M35A3 CAT 3116 Compressor Unloader

[glcaines]

The Bendix D-2 compressor unloader seems to be a common item to fail on M35A3s with the Cat 3116 engine. I replaced mine several months ago and I've received a lot of questions from other A3 owners about replacing a failed unloader. The symptoms on my A3 was that the compressor did not reliably shut down when the pressure reached 125 PSI, resulting in the relief valve actuating. The Bendix unloader I used on my A3 is as follows from NAPA.

Governor, Air Brake Compressor, Bendix D-2, 105 PSI - 125 PSI, P/N TWD-BEN284358N, Product Line: TW Distribution

Cost: $55.00 from NAPA

Please note that this was brand new. Rebuilt ones are avaialble for less money. I bought a can of Caterpillar yellow paint and painted mine before installing. Replacement is quite easy, the hardest thing being the removal of the old gasket. Some plugs will need to be moved around to match the old setup. The old one which had failed was rated as 95 PSI minimum and 125 PSI maximum, but I could not find one with this pressure range, so I got the 105 - 125 PSI model, which works great.

 

[hemichallenger]

Are you talking about the air governor? If so they are about 20 bucks new bendex at truck pro.

 

[glcaines]

Are you talking about the air governor? If so they are about 20 bucks new bendex at truck pro.

I found some D-2 Bendix at that price, but they were either re-manufactured or had the incorrect pressure ranges. However, I didn't try Truck Pro. I would have liked the $20.00 price better!

 

[hemichallenger]

I found some D-2 Bendix at that price, but they were either re-manufactured or had the incorrect pressure ranges. However, I didn't try Truck Pro. I would have liked the $20.00 price better!

I to end up at napa sometimes but it seldom makes my day.

 

[Rustygears]

I too sourced the A3 unloader from Napa about a year ago. It was a quick fix.