12-03-2012, 12:58 PM
Anything faster than 10 pounds in 30 minutes, and it's time to start searching for air leaks. That works out to about 45 minutes to an hour per cycle. I prefer longer, but given the number of connections, solenoids, components, etc., it can take some time to find all the 'slow' leakers.
Given todays labor rates, self troubleshooting of air leaks can save you bigtime. You can still pay for the actual 'fix' if you like, but save a bundle by showing/telling the mechanic the source.
Also, don't forget that the better-half probably has better hearing than you, and can often narrow the search area quicker. I recall spending many hours searching for a leak on my '79 Newell, when my wife walked by and said what is that noise coming from the engine compratment. Turns out the small air leak was coming from the dipstick tube because of a stuck check valve
Given todays labor rates, self troubleshooting of air leaks can save you bigtime. You can still pay for the actual 'fix' if you like, but save a bundle by showing/telling the mechanic the source.
Also, don't forget that the better-half probably has better hearing than you, and can often narrow the search area quicker. I recall spending many hours searching for a leak on my '79 Newell, when my wife walked by and said what is that noise coming from the engine compratment. Turns out the small air leak was coming from the dipstick tube because of a stuck check valve