"European Type" Compressor/Unloader????

Oonrahnjay · September 27, 2011, 08:25:48 AM

Does anyone know anything about a "European type" compressor and unloader and how they relate to the air dryer? The compressor on my bus is working fine but it was made with no air dryer (there is an "oil condenser" unit that is where you'd expect an air dryer to be but it doesn't do anything about water vapor).

My bus was built in England with Bendix components in 1976. I want to replace the (not very useful) oil condenser with a modern air dryer, but of course, this new air dryer would have to be tied into the compressor/ unloader circuit.

The Bendix website says "a number of vehicles are now in North America with a 'European type' compressor and unloader system. Special fittings are available to allow Bendix air dryers to be used with the compressor/ unloader systems on these vehicles. See you local Bendix distributor for more information."

I'm sure that you won't be surprised at the discussion:
Me: Bendix says that you have information on installing an air dryer on a bus with a "European-type" compressor/ unloader system.
Local Bendix Distributor: Never heard of anything like that - you'll have to contact Bendix Customer Service.

Me: My local Bendix Distributor says that they don't have information on matching a Bendix air dryer to a "European-type" compressor/ unloader system. Can you help?
Bendix Customer Service: Contact your local Bendix Distributor for assistance with this matter.

Now, I can't even find the original Bendix info web page that stated that there is a difference between "N American type" compressor/ unloader systems and "European types". Does anybody have any experience or info on this???

bevans6 · September 27, 2011, 09:50:58 AM

Can you look on your compressor and see what kind of governor it has on it now? maybe it's a D2 type already?

Brian

luvrbus · September 27, 2011, 10:19:57 AM

Bruce, check out the Bendix # 1189393 I believe Volvo is the only one that still uses that Euro style,some of the European stuff used what looked like a regulator to me for cut in and off with a T handle to adjust pressure with

good luck

Oonrahnjay · September 27, 2011, 12:02:38 PM

Quote from: luvrbus on September 27, 2011, 10:19:57 AMBruce, check out the Bendix # 1189393 (snip)

Thanks, but if I enter this into the Bendix home page "Search", the Part Number search, the Cross Reference Tool, or the Part Number Update search, I get "no results". Is this an air dryer number? Thanks, BH

luvrbus · September 27, 2011, 12:07:46 PM

Don't go on the Bendix site I just typed Bendix and the number on Yahoo and it brought it up

good luck

bevans6 · September 27, 2011, 01:10:48 PM

That number just comes up with a D2 style governor. What is different about it?

edit - it does come up with the D2 in German, and other European languages, mind you... Maybe it has metric threads or something. Also one "imported directly from the factory in China"

Brian

Oonrahnjay · September 27, 2011, 01:22:33 PM

Quote from: luvrbus on September 27, 2011, 12:07:46 PMDon't go on the Bendix site I just typed Bendix and the number on Yahoo and it brought it up

Yes, it did. Besides that, you're a genius, Clifford. And after trying for hours, I couldn't find the info on Bendix's website. So I tried a Yahoo search that same way. This is what came up --

http://www.bendixvrc.com/itemDisplay.asp?documentID=5418

Quoting from that website is exactly the information that I needed -- "The discharge line unloader valve which is generally located just ahead of the first reservoir (the "wet tank"), must be removed. An air dryer and D-2 governor can then be installed per our instruction and they will perform the compressor unloading function formerly provided by the discharge line unloader valve."

This "Discharge Line Unloader" is what I have on my bus. There's no "governor" on it. As is shown in the Bendix tech bulletin, if I remove that European unloader valve and install a governor with the air dryer, I can get the benefit of the better N American-style governor and add the air dryer, too.

This only leaves one question -- What's the difference between an AD-2, AD-4, and AD-9. It looks like I can use any of them (with the right mods) -- what's the best one?

luvrbus · September 27, 2011, 01:35:23 PM

The AD-9 is the best air dryer in that group if you are going to buy get the AD-9

good luck

Oonrahnjay · September 27, 2011, 09:58:10 PM

Quote from: luvrbus on September 27, 2011, 01:35:23 PM
The AD-9 is the best air dryer in that group if you are going to buy get the AD-9

Thanks. It also appears that it's the best adapted for use with the new governor and as a replacement to the Discharge Line Unloader. Really appreciate it.

TomC · September 28, 2011, 06:52:29 AM

AD-9 is still available on new trucks. I would use the AD-9 if you can. Good Luck, TomC