Air leak.....what to do next?

[SBTork]

I am having some issues fixing an air leak in my system. My system currently consists of an air tank, 4 bags, and manual paddle valves for each bag along with two dual needle gauges. For now the compressor is not wired up but should be later today.
I have a fill valve on the tank and one line going from that to the paddle valve switch panel where it t's to two t's, one for each bag. My LF bag seems to want to leak down to nearly nothing after about 2 days. Last time I tracked it, it leaked down 2 lbs in 2 hours. So far, I've switched out the air bag itself with a new one and also replaced the paddle valve. I think the only other thing I can replace is the air line itself, but as with everything else i've done, I am not sure that's it. The fitting on the bag has good quality thread sealer on it, it's tight, all the lines are tight in their fittings.....

I am not sure what else I can do other than replace the line and see what happens. Anyone have any ideas?

[Pro Performance]

You might have tried this, but use soapy water to spray on all connections to track down the leak. If air is leaking, it will start to bubble. This is a good place to start, and should help track down the leak.

For threaded fittings, Loctite 545 is excellent for sealing the threads.

-Travis
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[SBTork]

Thanks for the insight. I did use loctite 545 on all the fittings per my research on this forum. Looks like I will have to try the soapy water on the air line to see what's going on.

[PBFAB.COM]

A major leak spot is the actual end of the airline itself. If you remove the airline from a PTC ( push to connect ) style fitting, then you'll need to trim the end of the hose off after each use. If you look closely at the last portion of the air line, ( say up 1/4" when using 1/4" hose ), you'll notice some small "teeth" impressions in the hose where the fitting sealed down upon it last time it was inflated. Well if the "teeth" don't like back up then it will slowly leak out there. Be sure to trim the end fresh, and square, each time you go to re-insert the airline. Also make sure it's firmly seated into the fitting each time as well.
Another point to remember is that once you get a fitting tight, don't try to back it off slightly or, retighten more. Tighten the fitting to it's final resting point and leave it. If you tighten it, and then back it off 1/4 turn to line up, you've also back off the treat sealant slightly.
Also be sure to check the actual barb fitting on the back of the paddle switch. It can leak there, especially if you use a razor to cut the old airline off and might have put a slight nick in the actual barb, causing air to seep by thru that nick.
No matter what, grab the soapy water and see if you can source the leak. Spray it around every location where the airline has a fitting connection, as well at the component the airline is connected to.

Good luck.

.

[SBTork]

Originally Posted by Porterbuilt Brand

A major leak spot is the actual end of the airline itself. If you remove the airline from a PTC ( push to connect ) style fitting, then you'll need to trim the end of the hose off after each use. If you look closely at the last portion of the air line, ( say up 1/4" when using 1/4" hose ), you'll notice some small "teeth" impressions in the hose where the fitting sealed down upon it last time it was inflated. Well if the "teeth" don't like back up then it will slowly leak out there. Be sure to trim the end fresh, and square, each time you go to re-insert the airline. Also make sure it's firmly seated into the fitting each time as well.
Another point to remember is that once you get a fitting tight, don't try to back it off slightly or, retighten more. Tighten the fitting to it's final resting point and leave it. If you tighten it, and then back it off 1/4 turn to line up, you've also back off the treat sealant slightly.
Also be sure to check the actual barb fitting on the back of the paddle switch. It can leak there, especially if you use a razor to cut the old airline off and might have put a slight nick in the actual barb, causing air to seep by thru that nick.
No matter what, grab the soapy water and see if you can source the leak. Spray it around every location where the airline has a fitting connection, as well at the component the airline is connected to.

Good luck.

.

Excellent advice!! I got it fixed thanks to your advice. I had seen the "teeth" imprint on the line before and never thought twice about it. I re-cut all the lines that I messed with and it's good to go now. That and I got my 380C compressor wired up last night and everything works as it should. Thanks again for the help, MUCH appriciated!!

PB RULES!!!

[PBFAB.COM]

Porterbuilt - We aim to please and satisfaction is guarenteed !!


We're just glad that we were able to help you out with your problem. High 5's all around . Now get out there and drive !!!

.

[502ms]

Great info
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[PBFAB.COM]

Originally Posted by 502ms

Great info
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Hope it helps anyone with an air leak.

.

[DLOE65]

Spray some soapy water in the paddle side too, if your paddles are old I have seen them leak internally.
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[91Subbed]

Any pics of your set up?

[JCampbell]

Originally Posted by 91Subbed

Any pics of your set up?

Bump.

[91Subbed]

What's the "bump" for?
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[slosteve]

'cuz we want pictures!