How can I find a slow air susupension leak? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

dennisr · 04-18-2003, 10:06 PM

I just installed the rear air suspension kit from early classic on my 69. It all seemed to go pretty well, but I seem to have a slow air leak and I can't find it. I've tried pouring water on the line fittings but it's difficult to do and because of the awkward positions, isnt very effective. I wonder if it may be leaking from the fitting on top of the bag, but it's very difficult to see there, let alone pour water. I can't hear any air leaking anywhere, but the rear ends up on the axles in about 1 hour. Any suggestions on how to find this????

Thanks,
Dennis

mikep · 04-18-2003, 10:10 PM

fill it full of propane and then wave a match around

Its got to be a fitting. You telfon taped everything right. Are you using compression fittings or QD air fittings ?

Jackal2k9 · 04-18-2003, 10:13 PM

jesus help us mike. some people will actually TRY that. It may not be so bad that it destroys thier truck but who would think to move the rest of the propane tank further away.

try pumping some a/c leak repair/ marker sutff in it. It fixes small leaks and bleeds red dye through leaks so you can see them.

Reumster · 04-18-2003, 10:15 PM

Use a spray bottle with water and soap. Or they have air line soap that you put in your system that will bubble. Best thing I found was to just retighten all your fittings. And use teflon paste, its better than the tape.

BraveDave · 04-18-2003, 11:26 PM

fill it up with air and drive the truck into a swimming pool and look for the bubbles. it should take any time at all to find that pesky leak!

Longhorn Man · 04-18-2003, 11:42 PM

Hmmm, is there a check valve of any sort between your tanks and the compressor?
There is a posability of the air seeping past the rings and since it is inside the compressor you don't hear it.
How high can you pump up the PSI in that sucker? Max it out and that will amplify any hissing sounds. I know at 90 PSI we seem to be able to hear any leak on the big rigs at work with no problem.

dennisr · 04-19-2003, 03:14 PM

Thanks for the help guy's. I filled it full of propane and caught the dang thing on fire, so I had to drive it into the pool to put the fire out. And low and behold, bubbles coming from the top of the bag.

Seriousy, the soap and bubbles worked great. Had a tiny leak on top of the bag. Retaped it and it holds perfectly now.

Thanks again,
Dennis

04-18-2003, 10:06 PM	#1
dennisr Registered User Join Date: Jan 2003 Posts: 25	How can I find a slow air susupension leak? I just installed the rear air suspension kit from early classic on my 69. It all seemed to go pretty well, but I seem to have a slow air leak and I can't find it. I've tried pouring water on the line fittings but it's difficult to do and because of the awkward positions, isnt very effective. I wonder if it may be leaking from the fitting on top of the bag, but it's very difficult to see there, let alone pour water. I can't hear any air leaking anywhere, but the rear ends up on the axles in about 1 hour. Any suggestions on how to find this???? Thanks, Dennis

04-18-2003, 10:10 PM	#2
mikep Used to have a truck Join Date: May 2002 Location: port orchard WA Posts: 1,552	fill it full of propane and then wave a match around Its got to be a fitting. You telfon taped everything right. Are you using compression fittings or QD air fittings ? __________________ No truck :-(

04-18-2003, 10:15 PM	#4
Reumster L.E.D. Freak Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Polson MT Posts: 1,358	Use a spray bottle with water and soap. Or they have air line soap that you put in your system that will bubble. Best thing I found was to just retighten all your fittings. And use teflon paste, its better than the tape. __________________ Specializing in Custom L.E.D. inserts. http://www.ccled.com/ Contact me @ blazer2wd1972@hotmail.com (406)675-8082 or Joel @ jmcwaters@eps-corp.net 1972 2wd Blazer, 350/700R4/3:73 posi, err & Custom L.E.D. inserts! LOL

04-18-2003, 11:26 PM	#5
BraveDave Registered User Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Magnolia, Texas Posts: 336	fill it up with air and drive the truck into a swimming pool and look for the bubbles. it should take any time at all to find that pesky leak! __________________ '72 Chevy Cheyenne Super, '56 Chevy Bel Air,'56 Chevy Nomad, '61 Chevy Impala, '64 Cadillac Fleetwood, 1966 Thunderbird Convertible

04-18-2003, 10:13 PM	#3
Jackal2k9 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Katy, Texas Posts: 171	jesus help us mike. some people will actually TRY that. It may not be so bad that it destroys thier truck but who would think to move the rest of the propane tank further away. try pumping some a/c leak repair/ marker sutff in it. It fixes small leaks and bleeds red dye through leaks so you can see them.

04-18-2003, 11:42 PM	#6
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,693	Hmmm, is there a check valve of any sort between your tanks and the compressor? There is a posability of the air seeping past the rings and since it is inside the compressor you don't hear it. How high can you pump up the PSI in that sucker? Max it out and that will amplify any hissing sounds. I know at 90 PSI we seem to be able to hear any leak on the big rigs at work with no problem.

04-19-2003, 03:14 PM	#7
dennisr Registered User Join Date: Jan 2003 Posts: 25	Thanks for the help guy's. I filled it full of propane and caught the dang thing on fire, so I had to drive it into the pool to put the fire out. And low and behold, bubbles coming from the top of the bag. Seriousy, the soap and bubbles worked great. Had a tiny leak on top of the bag. Retaped it and it holds perfectly now. Thanks again, Dennis



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