Oil in airtank

[MDSA]

I drained my airtanks Saturday for the first time since I got my Deuce. Only air came out of the outer tank, and some water came out of the inner tank. I left them open and by morning I had a puddle of thick, black oil under the inner tank. Everything ran fine Sunday and I drained them again last night but did not have time to check for more oil this morning. I have no idea if the previous owner ever drained the tanks. Is this normal buildup or something to be concerned about?

 

[ajg6989]

there will always be a little oil in the tanks the engine and air compressor share the same air filter.

 

[MDSA]

Thanx, that makes sense.

 

[FreightTrain]

Not on a truck not equipped with a fording kit.The Air compressor filter is hanging off the side of the compressor head.A wearing compressor will let oil into the lines.A little is not bad.Now if you had a puddle the size of a dinner plate and could see a steady drip then you might want to be concerned.

 

[JDToumanian]

Water and some oil is normal... There can be lots of water in humid areas. Coolant would be bad, indicating internal problems with your compressor.

According to the manual some oil is normal, too... How much? It doesn't say but I wouldn't worry unless you frequently get a lot. The compressor is lubricated with engine oil, a lot of oil in the air tanks means worn piston rings on your compressor. I can't imagine how the compressor and engine sharing or not sharing air intakes would have anything to do with motor oil in the tanks... (?) ...unless we're talking about a gasser with oil bath air filter? ...Even then, if properly filled, the oil should not be getting into the compressor or engine's intake.

The tanks should be drained daily (after each time the truck is used)... If you don't like crawling under the truck to drain them, get one of the remote drain kits. Some members here sell the NOS kits, and they are frequently on eBay, too.

Jon

 

[m139h2otruck]

We have sprayed air tool oil on purpose into the air compressor intake on both the water truck and the tractor to free up sticky items like the governor and the air booster. Oil seems to find it's way out after awhile. Also, the air tool oil I have sprayed into the back of the booster has to go somewhere. Used Marvel or PB spray type air tool oil. Water is the big problem, makes rust and crud!!