Air compressor advice needed asap...

[mconstable]

Hey guys... I have a Pacbrake exhaust brake that I've been having issues with off and on for a year.

Looks like it's a bad compressor, and I don't know if I want go with a replacement from Pacbrake that mounts on the top of the engine or one that mounts underneath on the frame.

I'm a little miffed that the stock one only lasted two years, and the replacement is quoted as a "bulletproof" unit that I won't have any problems with... which tells me the OG was a problematic compressor hence the upgraded replacement compressor. (Of course, I wasn't offered any price break on the new one).

... sooooo... any advice on a replacement?

Thanks!

 

[The patriot]

Theres a pretty good thread about a week old about compressors.

A search should give you what you want.

 

[Prairie Dog]

That exact same compressor is available on EBay but you 'll have to transfer all the fittings and junk over to it. I stumbled upon it last week looking for something else - Think it was about $80.

 

[WHazelwood]

The compressor on my PacBrake bit the dust and I've replace it with a ViAir 350 that's rated continuous duty because I also use it to fill tires, etc. when camping. The original was made by ViAir and was a model 275. That's rated at a 25 or 30% duty cycle. That's probably fine for just the pacbrake but the way I use it, I probably over worked it a bit. The 350 is bigger so I had to move it from the engine. I mounted to the bed stiffener on the passenger side ahead of the rear wheel.

 

[Prairie Dog]

The compressor on my PacBrake bit the dust and I've replace it with a ViAir 350 that's rated continuous duty because I also use it to fill tires, etc. when camping. The original was made by ViAir and was a model 275. That's rated at a 25 or 30% duty cycle. That's probably fine for just the pacbrake but the way I use it, I probably over worked it a bit. The 350 is bigger so I had to move it from the engine. I mounted to the bed stiffener on the passenger side ahead of the rear wheel.

Can you hear it run when you use the brake?

 

[mconstable]

Thanks for the advice guys... I'm leaning towards a bigger one mounted underneath... WHazelwood, can you post pics, and did you have to rig a splashguard/remote filter?
Thanks!

 

[AEdelheit]

If you replace it I would suggest a larger one and a larger tank. When my pacbrake compressor died I took it apart, cleaned it up, filliped the cylinder sleeve over and lubed the piston seals, been working great since then 2 years ago!

 

[Bob V]

Mine has quit three times. I was able to get it working again by cleaning the brushes and commutator. This last time it needs new brushes and a piston replace. I am thinking about these ViAIR DUAL Pack 400c CHROME Compressors 150 PSI-12v. PN: 40013

 

[CKelley1]

we kept having trouble with them until we changed them to the frame. that is why we started switching to bd

 

[wcjp]

I went with Air Zenith when my stock Pacbrake compressor died. I've been very happy with it. I have an air chuck in the driver rear wheel well and one under the hood. The Air Zenith is 100% duty cycle. There are a few others in the same price range that would be worth looking into. I'm using the Pacbrake pressure switch to run the AZ.







::Welcome to Air Zenith::

 

[mconstable]

Thanks again guys... looks like I'm going with a Viair 350c and a 2. 5 or 5 gallon air tank and mount underbed.

 

[mconstable]

I would LOVE any pics and or tips on mounting the compressor/tank underneath the bed, I do have an Airdog setup under the drivers side.

Thank you thank you thank you!

 

[WHazelwood]

When I get back home in Mid March I'll try to take some pictures . It's my turn to take care of our 91 yr. old mother for a couple of weeks so I won't have opportunity to crawl under the truck for a few days.

 

[CDonaldson]

My ViAir 275 bit the dust at about 2 years of operation also, I went to a constant duty cycle compressor also. Funny that PacBrake will tell you that those compressors had issues but will NOT take care of you full knowing that they sold you a pos they claimed to be "bullet proof" . . you would think they would take all that into consideration and give you a price break . . NOT.



If I ever get another truck and need a brake or have any problems with the current brake itself (note that mine is a 5" inline) Pac stuff is coming off and I will seek a better company to deal with, or at least on that has a consicous and stands behind their products.







btw-on edit- I repaired the original compressor, did what AEdelheit did, and put it in my TT with just an on/off switch, works good for airing up the camping needs and tires.





CD

 

[mconstable]

Cdonaldson... yeah, that's what pisses me off, Chris from Pacbrake has been nice, and helpful in helping me diagnose mine, but when I told him how old mine was, his EXACT reply was "We're using a different compressor now, it's pretty bulletproof, you shouldn't ever have any problems with it. "
Which to me is plain as day that they knew good and well the first one wasn't up to snuff.
Chris definately didn't offer me any kind of price break on the retrofit, and at their price for the compressor alone, I can buy a Viair 350c compressor (100% duty cycle) AND a 2. 5 gallon tank and frame mount them.
Needless to say, after all of the Pacbrake complaints as of late, and my personal experience, they'll never see another dime from me... and I'm more than happy to post my experience on the numerous truck and rv forums I frequent, hopefully it'll help the next guy!

 

[ENafziger]

My ViAir 275 bit the dust at about 2 years of operation also,

My Air Zenith 100% duty cycle bit the dust after 3 weeks

--Eric

 

[CDonaldson]

mconstable - I have no problems telling the truth, and if a company hides behind the truth, doesn't muster/rise to the truth of a defective part, then they also loose my business. While PacBrake DID change to a more reliable compressor (or at lest thats their opinion at the time they tell you that stuff) they also should take into consideration what their past sales might be having problems with and give a price break. How long should our compressors have lasted? How long did they last? Got to be some kind of scale to make things good, instead, they just want to sell you a new compressor - tires, batteries and other parts have proration, this should have been considered. I did not buy their bulletproof compressor, instead I bought one that had a good referal usage.



Eric - 3 weeks, thats pathetic, I hope they took good care of you and honored their warranty.







CD

 

[ENafziger]

Eric - 3 weeks, thats pathetic, I hope they took good care of you and honored their warranty.

The problem is, even though I bought the compressor brand new, it sat in my garage for over 2 years before I got around to putting in on. One of the reed valve type flappers broke, and the piston knocked it around until it ruined the cylinder head on the pump

So, no warranty. I called them and they were friendly enough, and shipped a new cylinder head and valve flapper for $36.

--Eric

 

[mconstable]

Well... I ordered a Viair 350c yesterday... any mounting tips?

Thanks!