[Shop-talk] Phantom air leak

[Eric J Russell]

Spray a soapy water solution around/on the ball valve. Might show if/where 
it is leaking.

Eric Russell
Mebane, NC
http://home.mebtel.net/~ejrussell
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Randall" <TR3driver at ca.rr.com>
To: <shop-talk at autox.team.net>
Sent: Sunday, May 08, 2011 9:48 PM
Subject: [Shop-talk] Phantom air leak


> So, I've got this somewhat older 80 gallon air compressor mounted in the
> back yard, and plumbed to the garage.  The garage plumbing isn't 
> completely
> air tight, so I usually close the ball valve at the tank outlet when I'm 
> not
> using the system, to hold pressure in the tank (and avoid having to pump 
> it
> up next time I use it).
>
> But lately, the tank will leak down significantly in just a day or two.
> Funny thing is, I left the ball valve open last night, and the tank is 
> still
> nearly full 24 hours later.  Seems that the only explanation is that the
> valve itself is bad.  Does anyone have an alternate theory?  Am I
> overlooking something?
>
> And any suggestions on a quality 3/4" ball valve that will actually hold 
> 180
> psi air?