Constantly chasing Air Leaks

[Android04]

I've been on air ride for a few years now and have constantly chasing air leaks. This past winter, I pulled everything apart and checked all fittings in the bag, switches, and tank and can't find any leaks.

I always switched out some of the PTC fitting and put in brass T's to avoid them from leaking and still have a leak on opposites sides. It'll hold solid almost 24hrs then it will slowly bleed off.

Any tips or suggestions for stopping the leaks?

[mongocanfly]

1st, figure out what is leaking..soapy water will help...
other than that, age of your tubing may be a factor...id replace all the tubing and see what happens...what type of fittings do you have...pushloks?

[The Rocknrod]

Originally Posted by Android04

...Any tips or suggestions for stopping the leaks?

Use solid copper or cunifer tubes and fittings.

[Android04]

Originally Posted by mongocanfly

1st, figure out what is leaking..soapy water will help...
other than that, age of your tubing may be a factor...id replace all the tubing and see what happens...what type of fittings do you have...pushloks?

I've replaced the tubing, and used the soapy method a few times. This year I found a leak in a manual switch so I replaced that. I'm running push to connect fittings and using water lockout clips to ensure no movement of the clips. It is 1/4" line and is all less then a year old. I replaced it all after the first year, and after I switched from two switches to four switches.

Just didn't know if some other method was out there. I've made sure all lines are cut perfectly straight, all fittings are teflon and locktite. All that fun stuff. Just seems never ending.

[Android04]

Originally Posted by The Rocknrod

Use solid copper or cunifer tubes and fittings.

Something like this?

https://shop.advanceautoparts.com/p/...B&gclsrc=aw.ds

[Ziegelsteinfaust]

This is what we use in the hvac field, and works alot better the soapy water since it sticks. This hopefully allow small bubbles to form.

https://www.amazon.com/Nu-Calgon-418.../dp/B00E0Q03KM

There are other brands, but this is usually whatbi use due to availability. I am sure any name brand is fine.

[Android04]

Originally Posted by Ziegelsteinfaust

This is what we use in the hvac field, and works alot better the soapy water since it sticks. This hopefully allow small bubbles to form.

https://www.amazon.com/Nu-Calgon-418.../dp/B00E0Q03KM

There are other brands, but this is usually whatbi use due to availability. I am sure any name brand is fine.

Ordered! Thanks

[SCOTI]

Where are you sourcing your airline & fittings from?

[Android04]

Originally Posted by SCOTI

Where are you sourcing your airline & fittings from?

A few different places. My original kit came with brass fittings, but I found them to be leaking inside the push connect so I ordered some from McMaster that I read about in another forum.

Do you have any suggestions?

https://www.mcmaster.com/push-to-con...hes/shape~wye/

[SCOTI]

Use D.O.T airline & fittings.

I've been getting DOT airline from McMaster Carr. For fittings, I get them wherever is easiest as long as they're DOT rated. The only fittings on my dually that aren't DOT are the 1/8" 'T' splitters for the pressure gauges (apparently nobody makes them).

I did pretty good for the first 3yrs. No leaks or leak-downs. Then, a line split @ the paddle valve for my drivers front. It was a quick easy repair once I could stop to get it done. I now have a leak-down between the tank & the valves for the rears I've been ignoring (it's a PITA getting underneath it to ID the 'where' so for now the rear pump just works harder than normal after it sits for a few days).

[Android04]

Originally Posted by SCOTI

Use D.O.T airline & fittings.

I've been getting DOT airline from McMaster Carr. For fittings, I get them wherever is easiest as long as they're DOT rated. The only fittings on my dually that aren't DOT are the 1/8" 'T' splitters for the pressure gauges (apparently nobody makes them).

I did pretty good for the first 3yrs. No leaks or leak-downs. Then, a line split @ the paddle valve for my drivers front. It was a quick easy repair once I could stop to get it done. I now have a leak-down between the tank & the valves for the rears I've been ignoring (it's a PITA getting underneath it to ID the 'where' so for now the rear pump just works harder than normal after it sits for a few days).

Yeah sounds like leaks are just nature of the beast. Hope you get it fixed soon as well. I'm going to start digging into it this weekend again since last weekend was Street Rod Nationals.

Do you use any sealant or anything to lock them in place on the PTC fittings? I've read of different sealants they use, but never for Air Ride.

Side note - I'm looking at a 89 Single Cab Dually this weekend, I hope I can bring it home.

[SCOTI]

Originally Posted by Android04

Yeah sounds like leaks are just nature of the beast. Hope you get it fixed soon as well. I'm going to start digging into it this weekend again since last weekend was Street Rod Nationals.

Do you use any sealant or anything to lock them in place on the PTC fittings? I've read of different sealants they use, but never for Air Ride.

Side note - I'm looking at a 89 Single Cab Dually this weekend, I hope I can bring it home.

PTC fittings are w/o sealant. I don't know of anything that would 'help' the seal as it's locked in place. I know the DOT fittings clamp better. We use some brand in our solenoid panels @ work that are dang' near impossible to separate once the airline is seated. Not sure of the brand or what they're rated for but I know I introduced DOT rated airline to the system based off of the multiple failures we were having w/the lines (splitting/bursting).

[blazer2007]

I,ve chased a leak and still lose 10-20 psi over night,gave up last year.Might try that HVAC juice