How does one actually get Alcohol into the brake system???

[Jones]

When you can, get your air dryer installed; it's by far the best solution. My Bendix unit also has a filter element so the system gets dry, filtered air.
No moisture from the get go means; no icing, no water or rustouts in the air tanks, no corrosion in brake valves or air pots-- plus, no moisture into air tools if you're using them of your truck's air.
In the mean time; Unimog uses an alchohol set-up that plumbs into an air line downstream. It's purpose is to mix alchohol with any moisture and that allows it to vaporize easier and get blown out of the system. Some write-ups on it might give you some ideas.

 

[DaveP]

When you can, get your air dryer installed; it's by far the best solution. My Bendix unit also has a filter element so the system gets dry, filtered air.
No moisture from the get go means; no icing, no water or rustouts in the air tanks, no corrosion in brake valves or air pots-- plus, no moisture into air tools if you're using them of your truck's air.
In the mean time; Unimog uses an alchohol set-up that plumbs into an air line downstream. It's purpose is to mix alchohol with any moisture and that allows it to vaporize easier and get blown out of the system. Some write-ups on it might give you some ideas.

Trouble is i cant decide what truck to put it on and i only have one that is 24 volt.

 

[Jones]

Hmmm, tough one. Sounds like you need one of those mil. spec.fortune telling 8-balls. You flip it over and it says something like; "All signs point to the deuce".
The Bendix units have an interchangable heater so all you do is install the one for your voltage. If you have a truck wrecking yard in your area you might pick up a few and equip your fleet.
I'll PM you the Bendix book that shows them.

 

[SasquatchSanta]

Here is a civi alcohol injection system. It's mounted below my pre-lube pump.

These pictures were taken with the grill and radiator removed. One of the pictures shows the round filler area.

 

[Floridianson]

I have a Haldex dryer DA34110 new in the box. List for $456.00 from nappa. sell for $225.00 plus shipping. Has replaceable cartridge,universal bracket, heater 24 v.

 

[cranetruck]

Since the subject includes air dryers, how often must the cartridge be replaced and how do you know when to replace it?
How is oil handled, which is almost unavoidably mixed with the air?

FWIW, the FMTV trucks use air dryers.

Thanks.

 

[rosco]

Air dryers are not fool proof either. Don't know the answer to your question Bjorn. Never had an air dryer. I did put 1.5 million miles on my civi truck here with just an alcohol snifter. They are a lot simpler!

Lee in Alaska

 

[SasquatchSanta]

Lee in Alaska Wrote:

.... . They are a lot simpler!

 

[Floridianson]

From the maintenance manual the desiccant type dryer effectively removes moisture,oil and contaminants from the system. When compressor cut-out is reached dry air is allowed to flow back to regenerate the desiccant bed.

 

[cranetruck]

Problem #1 on your list indicates that a contaminated desiccant cartridge can let water into the system, that alone is a reason to also have an alcohol evaporator hooked up. From the "Repair" column, oil from the compressor will contaminate the cartridge....

 

[Wolf.Dose]

Off course air dryer systems do not use alcohol to prevent the system from freesing. The main contence is an air dryer cartridge, which has to be replaced every 80000 miles or so. But you need a 4 liter recovery air tank additional in the system which blows out the moisture when the regulator shut of the air supply to the brake system. Your truck dealer (I'm talking about the big ones) should know how to install it(If they are not only ISO9001/2000 workers, means experianced). The system runs without any electric supply execept the clogging check, which is for modern trucks. But it will work without electrctris also; it is simply pressure related and mechanical. The system is standard for almost 20 years in Europe, no problems known exept bad service of the cartridge.For the latest state of the art trucks it might be with some electronic controll, but you do not need that ultra modern stuff! If you keep your cartridge in a regular replaced manner you even do not need the heating systen down to some -20°Celsius, which is below 0° Fahrenheit. The heat from the compressed air will heat the system according to its needs.
Wolf

 

[DaveP]

I think the electric hookup is to heat the bottom.

 

[Wolf.Dose]

The heating of the bottom is only one part of the electric/electronic controll.
Wolf

 

[cranetruck]

A mil spec vehicle must operate far beyond 0°F...methanol and water in various concentrations is good down to -60 °F or more....