leakdown testing

[RoyM]

You don't need to calibrate the leakdown tester, you are looking for the differential between the line and cylinder pressure. 100psi line pressure will work just fine and make calculating percentages easy.

[bgsengine]

I would add that most air tools to have a top end maximum operating pressure limit - exceeding the limit voids any warranty and shortens the life of the tool (as does operating on straight unfiltered shop air) - ideally, you want a line pressure regulator as close to the tool as possible (pressure drops over distance of the air line) and an air filter - best would be a combination filter/regulator kit and a short extension hose kept clean for top performance (pro spray booths AKA body shops use them too - moisture tuins air tools and paint jobs and every air compressor will build moisture.)

However - most people don't use an air tool often enough to really justify or warrant the expense - your warranty period would probably run out long before any damage might be caused by high pressures/dirty air in any event. If you spend $39.95 on a cheap HF air tool, doesn't make sense spending $200 on a filter/regulator system for shop air - but if you spend $699 apiece on a box full of top end professional grade air tools, it sure does!

In any event - it is a good idea to at least have an in-line pressure regulator in your main line from air compressor for things like this.. so you can control your line pressure and preserve the life of your tools, and you can always dial it back up when you *need* the 140 PSI (In fact there are OSHA regulations pro shops are supposed to follow including blow guns not to exceed 40 PSI and have to be equipped with diffuser nozzles, among other things.. )

[KE4AVB]

If your a small shop or hobbyist you can always pickup one of those cheap HF regulators with filter starting @ $20 or buy one of those inline regulators starting @ $5. You need to know max CFM of tools your using so can install a setup that can deliver above that. Some of the larger tools can easily exceed the capacity of some regulators. Most times it is usually either the air compressor capacity or a line size that causes problems.


The inline regulator, a set couplers, and a cheap compression test hose set is what I used to make my homemade leak-down tester. The inline regulator allows me to lower the test pressure so I hear where the leaks are easier. It doesn't take 100 psi to find leaks, most times I use around 20-30 psi. I used the couplers so I could change out to different hose adapters or just use the regulator with any of my tools even with a customer supplied air source when working in the field.

Now I can always complete the setup to a full time leakdown tester by adding a few more parts or I can just make the second gauge with the orifice detachable and attach it when needed.

[wristpin]

I've got a a pressure regulator/moisture trap on a stand with the leak down tester instructions on the back so that it can be used anywhere around the shop without altering the pressure in the "ring main".

https://www.dropbox.com/s/ps9g0ax6nqerr ... r.JPG?dl=0

[KE4AVB]

You would using the direct link field on Photobucket and the "Img" button here to post them. There is a size limit for direct viewing of 600 x 600 max.
I downloaded your image, uploaded it to Photobucket, Resize, and post it here for you.

[wristpin]

[quote="KE4AVB"]You would using the direct link field on Photobucket and the "Img" button here to post them. There is a size limit for direct viewing of 600 x 600 max.
I downloaded your image, uploaded it to Photobucket, Resize, and post it here for you.

Thanks for that. Not sure what I was doing wrong but whatever it was I was posting several images rather that just the one that was relevant!

[bobodu]

Not sure what I was doing wrong but whatever it was I was posting several images rather that just the one that was relevant!

Happens to me all the time.



Like right there!!!! What the hell???

[RoyM]

Sure. We'll believe you but thousands wouldn't

[frankp]

nice paint job!

[bobodu]

nice paint job!

Oh Yeah!! I missed that....