[rheavn]

For those that want to get serious about finding air leaks here are the tools I found most useful.  The big leaks are easier.  The smaller the leak the harder the detection.  Every leak I found was either at a fitting, valve or a leaking component.

Have a soapy solution and a spray bottle.  I like a small bottle as you will be trying to spray in some tight congested areas.  For a solution I use the kids bubble solution

The ultra sonic leak detector is very useful, but don't be fooled into thinking you just wave this around and you will find all your leaks.  I find this tool is useful on finding medium to large leaks and in locating exactly where they are located.  Also good to use in those hard to see areas like under the dashboard.  Many different brands & price ranges.  This is just the one I use.

     

Leakdown tester was the most important tool!  It tells you whether you have a leak or you don't.  Points you in a direction, but doesn't locate the leaks for you.  Allows you to eliminate lines, valves and components as you go.

   

Piece of air tubing with a union.  Used this in tight places to get leakdown tester away from other stuff like tubing, hoses & wiring.

   

Capped off piece of tubing.  Very useful in allowing you to test single components and take them out of the overall air system.  I have two of these.

   

This tool is used to inject compressed air into a line.  In trying to identify where lines go that are impossible to follow, this tool is very useful.

   

All of the tools shown are for 1/4" tubing.  I also have a complete identical set for 3/8" tubing.

For those that want to have some one else find your leaks this is the most important tool.

   

Good luck in your hunt.

[smagown]

Great research and presentation.
You are getting close to the doctorate in Newell science!

[Junior Guru]

The wad of cash is hilarious! But true. Air leaks can be a booger to find sometimes.

[77newell]

I've used Steve's approach and similar tools. After many hours of effort my 93 coach 120v compresort runs about twice a day when parked. It took a looooong time, but I'm pleased with the results. If I had hired it done, that wad of cash would have been just for starters. Besides, I learned an immense amountil about the coach during the search for leaks so I have greater confidence I can solve problems of all sorts.

[rheavn]

"120v compressor runs about twice a day when parked"

Pat yourself on the back Jon.  That is about as air tight as one can hope for.

[77newell]

I am more lucky than good. Just lying around under the coach staring at the myriad of black tubing going everywhere is nicely meditative. Oooommmm, I wonder if that fitting leaks.

It’s a game, a puzzle, it's not a problem that demands to be solved.

[cfree3]

We have a leak or leaks somewhere. We have been looking all over and having a hard time finding them.

Can you list some of the spots that you found your leaks?

Now that you found all your leaks your compressor only runs 2 times per day? Do you have an air activated toilet?

[rheavn]

Every air connection fitting, air valve, air tank, suspension valves and air dryers are suspect.  They all have the potential to leak.

I have replaced air dryers, the air pressure protection valve, an air tank, all push in type connectors with DOT compression fittings, both slide shut off valves and a few things I've probably forgot.  Almost all basement compartments, under the coach and inside the coach have potential leak points.  

My opinion is that the key to finding leaks is to be organized and isolate individual circuits.  Verifying that an air circuit is NOT leaking is just as important as finding a leaking circuit.  My favorite tool is the leak down tester as it will tell you if a line is leaking--or not.  Then if you have a leak you have to find it and the ultrasonic air leak tester and soapy water become useful.

The only thing I have NOT found leaking is an air line itself, but the potential is there if chafing occurs.

Yes I have two air toilets.

Search for the air circuit schematics that I have posted and it will help you make sense of spaghetti.

Good luck in your search................................

[cfree3]

We have read a lot of people talking about the six pack valves. Does anyone have a picture of those so we know what we are looking for?

Last night our leak must have gotten worse because our air compressor was running non-stop. I finally turned off the leveling system and it appeared to at least give the compressor a break for 10 min. or so before starting up again. Does this information help with finding where our main leak is?

[Richard]

Cfree3,

When you say all over, have you been under the coach and in the bays? What are you using for leak detection? Soapy water, your ears, ultrasonic leak detector?

I suggest that you read this post carefully. There aren't shortcuts to finding airleaks.