Some questions about pressure testing my intake
Nayr747
03-05-2005, 11:39 PM
So I made a pressure testor using a bike pump. Took my intake off, put the testor on the turbo inlet and started pumping to about 20 psi. I raise the pump handle and push it down and the psi goes up to whatever psi depending on how high I lifted the handle. But the minute it is all the way down the psi is back to zero. So I just pumped it again and again like that. But I didn't hear anything like a leak, just the sound of the air rushing when I push down. Here's the other thing. Shouldn't the bov be opening up and releasing air? I'm kind of confused cause I was pretty sure I had a boost leak somewhere.
kjewer1
03-05-2005, 11:47 PM
The problem with using a bike pump is that the volume of air that comes out is very small. So even the smallest leak will just bleed off any pressure you can build with ease. I would highly highly highly recomend using an air compressor. One that shuts off when it is full, so you can hear for leaks. In the absense of one of these, a 3-5 gallon air tank from walmart will work. Go down to the gastation or where ever, fill that bitch up, and take it back to the car. Pain in the ass, but cheaper than buying a compressor if you dont have one and none of your useless friends have access to one :D
Edit> With really big leaks a compressor may not even be able to keep up, because of the restriction caused by the shrader valve (valve stem type valve). My current leak tester has an airline fitting on it, one of the quick disconnects you put on all your air tools so you can swap them out. I fill the 6 gallon compressor and let it shut off so its quiet, turn the output regulator all the way down, connect that hose, then gradually turn it up to 20 psi or so. Even a massive leak will become readily apparent since there is such a huge amount of airflow available with this tester setup. Intake pressure testing, POSr Stylee.
Edit> With really big leaks a compressor may not even be able to keep up, because of the restriction caused by the shrader valve (valve stem type valve). My current leak tester has an airline fitting on it, one of the quick disconnects you put on all your air tools so you can swap them out. I fill the 6 gallon compressor and let it shut off so its quiet, turn the output regulator all the way down, connect that hose, then gradually turn it up to 20 psi or so. Even a massive leak will become readily apparent since there is such a huge amount of airflow available with this tester setup. Intake pressure testing, POSr Stylee.
Nayr747
03-05-2005, 11:56 PM
Thanks a lot for the info. Any prices I should be looking to pay for these? Just want to know I'm getting the right thing and nothing more.
Should the bov be opening during this or am I just crazy? If it's not opening could it be broken?
Should the bov be opening during this or am I just crazy? If it's not opening could it be broken?
kjewer1
03-06-2005, 12:48 AM
Prices for what exactly?
The BOV should not be opening. There is pressure on the underside of the valve, but there is also pressure on the top side of it via the line from the manifold. It should only open when there is vaccum on that line from the manifold. Now, in reality it will begin to open at some point. Hopefully at some point that is higher than the boost pressure you intend to run ;)
The BOV should not be opening. There is pressure on the underside of the valve, but there is also pressure on the top side of it via the line from the manifold. It should only open when there is vaccum on that line from the manifold. Now, in reality it will begin to open at some point. Hopefully at some point that is higher than the boost pressure you intend to run ;)
Nayr747
03-06-2005, 02:08 AM
I'm talking about the air tank you mentioned. Is this what I need? http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=22664&item=4363199821&rd=1
Or this? http://shop.store.yahoo.com/brandsplace/0192-air-t5g.html
Just wanted to also say that Walmart is a pretty shitty company that is doing some really bad things including 24 cases of child labor in the U.S.
Or this? http://shop.store.yahoo.com/brandsplace/0192-air-t5g.html
Just wanted to also say that Walmart is a pretty shitty company that is doing some really bad things including 24 cases of child labor in the U.S.
kjewer1
03-06-2005, 03:26 AM
Yup, those are them. A tank is pretty much a tank, so just look for price vs size. The bigger the better, but I think they only go to about 5 gallon anyway. If you can snag one of those for 20 bucks, it may be a pain in the ass, but its a hell of a lot cheaper than a 300 dollar compressor.
Automotive Network, Inc., Copyright ©2026
