Boost Leak Detection ? Is it just me?

[ForcedTorque]

My question relates to regulating the compressor to 20 pounds or less to do my boost leak test. I have attempted to do a boost leak test with the leak detector I built following a thread I found on here. I am having a problem trying to keep my compressor regulated to 20#. It seems like it always want to blow 30# or more after I get the hose connected to the tester. I'm regulating the meter without blowing any air, and it will stay at 20# or less until I actually start my test. I'm using about 15 feet of hose to get where I'm testing, so I can't regulate it while I'm blowing. Do I need to be blowing to get it regulated to a pressure?

 

[GrimJack]

Depends on your compressor.

The easy way would be to buy an inline pressure regulator. Or just use a bicycle pump.

 

[ForcedTorque]

Haven't thought about the bicycle pump. Thanks Grim!

 

[noah89t]

usually you can set desired pressure flow while your compressor holds more air.

 

[MK3Brent]

I don't use the gauge on the air-compressor, I'll set the regulator at 0 and gradually start turning it up with my WARNING pressure set at about 10psi on the boost gauge.


Once it goes to 10psi, I hear the alarm going off and then slowly reduce the pressure till the alarm stops... and lock it in.

At 9ish psi, you can find just about any boost leak.

-Brent

 

[kabanimk3supra]

My question relates to regulating the compressor to 20 pounds or less to do my boost leak test. I have attempted to do a boost leak test with the leak detector I built following a thread I found on here. I am having a problem trying to keep my compressor regulated to 20#. It seems like it always want to blow 30# or more after I get the hose connected to the tester. I'm regulating the meter without blowing any air, and it will stay at 20# or less until I actually start my test. I'm using about 15 feet of hose to get where I'm testing, so I can't regulate it while I'm blowing. Do I need to be blowing to get it regulated to a pressure?

did you blow all the air out of your air hose?

 

[jetjock]

^ I'm curious...what exactly would that accomplish and how would he do it?

 

[MK3Brent]

^ I'm curious...what exactly would that accomplish and how would he do it?

Impossible, without a throw valve right after the compressor's regulator... which is pointless anyway.

 

[jetjock]

No kidding. Normally I would've just pointed him out as another fine example of the continuing death spiral in American science education but I'm trying to be kinder and gentler these days

 

[ForcedTorque]

I don't use the gauge on the air-compressor, I'll set the regulator at 0 and gradually start turning it up with my WARNING pressure set at about 10psi on the boost gauge.


Once it goes to 10psi, I hear the alarm going off and then slowly reduce the pressure till the alarm stops... and lock it in.

At 9ish psi, you can find just about any boost leak.

-Brent

THANKS

This is good information here! I will be trying this tomorrow if the rain subsides. But, I don't know if my regulator is gonna lock in anywhere. If that doesn't work, I will grab my son's bike pump.

 

[MK3Brent]

THANKS

This is good information here! I will be trying this tomorrow if the rain subsides. But, I don't know if my regulator is gonna lock in anywhere. If that doesn't work, I will grab my son's bike pump.

You won't have to lock it in really, it'll stabalize. (Depending on the quality of your compressor.)

Warning though, make sure you check the pressure periodically, as it may begin to creep... that's why I use the peak/hold WARNING feature on my boost gauge when I check for leaks.

HTH.
Best of luck.

 

[kabanimk3supra]

^ I'm curious...what exactly would that accomplish and how would he do it?

my compressor will not let allow me to adjust the air pressure unless I release the excess pressure trapped in the hose.

many compressors automatically release excess pressure.

using a medium-sized hex key, you can depress the switch in the quick release fitting, allowing the air to escape. (while doing this, you will need to close the shut-off valve)

Then, voila you can adjust the compressor to fit your needs.

you will need to fiddle with the adjustment knob a bit to get the right pressure.

for all of you who thought your regulator does not work, go try this, then come back and tell me that it WORKED.

thank you all for your kind words.