Air System Preventive Maintenance
– 166 – Y53-6008
Medium Duty (R10/06)
• When more than a 30-degree F. (17-degree C) range of
temperature occurs in one day, small amounts of water
can accumulate in the air brake system due to conden-
sation. Under these conditions, the presence of small
amounts of moisture is normal and should not be consid-
ered as an indication that the dryer is not performing
properly.
• An outside air source may have been used to charge the
air system, in which case this air did not pass through
the drying bed.
Air Intake System
Engine heat, vibration, and age combine to loosen air intake
connections and cause cracks in the tubing and elbows.
Leaks in the intake system allow abrasive dust to enter the
engine and quickly cause expensive damage. During your
daily walk-around inspection, carefully check all tubing,
elbows, clamps supports and fasteners for condition and
tightness.
• Under normal operating conditions, Peterbilt recom-
mends complete disassembly and cleaning of the air
intake system at each 25,000 mile (40,000 km). Under
severe operating conditions, the disassembly and clean-
ing should be more frequent. Replace any defective
parts. With the possible exception of mounting brackets,
do not repair defective parts.
• Check the Charge-Air-Cooler for air leaks annually. The
air leaks can be caused by cracked tubes or header. For
service see your Peterbilt Dealer or Authorized Service
Center.
Turbocharger
When servicing the air intake and exhaust systems on a tur-
bocharged engine, check the items listed below.
WARNING! Do not operate engine with the turbo-
charger intake piping disconnected. A suction is
created when the engine is running. This suction
could draw your hand or anything else near it
into the impeller fan. You could be seriously
injured. Always keep the intake piping con-
nected when you will be running the engine.
Lubricating System: Check the oil lines, housing, and con-
nections. Look for leaks, damage, or deterioration. Leaks
could mean you have damaged oil lines or oil seals.
Manifold: With the engine operating, check for leaking man-
ifold or flange gaskets.
