Skip to main content
Topic: Air dryer issue/ next steps (Read 317 times) previous topic - next topic

Air dryer issue/ next steps

Hi all,

Some history, I replaced the air dryer with the recommended Napa reman just a couple years ago but it seems it have failed. I have not dug into it much yet but am hoping I can get some assistance on creating a list of things to do. The issue has shown itself when I engage the parking brake and white dust blows up like smoke.
I have heard this is a tedious task to repair but I am hoping I can get it done so I can use the bus this fall. Any help is much appreciated!!
2000 U320 36'
Build #5705

Re: Air dryer issue/ next steps

Reply #1
Is there any white powder when you open the wet tank drain, or is the white powder just coming out the air dryer purge valve?
Brett Wolfe
EX: 1993 U240
Moderator, ForeForum 2001-
Moderator Diesel RV Club 2002-
Moderator, FMCA Forum 2009-2020
Chairman FMCA Technical Advisory Committee 2011-2020

Re: Air dryer issue/ next steps

Reply #2
I have not checked anything yet. Thought I would seek advise before jumping into this.
2000 U320 36'
Build #5705

Re: Air dryer issue/ next steps

Reply #3
The dryer need the desiccant filter replaced annually

Re: Air dryer issue/ next steps

Reply #4
The dryer need the desiccant filter replaced annually

IMO, that may be a bit excessive. Every three years is the common recommendation unless you drive a LOT of miles or operate in very humid conditions most of the time.

OP, suggest you do not start the engine until you verify whether there is any desiccant in the wet tank.  Operating the coach can continue to spread the desiccant throughout the air system.
Brett Wolfe
EX: 1993 U240
Moderator, ForeForum 2001-
Moderator Diesel RV Club 2002-
Moderator, FMCA Forum 2009-2020
Chairman FMCA Technical Advisory Committee 2011-2020

Re: Air dryer issue/ next steps

Reply #5
The issue has shown itself when I engage the parking brake and white dust blows up like smoke.
White dust blows up like smoke from where, exactly?

Are you saying that white dust blows out from under the dash in front of the driver seat?  If that is the case, then you do have a potential major problem.

The PP-1 parking brake valve is practically at the end of the air system (farthest away from the air dryer).

Please give us more details about the symptoms you are observing.
1993 U280 SE 40' WTBI, Build: 4359
C8.3 300hp, 6-Speed, Exhaust Brake
960 watts on the roof (6 x 160)
Sorento (or BOLT) on a Kar Kaddy SS
"Nature abhors a vacuum"

Re: Air dryer issue/ next steps

Reply #6
Yes, from under the dash.

I have not done anything as of yet to confirm much more knowing I likely have an issue. Probably on 15k miles on this dryer over the past 3 years. Guess I needed to change the filter sooner.

The dust when parking brake is engaged has been the only symptom I have noticed.


White dust blows up like smoke from where, exactly?

Are you saying that white dust blows out from under the dash in front of the driver seat?  If that is the case, then you do have a major problem.  The PP-1 parking brake valve is practically at the end of the air system farthest from the air dryer.

Please give us more details about the symptoms you are observing.
2000 U320 36'
Build #5705

Re: Air dryer issue/ next steps

Reply #7
Can I verify anything in the wet tank without starting the engine and charging the air system back up?

IMO, that may be a bit excessive. Every three years is the common recommendation unless you drive a LOT of miles or operate in very humid conditions most of the time.

OP, suggest you do not start the engine until you verify whether there is any desiccant in the wet tank.  Operating the coach can continue to spread the desiccant throughout the air system.
2000 U320 36'
Build #5705

Re: Air dryer issue/ next steps

Reply #8
Yes, from under the dash.
The dust when parking brake is engaged has been the only symptom I have noticed.
I should have said potential major problem.  In order for desiccant powder to migrate as far as the parking brake valve it must have traveled through several valves, check valves, air tanks, and air lines.  If you haven't noticed any other strange symptoms from your air system, you may luck out.  Sometimes most of the errant powder will settle out in the bottom of the air tanks, perhaps mix with a little moisture into a paste, and cause few problems.

You can do a search on the Forum for posts dealing with desiccant contamination of the air system and ways other members have dealt with the problem.  I listed a couple threads below to get you started:

Desiccant powder in air system - anybody else with this experience?

2003 U320 - Phase 2 of Desiccant Powder Cleanup Complete


1993 U280 SE 40' WTBI, Build: 4359
C8.3 300hp, 6-Speed, Exhaust Brake
960 watts on the roof (6 x 160)
Sorento (or BOLT) on a Kar Kaddy SS
"Nature abhors a vacuum"

Re: Air dryer issue/ next steps

Reply #9
Thank you!

I should have said potential major problem.  In order for desiccant powder to migrate as far as the parking brake valve it must have traveled through several valves, check valves, air tanks, and air lines.  If you haven't noticed any other strange symptoms from your air system, you may luck out.  Sometimes most of the errant powder will settle out in the bottom of the air tanks, perhaps mix with a little moisture into a paste, and cause few problems.

You can do a search on the Forum for posts dealing with desiccant contamination of the air system and ways other members have dealt with the problem.  I listed a couple threads below to get you started:

Desiccant powder in air system - anybody else with this experience?

2003 U320 - Phase 2 of Desiccant Powder Cleanup Complete
2000 U320 36'
Build #5705