Guys- I need some help again. My M35A2C has developed a drip from the front axle air switch on to the tranny hump that has me baffled. At first I thought that it must be oil from the oil pressure gage above the switch but it appears to be coming from the transfer switch itself. Since my air is drained regularly and there is no crud build up, it must be coming from the line up from the transfer case. Unless I am mistaken, this switch vents the pressure off when the front axle is reverted back to 4X6 leaving that line as an open vent. I checked the level in the transfer case and it is normal. I could just run a vent line outside the firewall but all that would do would be to mask the problem. Any suggestions? Thanks in advance-----> Les
Your thinking is correct on how the system works... Sounds like your air pistion is leaky leaky... Its possiable your getting fluid forced up the line due to case pressure. I would check the TC vent for blockage. Aftrwards pull the line from the air piston and blow it out (turn the switch on)... If it keeps leaking there after leave the air line disconnected and drive for a bit... Just to make sure the oil isnt comming in from the Tach or spedo cable which it more common to see.
be sure the oil level ...hot... is below the fill plug opening, and that it is GL1.. and double check that vent... take it out and be sure it is not clogged in the case where the vent screws in... Secondly, stranger things have happened, but your air compressor does pass oil into the air system... and if you do not drain your air tanks regularly, this oil in the air can migrate to all parts of the system...and even come out of your air horns...bleep bleep...
A Ha- Light dawns on Marblehead..... I took both suggestions in a progressive action plan. I removed the inspection cover under the seat and rotated and pushed on the breather vent on the transfer case assuming that it was operating as it should. Taking ACE's suggestion, I removed the vent and it sounded like I just popped open a PBR. Note the Deuce had not been used in a week. I cleaned the vent/breather with carb and choke cleaner ( AKA Xylene) and it was back in operation. Taking Devilman's suggestion, I blew down the line and it looks like I'm once again a Happy Camper thanks to some of Steel Soldier's resident experts. Thank You !
__________________
Dan Martin
1988 M35A2C (USAF)
1945 M29C Weasel
Hillsboro, OR.
MVPA# 31124
MVCCO# 828
We shall not cease from exploration
and the end of all our exploring
will be to arrive where we started
and know the place for the first time
- T.S. Eliot
One thing, diddling the bobble head on the vents will not tell you if they are working.... it will only tell you that the bobble head isn't jammed full of mud. There is a small rubber disk that forms the seal, and a light spring that keeps it closed. The continuous light spring pressure, coupled with the oil and temperature changes, glues the rubber disk to its seat. It takes 10 to 20 psi to break it free when that happens... way too much pressure for the seals in the various cases.
The black oil from the air switch is most likely comming from the air compressor, there is always a small amount of engine oil loss through the compressor. This is normal.
Front axle air switch - again
Guys- I need some help again. My M35A2C has developed a drip from the front axle air switch on to the tranny hump that has me baffled. At first I thought that it must be oil from the oil pressure gage above the switch but it appears to be coming from the transfer switch itself. Since my air is drained regularly and there is no crud build up, it must be coming from the line up from the transfer case. Unless I am mistaken, this switch vents the pressure off when the front axle is reverted back to 4X6 leaving that line as an open vent. I checked the level in the transfer case and it is normal. I could just run a vent line outside the firewall but all that would do would be to mask the problem. Any suggestions? Thanks in advance-----> Les
