Air induction – Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems BA-921 COMPRESSOR_STD/CLOSED ROOM User Manual
Page 7

7
CATERPILLAR C11, C13, C15 AND C18 ENGINES
The Bendix
®
BA-921
®
compressor in the C11, C13, C15,
and C18 air induction systems (see Figure 13) receives its 
air from the engine's intake manifold (turbocharged). During 
the pumping condition (loaded mode), the air fl ows from 
the engine intake manifold through the inlet check valve, 
expansion tank and inlet line to the compressor inlet port. 
During the non-pumping condition (unloaded mode), the 
compressor cylinder pushes air back out of the inlet port into 
the expansion tank. The ICV (at the end of the expansion 
tank) prevents the air from traveling beyond this point. 
Because the air is boosted (under pressure), it is important 
that the compressor inlet line is of suffi cient length, strength 
and volume to minimize the build-up of air pressure in the 
inlet system. The air shuttles back and forth between the 
compressor cylinder bore and the expansion tank during this 
phase of the compressor operation. 
DETROIT DIESEL
The Detroit Diesel Series 60 (EGR) engine is equipped with 
the Bendix
®
BA-921
®
compressor and uses naturally aspirated
air induction system. Detroit Diesel recommends the use of 
an inlet check valve in the air induction system to prevent the 
air from the compressor cylinder bore from being forced back 
into the engine air induction system when the compressor is 
in the unloaded mode (non-pumping condition). A fl exible 
high-pressure hose is installed between the inlet check 
valve and the compressor inlet fi tting. This hose can be of 
various lengths to accommodate the distance between the 
compressor and inlet check valve. See Figure 14.
During operation, non-pressurized air from the engine's air 
source is routed to the compressor from a point between the 
engine air fi lter and the non-pressure side of the turbocharger. 
When the compressor is building air (loaded mode), the air 
fl ows from the engine intake tube, through the inlet check valve 
into the inlet port of the compressor. When the compressor 
is not building air (unloaded mode), the compressor pushes 
the air back out the compressor during the cylinder upstroke 
towards the inlet check valve. The ICV prevents the air from 
traveling beyond this point. The air shuttles back and forth 
between the compressor cylinder bore and the ICV during 
this phase of the compressor operation. 
AIR INDUCTION
Section 2: For Closed Room Compressors.
Bendix Closed Room BA-921
®
air compressors are
only permitted to be naturally aspirated – use of engine 
turbocharger as an air source is not allowed. See Figure 6 
on page 3 for an example of a naturally aspirated air induction 
system.
NOTE: DO NOT install an inlet check valve (ICV) on air 
induction systems where a closed room compressor is used.
PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE
Regularly scheduled maintenance is the single most 
important factor in maintaining the air brake charging 
system. Refer to Table A in the Troubleshooting section 
on page 21, for a guide to various considerations that 
must be given to maintenance of the compressor and 
other related charging system components.
Important Note: Review the warranty policy before 
performing any intrusive maintenance procedures. 
An extended warranty may be voided if intrusive 
maintenance is performed during this period.
EVERY 6 MONTHS, 1800 OPERATING HOURS 
OR AFTER EACH 50,000, MILES WHICHEVER 
OCCURS FIRST, PERFORM THE FOLLOWING 
INSPECTIONS AND TESTS.
AIR INDUCTION
The Bendix
®
BA-921
®
compressor is designed for
connection to the vacuum side of the engine’s air 
induction system and the pressure side (turbocharged) 
of the engine’s air induction system. 
A supply of clean air is one of the single most important 
factors in compressor preventive maintenance. Since 
the air supply for BA-921
®
compressor and engine is the
engine air cleaner, periodic maintenance of the engine 
air fi lter is necessary.
Inspect the compressor air induction system each time 
engine air cleaner maintenance is performed.
1. Inspect the intake hose adapters for physical
damage. Make certain to check the adapters at both 
ends of the intake hose or tubing.
2. Inspect the intake hose clamps and tighten them if
needed.
3. Inspect the intake hose or line for signs of drying,
cracking, chafing and ruptures and replace if 
necessary.
4. Verify that the compressor inlet fi tting is tight (check
torque).
5. Any metal tubes should also be tight (torqued
properly) to the mating fi tting. Inspect the metal 
tubes for any cracks or breaks and replace if 
necessary.
6. If an expansion tank is present (turbocharged air
induction systems only), inspect for any cracks and 
replace if necessary.
COMPRESSOR COOLING
Inspect the compressor discharge port, inlet cavity and 
discharge line for evidence of restrictions and carbon 
buildup. If more than 1/16" of carbon is found, thoroughly 
clean or replace the affected parts. In some case, carbon 
