Airbag: tank leak - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

nosto · 08-24-2002, 05:00 PM

Truck project + digital camera = lots of time on this board!!!!

Earlier today I was testing my multiport tank. I figured that before I started attaching all the plumbing, I'd make sure the tank was OK. I plugged most of the 8 holes; only used 1 for the Schroeder valve (I used my shop air compressor as the air source), 1 for the pressure gauge and one for a single fill valve.

I filled the tank to 80#. Sprayed all threaded pieces with diluted soap and water and did not see any air bubbles. Waited about 30 minutes and the pressure was down to 75#.

Anybody have advice on how to track down the leak?

BTW: Just for fun, I connected one rear bag line to the valve and activated it. Nearly threw the tank off the frame and the one side really jumped. Of course, when the bed is on, it might be a little slower....

nosto · 08-24-2002, 05:32 PM

Er, never mind.

I remembered the old 'stick the innertube in the bucket of water and watch for bubbles', trick. So I put the whole tank a full bath tub. That sure worked; found three of the plugs bubbling away.

XXL · 08-24-2002, 08:18 PM

If you had no bubbles, then you probably don't have a leak. Remember, air is just a bunch of gasses... and gasses change pressure with temperature (Boyle's Law, or maybe that was Charles' Law... I always felt like one ripped off the other

). So, when you pumped the air in there, it got hot and expanded. After it sat there for a minute, it cooled down, and contracted... thus, you had less air pressure than when you started... same amount of air molecules, they were just closer together.

And now back to Bill Nye, the Science Guy...

Kenneth

jay-dawg · 08-24-2002, 09:01 PM

damn...I knew I shouldve paid attention more in science class....j/k I got a bio degree so tons of that stuff in my brain.

jay

08-24-2002, 05:00 PM	#1
nosto Flamin' Bass Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Galloway, NJ, US Posts: 315	Airbag: tank leak Truck project + digital camera = lots of time on this board!!!! Earlier today I was testing my multiport tank. I figured that before I started attaching all the plumbing, I'd make sure the tank was OK. I plugged most of the 8 holes; only used 1 for the Schroeder valve (I used my shop air compressor as the air source), 1 for the pressure gauge and one for a single fill valve. I filled the tank to 80#. Sprayed all threaded pieces with diluted soap and water and did not see any air bubbles. Waited about 30 minutes and the pressure was down to 75#. Anybody have advice on how to track down the leak? BTW: Just for fun, I connected one rear bag line to the valve and activated it. Nearly threw the tank off the frame and the one side really jumped. Of course, when the bed is on, it might be a little slower.... Attached Images __________________ Rick Olson /nosto/ Galloway, NJ Pics : http://community.webshots.com/user/nosto53 1972 Triumph TR6 - full resto, now with a Toyota 5-speed 1975 F**D F-100 - rusty, but reliable 1982 HD XLH-1000 1967 C-10, shortstep, 350/M21 4spd, nitrogen tank fills fast bags on 4 corners, Toyo 255/45X20s on American Eagle 221 20X8s, shaved locks and handles, antenna, fuel filler, tiny C-notch, rear fuel tank, long headers, Edelbrock, worn 600 Holley, Checkmate flush hard cover, rear pan, custom LED taillights - painted it, too! But don't like it so I'm gonna do it again!!

08-24-2002, 05:32 PM	#2
nosto Flamin' Bass Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Galloway, NJ, US Posts: 315	Er, never mind. I remembered the old 'stick the innertube in the bucket of water and watch for bubbles', trick. So I put the whole tank a full bath tub. That sure worked; found three of the plugs bubbling away. __________________ Rick Olson /nosto/ Galloway, NJ Pics : http://community.webshots.com/user/nosto53 1972 Triumph TR6 - full resto, now with a Toyota 5-speed 1975 F**D F-100 - rusty, but reliable 1982 HD XLH-1000 1967 C-10, shortstep, 350/M21 4spd, nitrogen tank fills fast bags on 4 corners, Toyo 255/45X20s on American Eagle 221 20X8s, shaved locks and handles, antenna, fuel filler, tiny C-notch, rear fuel tank, long headers, Edelbrock, worn 600 Holley, Checkmate flush hard cover, rear pan, custom LED taillights - painted it, too! But don't like it so I'm gonna do it again!!

08-24-2002, 08:18 PM	#3
XXL Señor Member Join Date: May 2002 Location: Edge of the world Posts: 5,367	If you had no bubbles, then you probably don't have a leak. Remember, air is just a bunch of gasses... and gasses change pressure with temperature (Boyle's Law, or maybe that was Charles' Law... I always felt like one ripped off the other ). So, when you pumped the air in there, it got hot and expanded. After it sat there for a minute, it cooled down, and contracted... thus, you had less air pressure than when you started... same amount of air molecules, they were just closer together. And now back to Bill Nye, the Science Guy... Kenneth __________________ Craigslist \| ebay \| Engrishtees \| www.myattitudesucks.com \| Follow me on Twitter

08-24-2002, 09:01 PM	#4
jay-dawg chevelito Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Honolulu, HI USA Posts: 1,609	damn...I knew I shouldve paid attention more in science class....j/k I got a bio degree so tons of that stuff in my brain. jay __________________ New deadline...when my son can drive. Aloha from Honolulu, HI

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