01-28-2013, 12:01 PM
Just a little background info:
When I got my Newell it was apparent that I had an air leak(s) somewhere. I asked around as to how people go about finding their air leaks. Unanimously I was told to make up a spray bottle of soapy water and spray away. I did so. I found no leaks, but did end up very wet and soapy. I again posted about air leaks and someone on the forum suggested an ultrasonic leak detector. He stated he had used one professionally. I had never heard of such a tool. On blind faith I looked for an affordable leak detector.
The very first compartment I opened I found two leaks. Both were pin hole leaks in the weld of the small air tank. I had not found either of these leaks with the soapy water. I repaired both leaks, but it was still apparent that I had another leak(s) some where as the 110V air compressor ran about every 15 minutes. I went through every compartment and totally checked the undercarriage--nothing. I went inside, put the tool under the dash by the drivers foot area and it was apparent I had another leak. The leak ended up being two slip style air fittings on the brake pressure valve. I replaced both fittings with the compression style and the leaks were fixed. At this point my system was close to air tight--110V air compressor just ran a couple times during the day. Obviously I was very pleased with my new tool as I had found four leaks in about a hour that had gone undetected in hours of using soapy water.
Every good thing must come to an end and two years ago my 110V air compressor began running every 30 minutes or so. Got out the leak detector and found the leak in the 3rd compartment I checked. The slide seal shut off valve next to the low pressure regulator was leaking. Installed a new shut off valve & leak was fixed. Last year my 110V air compressor began running every 15 minutes. 2nd compartment I checked I found the air dump valve connection leaking. Fixed. Still had a leak, but quickly found that the right "down valve" in my front six pack was leaking. Fixed.
For me this tool has saved me many hours of searching as I can inspect the complete air system in about a hour. Just beware that there are others who have purchased the same tool that I have and have not been as pleased. Richard suggested using a better earphone than the one that came with the tool and in my case that made a very positive improvement.
Now you know the rest of the story.............................
When I got my Newell it was apparent that I had an air leak(s) somewhere. I asked around as to how people go about finding their air leaks. Unanimously I was told to make up a spray bottle of soapy water and spray away. I did so. I found no leaks, but did end up very wet and soapy. I again posted about air leaks and someone on the forum suggested an ultrasonic leak detector. He stated he had used one professionally. I had never heard of such a tool. On blind faith I looked for an affordable leak detector.
The very first compartment I opened I found two leaks. Both were pin hole leaks in the weld of the small air tank. I had not found either of these leaks with the soapy water. I repaired both leaks, but it was still apparent that I had another leak(s) some where as the 110V air compressor ran about every 15 minutes. I went through every compartment and totally checked the undercarriage--nothing. I went inside, put the tool under the dash by the drivers foot area and it was apparent I had another leak. The leak ended up being two slip style air fittings on the brake pressure valve. I replaced both fittings with the compression style and the leaks were fixed. At this point my system was close to air tight--110V air compressor just ran a couple times during the day. Obviously I was very pleased with my new tool as I had found four leaks in about a hour that had gone undetected in hours of using soapy water.
Every good thing must come to an end and two years ago my 110V air compressor began running every 30 minutes or so. Got out the leak detector and found the leak in the 3rd compartment I checked. The slide seal shut off valve next to the low pressure regulator was leaking. Installed a new shut off valve & leak was fixed. Last year my 110V air compressor began running every 15 minutes. 2nd compartment I checked I found the air dump valve connection leaking. Fixed. Still had a leak, but quickly found that the right "down valve" in my front six pack was leaking. Fixed.
For me this tool has saved me many hours of searching as I can inspect the complete air system in about a hour. Just beware that there are others who have purchased the same tool that I have and have not been as pleased. Richard suggested using a better earphone than the one that came with the tool and in my case that made a very positive improvement.
Now you know the rest of the story.............................
Steve Bare
1999 Newell 2 slide #531