PacBrake compressor mounting

[JStieger]

I have a 5" inline PacBrake purchased used from another TDR member that I'm finally getting around to mounting.



I have Dual CP3's and twin turbos so I don't have much room under the hood to mount the compressor. The previous owner mounted it in front of the passenger battery, but it somewhat covered access to the air filter. This would also be the easiest for me, but I don't want to block easy access to the air filter for maintenance.



Would it be OK to mount the compressor under the truck, for example, on the frame rail? Would it have to be somewhat enclosed to protect from elements, but still allow for cooling?



-Thanks-

 

[JRMora]

I have my (non-PAC) compressor and tank mounted under the box of my truck. My compressor could be mouted at any angle. It is mouted to the froward brace on the passenger side of the box. The tank is mounted to the underside of the box floor.



I had to replace my compressor as my PAC compressor quit working and went with a higher duty cycle one. It runs much cooler under the truck than it did in the engine compartment. I have had no problems with spray as it is tucked up pretty good.



My PAC compressor still sits in the engine compartment as I don't remember when the old bolts are for the engine air intake horn. Call it "abandoned in place"!



Juan

 

[testraub]

I mounted my Viair 480c under the truck on a bracket I made and attached to the skid plate behind the transfer case. Works just fine. Not running a Pacbrake, but for air horns and tools.

 

[wcjp]

On the Pacbrake website and BD website they list alternate places for the little Viair mounting. I got 3yrs out of my Viair compressor. Maybe underhood heat killed it?



I think the Pacbrake alternate location was below the airbox. Not sure about the BD alternate location.

 

[JStieger]

Thanks for the quick replies! Can you please post pictures of your under the truck installation or email pics to me?

 

[DValentine]

I am in the same boat. Need a better mount. Please post pix. I am concerned about road grit, on an under body mount. Thanks.

 

[TCDiesel]

Here ist a link https://www.turbodieselregister.com...discussions/201884-05-exhaust-brakes-one.html Post # 18

 

[DE Jeeper]

I have mine mounted on the front side of the battery tray on the passenger side. It's a tight fit with the heater grid selinoids that I had to move because of the twins. I am using a Firestone compressor that came with my bags.



Aaron

 

[jelag]

We've had issues with mounting the air compressor in an area where it can freeze in the winter... . if you have temperatures that will allow water to freeze don't put the compressor below the tank or the brake where condensed moisture can later run back to the compressor and freeze and cause issues... .

We see many days in the freeze zone and often down to - numbers... our trucks sit outside at night... . we do plug in the engine when its below +10* F. and will start and run a truck for 15 min when its that cold before we move it... .

We've also found that a short life for the Viair 275 compressor is usually a result of a leak... I've personally got 4 trucks and have had over 10 that I've sold over the years and have seen 350-500 K miles with the stock compressor... . we also run air bags and air horns... but we listen to the cycle of the compressor and give it attention by fixing leaks if they occur... like mentioned above, its the duty cycle... .

I do have a customer down the street, using this compressor for other needs, and can't get more than a year on one... but when I try and up sell him on a unit that he really needs he won't spend the money... .

testraub, where did you find your viair 480C. .

Hope this helps...

 

[bsappington]

My compressor was mounted on the engine right next to the intake horn when I bought my truck. I saw the alternative mounting under the air box and moved my compressor. So far it works fine. It doesn't really run that much because now I have a Kilby onboard air system. The Pac-Brake compressor is secondary. The biggest problem I have seen with the move of the compressor was now I can hear it when it runs. #@$%!

 

[seafish]

My compressor was mounted on the engine right next to the intake horn when I bought my truck. I saw the alternative mounting under the air box and moved my compressor. So far it works fine. It doesn't really run that much because now I have a Kilby onboard air system. The Pac-Brake compressor is secondary. The biggest problem I have seen with the move of the compressor was now I can hear it when it runs. #@$%!

Why don't you just take out the Pac compressor--one less thing to maintain and break down. The Kilby will give you as much air as you need or could even think about using, and you can't hear it running, cause it's belt driven off the CTD. If the Kilby stops, you are SOL anyway cause it means something else is REALLY wrong!!! Anyway, just an idea... .

 

[DValentine]

I know this post is in the third gen, and I drive a second gen, but I fabbed up a mount today that uses the alternator bracket to hold the compressor bracket perpendicular to the engine. It is 4 inches wide and 12 inches long, 3/16 in material. I cut it down at the alt. bracket to match the shape. We will see how this works.

Dave

 

[wcjp]

Mounted my Air Zenith on the bed just forward of the driver rear tire. Going to build a splash shield today out of aluminum. Eventually plan to add gauges for airbags, system pressure and 12v accessory on the splash shield.