Author Topic: At last an end to air leaks...  (Read 4721 times)

Joel Ashley

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At last an end to air leaks...
« on: August 20, 2019, 11:44:23 PM »
Ran across this device that can locate those elusive, aggravating air system leaks we all endure:
http://www.farnell.com/datasheets/2793630.pdf?_ga=2.41900514.1190598108.1566340265-182073760.1566340265

Just be sure your credit rating is close to 900 before heading off to your loan officer’s office.   $20,000.  :o

Joel  ;D
Joel and Lee Rae Ashley
Clackamas, Oregon
36.9 ft. 2006 Monterey Ventura IV, aka"Monty Rae"
C9 400HP Cat

David T. Richelderfer

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Re: At last an end to air leaks...
« Reply #1 on: August 21, 2019, 12:12:25 AM »
Except that the highest possible credit score for most reporting agencies is 850.  I wonder if anyone has had an 850 score.  Mine has been 800 + & - the last several years, depending upon the agency being queried.

$20,000, eh?  I guess I'll pass.  I'll use soapy water.
2004 Beaver Marquis Sapphire

I had a dream... then I lived it!

Mike Shumack

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Re: At last an end to air leaks...
« Reply #2 on: August 21, 2019, 01:38:14 PM »
I have the Steelman "Engine Ear" stethoscope (the cheapest of the lineup at around $80) https://www.steelmantools.com/diagnostic/noise-vibration.html

I can move the probe along the air lines and get it up next to the fittings and hear small leaks. It works well but you have to be careful moving the probe around - if you bump something solid it sounds like an explosion in you ear (there is a volume control). Of course there are some places you just can't get to.

It also has optional clamp on sensor(s) that you could attach under the vehicle near where you think a noise is coming from, then take coach for a road test and listen for noises (such a squeak or rattle or clunk) where you can't pinpoint it from just driving alone. The more expensive kit has multiple sensors so you can attach a couple and then switch between them to find the sensor location where the noise is the loudest.

I can listen to bearings too (like the alternator or belt tensioner pulley) - of course you need to be extremely careful working around moving parts.

Carl Boger

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Re: At last an end to air leaks...
« Reply #3 on: August 21, 2019, 10:19:23 PM »
I was all in until you mentioned the price.  Guess I will have to go back to my cheaper playground.
Carl

98 Beaver Patriot Savannah
330 hp Cat 3126

Joel Ashley

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Re: At last an end to air leaks...
« Reply #4 on: August 21, 2019, 11:31:31 PM »
Hope you guys realize my post was meant to be kind of “satirical”, poking fun re. the device’s price. 

I’m sure it might be an option for someone with an appropriate air system related business.  Wouldn’t mind finding such a place that had it, as the likely positive leak search results and minimized labor would be nice, compared to all the costly times various outfits failed to find our small leaks.

Joel
Joel and Lee Rae Ashley
Clackamas, Oregon
36.9 ft. 2006 Monterey Ventura IV, aka"Monty Rae"
C9 400HP Cat

Lee Welbanks

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Re: At last an end to air leaks...
« Reply #5 on: August 23, 2019, 03:47:25 AM »
Joel, I actually have a couple Fluke mulitmeters and one was around $400, but it will do everything except crimp butt connectors. I was going to say on your post very funny.
We once had a vacuum leak detector that cost $65K and we owned the company that made the unit, high end test equip is pricey.
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Joel Ashley

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Re: At last an end to air leaks...
« Reply #6 on: August 23, 2019, 06:03:47 AM »
I keep waiting on a price discount for a Fluke 365, Lee, but reckon I may have expired before then.
Joel and Lee Rae Ashley
Clackamas, Oregon
36.9 ft. 2006 Monterey Ventura IV, aka"Monty Rae"
C9 400HP Cat

KC Snellgrove

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Re: At last an end to air leaks...
« Reply #7 on: September 29, 2019, 11:30:21 PM »
JOEL, of course it was a joke. I just take my right to my favorite repair guy! I had a leak in my Olivia Jean and nobody, including Beaver Coach service could find it. Finally I took it to my RV repair guys and BAM they found the leak in a line going to the steps. WORKS GREAT AT A FAIR PRICE.

Bill Lampkin

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2005 Patriot Thunder Lexington, 3 slides
40' tag axle (short wheelbase)
525 hp C13

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Bill Lampkin

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Re: At last an end to air leaks...
« Reply #9 on: September 29, 2019, 11:51:54 PM »
Sorry Joel, Don't know how my comments became part of your quote.......
2005 Patriot Thunder Lexington, 3 slides
40' tag axle (short wheelbase)
525 hp C13

"Goin where the weather suits my clothes..."

Joel Ashley

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Re: At last an end to air leaks...
« Reply #10 on: September 30, 2019, 01:41:25 AM »
That reviews as a nice meter, Bill.  I like the detachable, thin clamp on the Fluke 365, and the straight-up digital readout though, as well as a few other features.  So many times on vehicles I’ve struggled to get my old Craftsman clampmeter jaws in and between bundled wires.  The 365’s would make that a tad easier.  But at 1/4 the cost, your Uni-T is tempting!

Thanks,
Joel
Joel and Lee Rae Ashley
Clackamas, Oregon
36.9 ft. 2006 Monterey Ventura IV, aka"Monty Rae"
C9 400HP Cat

Eric Maclean

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Re: At last an end to air leaks...
« Reply #11 on: October 03, 2019, 01:22:22 AM »
Hey guys For almost fourty years I've looked and found some of those hard to find air leaks with a length of 1/4 inch neoprean hose stuck in my ear and the other end run along the suspect air line listening for the small leaks. Some times you win some times you have to break down and use good old soap and water. the problem on these coaches isn't the detection of the leak it'sactually getting close enough to the air lines ,fittings and valve to actually see them and find the culpret.
 Eric 
1997 Patriot Yorktown
3126-B
2009 Chevy HHR
Roadmaster falcon tow bar
Demco Air Force one tow brake.