Pulled the filter from the unloader valve to find the felt filter completely deteriorated and saturated with oil. Anyone have options or solutions for a replacement?

My bus number (if any): RM2133

If bits are coming off it, or it no longer fills its location properly then you have problem; otherwise wash it. The oil contamination indicates firstly a choked air filter in the cab or a restriction in the pipework between there and the compressor and secondly if clear, a worn compressor. If the ULV filter is foobarred then a suitably shaped bit of sponge will substitute. However it would be better practice for this to be in a wire cage.

Compressing air creates heat, there will always be limited oil mist present at the compressor delivery port, as temperature increases this turns to carbon at that point and in the delivery pipework causing a restriction. The restriction makes the compressor work harder increasing the oil mist and the temperature. Modern vehicles have long steel condensing coils which eventually become blocked as the compressor wears. The no 1 cause of air system failure to build up is because of this contamination, very frequently evidenced by rupture of the first flexible pipe in the system when it succumbs to attack by particles of hot carbon. The RM flexible pipe, quite possibly entirely unsuitable heater hose, is less than 3 feet from the compressor.

Lorne Donald.

Surly you noted when entering the ROOF FORUM website you saw the Technical Information guide page entitled 'Filters for your Routemaster' that address's your vehicles problem and answers your question.

My bus number (if any): LT Bus Engineering

My bookmark goes straight to the forum- thanks. I've contacted FCL

My bus number (if any): RM2133

If your compressor is passing that much oil, keep a regular check on its oil level. Many people don't and are faced with a bill of about £600 to get theirs rebuilt.

My bus number (if any): RML2532

The AP or FCL part numbers probably won't do you a lot of good with many refurb buses since the original unloader valve was changed to an APSA 2878 or similar. I enquired about 10 years ago for FCL 3257 compressor filters without success and we found out recently that the cloth fuel filters are NLA so I wouldn't hold out much hope of getting the washable FCL 2282.

As ever Dave Tromans is the guy everyone turns to for obsolete air brake equipment.

Thanks, just topped it up- it still had some

My bus number (if any): RM2133

Do we have dimensions for FCL2282 and 3257? Baldwin was able to match a filter for my Iveco Air Canister from sizes given to me by FCL, unfortunately they could not provide dimensions cor the compressor and unloader valve filters.

I can get the compressor filter from someone but shipping (carriage) costs make it difficult.

If someone has dimensions for these filters please send them to me- yes I can measure myself but I am always looking to save time :)

My bus number (if any): RM2133