English
Français
Español
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any special order codes/options required when selecting a chassis for a Boss PTO air compressor?
Yes, please contact a Boss sales representative to discuss current chassis order codes and options to ensure a simplified installation process.
What are the advantages of a rotary screw air compressor versus a piston/reciprocating air compressor?
Lower maintenance cost over the life of the compressor, lower discharge temperatures, smaller size for given CFM output, air-on-demand, so an air reservoir is not required.
Does Boss offer underhood rotary screw air compressor packages?
No, Boss has discontinued due to current chassis manufacturers engine and emission changes. Applications are diminishing for this technology and becoming very difficult to mount the equipment in such confined areas. A great alternative is the Boss 80100-UBI PTO drive capable of 85 CFM and 150 PSI.
What are the benefits of a Boss PTO air compressor over a portable air compressor?
Frees up the tow hitch for other trailer mounted equipment, takes up no bed space with the majority of the components being mounted underdeck, light weight, only one engine to maintain, fewer parts, increased mobility through traffic and reduced theft.
What pressure is recommended for my air tools?
Typical air pressure (PSI) for standard hand tools and jackhammers is 90-100 PSI. Although Boss air compressors are capable of 220 PSI this will only decrease the life of the tool. For more air requirements, please see our Air Consumption Guide.
Is any chassis/truck a candidate for a PTO air compressor and/or generator?
No. Please contact your Boss sales representative to discuss your application. There are applications that are not viable for PTO shaft driven air compressors, such as GMC 4500/5500 4x4s due to clearance issues. By completing a Boss Application Data Sheet, our sales and engineering professionals will review your vehicle selection to advise any recommendations.
What markets does Boss serve?
To mention a few: Gas and electric utilities, municipal water and street departments, tire service and mechanic trucks, telecommunications, fire fighting (Compressed air foam- CAF), fence contractors, rental, drilling and mining and military applications.
With the new diesel particulate filters and exhaust systems, do you offer a system capable of delivering air, electric and hydraulic power off a single PTO opening?
Yes, see the Boss BGPSD on our website. Capable of producing 185 CFM discharge air, 6200-watt generator and 10-GPM of hydraulic flow off a single PTO opening.
What type of hydraulic drive air compressors do you offer?
Boss offers both underdeck and abovedeck hydraulic driven air compressors. The underdeck systems offer the flexibility of scatter mounting the components around the chassis and/or body framework. The abovedeck units are typically installed on top of the service body toolbox. The abovedeck compressors are easier to install and the components are all mounted on a common frame with an enclosure.
Does Boss offer custom designed air compressor and/or generator packages?
Yes, Boss currently offers brand labeled packages for many large OEM businesses. Please contact Boss to review your requirements. Let Boss offer our professional engineering services to provide a system to meet your customer’s requirements.
When I shut down my compressor, why can't I restart it right away?
The blowdown cycle must be completed before the system will restart.
When I start my compressor, it instantly overpressures. Why?
The regulator is not sending a signal to the inlet valve. Check regulator.
When I start my compressor, I can only build up to about 50 PSI. Why?
The regulator is always sending a signal to the inlet valve. Check regulator. The minimum pressure sticking or faulty. Coalescer is plugged check and replace if necessary.
My air compressor system will not work unless I ground a terminal on the bim. Why?
Most problems in this area are in the truck ECM or TCM. Have program checked by dealer and consult with Boss Service Department.
Why do I see oil in my air cleaner?
Faulty o-ring in inlet valve. Machine shut down under a full load. Machine shut down with service valve open.
My compressor will not go to high speed. What should I do?
Check for open service valves on a BCU controlled unit. Check vehicle programming. Check electrical connections. Check relays for speed control.
My compressor slowly builds up air and overpressures. Why?
Faulty shaft seal. Faulty inlet valve.
PTO light doesn't come on. Why?
Faulty light bulb. Faulty pressure switch on PTO solenoid block. No oil pressure coming from the transmission.
Why is my oil a pinkish color?
There is too much moisture in the oil. Change the oil and the filter.
My compressor overheats; what should I do?
Check cooling fan. Check cooler fins for plugging. Check thermo valve. Check oil level. Check compressor speed - it may be too fast.
When I turn on my PTO the engine dies. What should I do?
Check engine speeds; the engine could be running too slow. Check the compressor, it could be seized up. Check the PTO, it could be seized up.
What should I do when my system does not automatically blow down?
Check blowdown valve. Check muffler at blowdown valve. Check pilot line for blockage.
Why is oil coming out of my service valve?
Check the oil level, it could be too full. Plugged coalescer. Compressor running too fast. Oil is broken down. Check oil return line. Check check valve on back of compressor.
My fan light on my BCU comes on but the fan doesn't work.
The light just indicates that the fan circuit through the sensor is ok, but not necessarily the fan harness.
Why does my fan run when the truck is turned off?
Check your Battery Power Input and Battery Ground Input.
When I press the Test Button with the compressor off, nothing happens, why?
Test Button only works in Normal Mode. There must be 20 PSI in the system, and the blowdown switch must be closed.
Why does my Oil LED flash?
Your oil filter needs to be changed. Once it has been changed, qualified personnel must reset your oil filter in-service time.
I engage the PTO on my Ford Super Duty, but the engine RPM does not elevate. What should I do?
Verify the truck is in park, and the parking brake is set. Do not continue to run if engine does not elevate within 7 seconds.
The Hour Meter State Indicator is flashing but my truck is not elevating to high RPM. What should I do?
Verify the Speed Control Relay on the BIM board is tripping. If it is, check the wiring from the BIM board to the truck.
When I check the oil with the oil compressor shut off I have a green LED lit, but the compressor shuts down on low oil when I engage it. Why?
The oil level in the sump tank lowers when there is air pressure in the system. All the lines that are above the sump tank will drain back to the tank when the system is shut off, giving the impression that there is more oil in the system.
