Need Pacbrake help asap...

[mconstable]

Hey guys... I bought a larger compressor to replace the stock Pacbrake compressor that quit on me, but have a quick question.

I mounted the new (Viair 350c) compressor, and was curious if I need to pull the Pacbrake solenoid off of the stock compressor?

Thanks for any advice, trying to get this all plumbed/wired today.

 

[JFought]

ummm. . my solenoid is about three feet from the compressor. just took a little plumbing.

 

[mconstable]

... sorry, I meant, is it a requirement to use it (the solenoid) with the new compressor?

 

[Bob V]

It depends on how you are plumbing it. If want air stored you will need a pressure switch to turn the compressor on and off and some type of tank to store the air. If you are controlling the brake by the ECM you will need a solenoid valve and a relay to control it. I would recommend a relay between the pressure switch and the compressor

 

[mconstable]

Hmmm... the Pacbrake setup is currently controlled by the ECM... only thing I varied from stock is the larger compressor and larger air tank.

 

[mconstable]

Really need some advice on this one... I'm very confused, I installed the system, and already have the compressor and tank secured, just have to correctly plum and wire, only "real" variance from stock is the switch from 275 viair compressor to the current 350c.
I'm towing soon through mountains and have to get this sorted out asap.
Thanks!!

 

[bcbender]

If you have a "Pacbrake compressor" then I belive yes, you need to pull everything off the outlet side and supply your air to make the system work. I have a PRXB, and I run a Viair 350, so I had a separate solenid supplyed by Pac. check here for more info for a complete pac system:. .

http://www.pacbrake.com/PDF/L2032.PDF

 

[bcbender]

Should have said open and scroll to the end as that has the wiring / plumbing diagrams, good luck and have fun... ... .

 

[mconstable]

Thanks for the diagrams...
In doing more research it looks like I might have to buy an "unloader assembly kit"?
Does this sound right?
REALLY thought this would be an unbolt the old, bolt on the new type deal.

 

[TCDiesel]

Do you have auxiliary tank install? If yes you nee the solenoid here's some pictures.

 

[mconstable]

Thanks for the pics... can you tell me the model # of your compressor?
That would help in my madness. Lol

 

[wcjp]

When I went to a larger compressor I left the original Pacbrake pressure switch in the control circuit. I already had the original Pacbrake solenoid fed from the Pacbrake airtank. I fed the new compressor to the same port on air tank as original compressor. I did have to run new wiring to the new compressor. It was in a new spot with a much higher amp draw.



With the better compressor I did run two air chucks on the vehicle. One in the driver rear wheel well and a second under the hood near the intercooler.

 

[Bob V]

You shouldn't need the unloader, that is for there largest compressor. There are a lot of different ways to make this work. Look at is as there is two separate systems. the air side and the brake side This is a good way to do it

http://www.pacbrake.com/PDF/L5856.PDF

This will give an idea haw to do the brake

http://www.pacbrake.com/PDF/L5892.PDF

 

[mconstable]

Thanks everyone!
Bob V, that's what I needed... only one thing still puzzling me, in one of the diagrams you linked, it doesn't show a solenoid at all... what exactly does it do?

 

[TCDiesel]

When I went to a larger compressor I left the original Pacbrake pressure switch in the control circuit. I already had the original Pacbrake solenoid fed from the Pacbrake airtank. I fed the new compressor to the same port on air tank as original compressor. I did have to run new wiring to the new compressor. It was in a new spot with a much higher amp draw.



With the better compressor I did run two air chucks on the vehicle. One in the driver rear wheel well and a second under the hood near the intercooler.

Yep... Mod to setup. . By the way I have been running 145/125 Pressure switch for some time ,the Brake works Much better with this switch,Also get the quick release valve that fits on the air cylinder, well worth the $35. 00 Pac charges.

 

[bcbender]

Thanks everyone!

Bob V, that's what I needed... only one thing still puzzling me, in one of the diagrams you linked, it doesn't show a solenoid at all... what exactly does it do?

I think that one is for just a PAC air compressor system (1st) , and the other is a PACBrake with the supplied compressor system, either way it is probably easiest to mount your tank and compressor ( or what have you ) then run the wires: you can either use the PAC pressure switch, (I dont know if the amperage is high enough,) if not you may need a relay. Or you can use a Viair pressure switch and run it separate from the PAC ( in this case you only need to retain the PAC soleniod. ) On my truck I have a Viair Onboard Air System, so as was mentioned, I have a separate Switch (on/off and pressure) and then my air line just runs to the PAC solenoid ---> then to the cylinder.

Obviiously it is easier to just use the PAC switch if you can, I don't know your layout (mtg locations) but in that case its just some electircal work>



Good Luck

 

[Bob V]

Thanks everyone!

Bob V, that's what I needed... only one thing still puzzling me, in one of the diagrams you linked, it doesn't show a solenoid at all... what exactly does it do?

The Solenoid valve is what controls the air flow to the air cylinder on the brake. The air cylinder opens and closes the butterfly valve, which is the exhaust brake.

The diagram that doesn't have the solenoid is just the air system.

It is hard to tell from the diagram the pressure switch is controlling the relay on the ground side. this way the pressure switch only sees the low amp control side of the relay and will last much longer. I would add a switch to the ignition hot so you have a way to shut down the compressor if needed.

Again there a LOTS of different way this could be done, this is one of the ways.

 

[mconstable]

Awesome... I think I've got it now, you guys rock.
On a side note, where can I get the 1/4" nylon air hose if I need more? (As in, is it a hardware store item, or specialty).
Thanks!

 

[mconstable]

Thanks for all of the help guys... got everything installed yesterday with the advice you gave me... everything works perfectly.