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Old 07-22-2008, 03:27 PM   #1
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Re: Idea for finding air leaks with air brakes

I think a squirt bottle with soapy water might be easier. That's what I am about to try on my big truck. It works for finding leaks in tires, why not air lines?

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Old 07-22-2008, 08:31 PM   #2
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Re: Idea for finding air leaks with air brakes

Quote:
Originally Posted by CHEESE_WAGON
Hi all... I don't know how well this would work, but it's a thought....

Build an air box for the intake side of the compressor, and when leaks develop, put a smoke bomb in the air box with the compressor running, theoretically the smoke should work its way out through the leak....
That is how leaks in EVAP emissions systems are tracked down after the usual tighten the gas cap trick fails. My only concern would be that the filter drier might get a lot of the smoke out of the air. You would just need to add a lot of smoke.
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Old 07-22-2008, 11:10 PM   #3
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Re: Idea for finding air leaks with air brakes

run the bus up to 120 psi, then shut off the engine and the stereo. crawl around under the bus and listen. even small amounts of air escaping @ 120 psi make a lot of noise.

the smoke idea sounds fun, doesn't seem that it'll really hurt anything.
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Old 07-23-2008, 12:10 AM   #4
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Re: Idea for finding air leaks with air brakes

It's too bad there isn't a fluorescent dye you could add like you can for any fluid system on a vehicle. The dye would make it way easier to find those really slow leaks that drag the pressure down when the bus sits for a while.
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Old 08-18-2008, 05:36 PM   #5
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Re: Idea for finding air leaks with air brakes

I wouldnt do that with the smoke bomb. you know how they show you a black lung from smokers, the tar will build up on some stuff, also like the smoke off incense some smoke makes dust. Also not very good for your check valves and pumps.
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Old 08-19-2008, 08:29 PM   #6
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Re: Idea for finding air leaks with air brakes

I'd be even more reluctant to do the soapy water thing. Brake systems are difficult enough to keep moisture out of them, can't imagine what soap & water would do to some of the comonents...make pressure relief valves sticky etc... As for air leaks, build up the pressure, shut it down and use your ears and hands to find the leak... you'll hear it hissing out, get close and start moving your hand along the air lines & components.. you'll find it...
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Old 08-19-2008, 09:15 PM   #7
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Re: Idea for finding air leaks with air brakes

The soapy water is sprayed on the fittings externally.
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Old 08-19-2008, 10:48 PM   #8
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Re: Idea for finding air leaks with air brakes

No worse than driving on wet roads then ... Or going to the truck-wash ...
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Old 08-19-2008, 11:07 PM   #9
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Re: Idea for finding air leaks with air brakes

Since the system is pressurized it will push any moisture away from the leaks anyway.
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Old 08-21-2008, 09:15 PM   #10
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Re: Idea for finding air leaks with air brakes

Oh.... had a brain fart here, thought you were talking about introducing the stuff internally!
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