Community Forums

cvd · 08-07-2022, 04:59 PM

I have a slow air leak. Once parked, pressure goes from 110 PSI to 50 in 4 hours, down to zero overnight (both needles go down at about same rate). Took it to shop to look for leak. They've found a hole in one of the tanks. That was Friday afternoon; they are now searching for replacement tanks. Any idea what a reasonable cost will be?

Chassis is 1998 Freightliner XC, 23,600 Lb GVWR

wildcatter · 08-07-2022, 05:01 PM

Can't they just weld it? Or is the rest of the tank starting to rust/corrode?

JNSNWT · 08-07-2022, 07:03 PM

Sandpaper the area around the hole then insert a self tapping sheet metal screw into the hole. Then JB Weld over the screw and surrounding area.

Otherwise look for a used tank

ROUGHRIDER3 · 08-07-2022, 07:27 PM

Besure to use a stainless steel screw, 316SS preferrably.

153stars · 08-08-2022, 08:19 PM

The place may not want to weld a pressure tank, you can't blame them.I two chamber tank it will cost more. I remember Monaco forums tank were $300 ish. Pre-covid.A search of semi air tanks go from $200 at low-$800 highest end. Occasionally a small poor spot will get a hole in steel. You can peck at area with chipping hammer check for strength in the area. As well as grinding around area. Black spots that disappear are on surface get bigger coming from inside. Trying to Mig weld the hole over or a patch you can tell if metal is pretty comprised it will just burn through.

gatorcq · 08-08-2022, 08:48 PM

If they are pulling the tank, take them to someone who will weld or do the screw trick

twinboat · 08-08-2022, 10:44 PM

Did anyone notice the year of the rig ?

The tank is leaking due to internal rust from years of water in it.

You can't weld or put a screw in to a tank that has rust along the whole bottom.

cvd · 08-11-2022, 10:32 AM

Shop says the tank is rusted and shouldn't be patched. The air dryer has been serviced several times over the years. Pulling the air release valves has never caused moisture to spray out - but doesn't matter now. Tanks are 24 yrs old and need to be replaced.

Any suggestions on where to look in So. Calif for used tanks? On line prices I'm seeing for new tanks are approx $1,200 each (Freightliner parts 16-14696-000 & 16-14611-001 ).

Thx, Cliff

twinboat · 08-11-2022, 10:50 AM

You should be able to pick up some kind of universal type tanks with the proper CF capacity.

Then it's just attaching the plumbing to them. That's how we did it when the tanks were damaged.

153stars · 08-13-2022, 12:49 AM

When I looked for you ,ones listed for FL were by far the highest priced. There are companies out there that build tanks Hoosier tank stuck out to me as being a good lead.

426smartin · 08-13-2022, 08:10 AM

Look at small air compressors ----might be able to use the tank for a replacement---might have to add a fitting or two----years ago stayed at Ingersoll-Rand almost overnight--- before i retired!

twinboat · 08-13-2022, 09:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 426smartin

Look at small air compressors ----might be able to use the tank for a replacement---might have to add a fitting or two----years ago stayed at Ingersoll-Rand almost overnight--- before i retired!

I think air tanks need to be DOT certified.

426smartin · 08-13-2022, 05:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by twinboat

I think air tanks need to be DOT certified.

The ones that the service trucks are made for are ASME receiver tank test --- dont see DOT

cvd · 08-15-2022, 09:09 AM

Thanks for the suggestions. At this point the shop is still searching for a source for Freightliner replacements (surprise, supply chain issues). Also, I've learned that one of the tanks is a "tanks within a tank", there are a couple visible seams where internal walls exist - thus the $1400 price. The other tank seems to be be a simple single tank and is about $350 (when available).