Fresh install. No pressure in the cold!

[CousinVin]

As the title says, I am not getting any pressure in the tank when it is very cold out. The compressor runs, my water trap lets air and water out, but I am not getting any pressure at my gauge up front. I am sure it is not a faulty gauge. What could be causing this, and are there any easy fixes for it?

Bagriders' FAQs said to put two caps of brake fluid in the tank. How does that help prevent condensation?

I hope this is not a stupid question. Obviously something is freezing, but this is my first air ride install.

[TrailerTrash]

how cold are we talking?

[CousinVin]

about 15*F or so. It'll probably get colder.

[KyleAnderson]

brake fluid

Not brake fluid. Air brake antifreeze.

[ebelp]

Maybe a bad check valve?

[CousinVin]

Not brake fluid. Air brake antifreeze.

any old auto shop would have it, or like a fleet supply place?

Maybe a bad check valve?

I purchased the compressor (444c) used as a package deal from someone, so it's possible. The Viair compressors come with one. How could I go about checking that?

[KyleAnderson]

any old auto shop would have it, or like a fleet supply place?


I purchased the compressor (444c) used as a package deal from someone, so it's possible. The Viair compressors come with one. How could I go about checking that?

It's a normal auto store item.

Viair check valves are known to go bad, but usually they leak. Could very well be that it was frozen... my SMC check valve was frozen a couple days ago.

[CousinVin]

So you're saying that the pressure isn't even getting to the water trap because the check valve is stuck closed?