary

[wagonmaster2]

Thanks Mary. Definitely doesn't sound like it's any problem to know when it fails.

Wagonmaster2