Air compressor

[coolrider2112]

I dont have a lot of money right now but what is the lowest gallon tank would I need to perform a boost leak test? I have never had an air compressor so dont know if it goes by tanks or psi. Thanks

 

[bryanwheat]

You can just go to walmart and buy a 25 dollar air tank and fill it at the gas station. You can use about any compressor as long as it has a tank on it.

 

[knochgoon24]

I've used a 3 gallon one. It provides enough air to find the leaks.

I really like mixing up a solution of dish soap and water in a spray bottle to spray all over the couplers and seals.

 

[coolrider2112]

Even if I buy the air tank at walmart I would still need a compressor right? You could'nt just release the air out of the air tank?

 

[bryanwheat]

Even if I buy the air tank at walmart I would still need a compressor right? You could'nt just release the air out of the air tank?

You will need a compressor to air the tank up, but you can go to the gas station and do that.

 

[coolrider2112]

Oh because I looked at one at walmart liek you said and it was basically saying it was used to release air out of like tires and crap liek that. So if I just go to the gas station and fill it up I could just release the air when I want when doing the boost leak test? I seen a 7 gallon air tank for about 30 bucks, how long would this also last?

 

[miguelmcv]

It all depends of how big your boost leak is.
If your system is 90% sealed, then it will last for a long time, but if you have a really big leak, you will drain the talk in one minute probably.

 

[emosley]

If you have no money to buy your own compressor you can also try to use air compressor rentals because this is cheaper. If you use it more often then it would be better for a long term if you buy one of course. It depends on your needs! At least I rent one last year and I was happy with that idea!

 

[bryanwheat]

If you have no money to buy your own compressor you can also try to use air compressor rentals because this is cheaper. If you use it more often then it would be better for a long term if you buy one of course. It depends on your needs! At least I rent one last year and I was happy with that idea!

Renting a giant diesel air compressor will cost you WAY more than buying a cheap 60 dollar air compressor from craigslist.

 

[Tyeler18]

Why not use a gas station? I have a free air station just down the street I use. Plenty of air to use for testing.

 

[Cirus_93TSI]

look around for a good deal and you can find a cheap 3 gallon tank with compressor. the one i have at my office was 30 bucks on sale, holds 3 gallons at 100 psi and takes 3 min for the compressor to fill it, just gotta look around a bit and you should be able to find a good deal on one.

Edit- if it helps at all, mine is made by central pneumatic. But whats sad is i just googled it and its item number and they are selling for 70 bucks on ebay. what a rip off considering what mine cost.

 

[Archer Fabrications]

what do you guys think of the dewalt 60 gallon air compressors at home depot? ill be using air tools, boost leak testing, ocasional blasting (nothing major) and some ocasional painting. i dont care if it needs to refill while im doing the job as long as the pressure and volume stay consistant. didnt wanna make another thread. i can get this for 700 at home depot. any one have experience with this one? http://www.homedepot.com/p/DEWALT-6...mpressor-DXCMLA3706056/204068469#.Uk2eFyQRAeM

im not looking for the same stuff as OP just didnt wanna start a new thread.

 

[Archer Fabrications]

im the new OP i brought this back from the dead, what do you guys think of the dewalt 60 GALLON compressor i linked?

 

[My1GLaser]

Kyle, that compressor should work good for what you plan on using it for. I didn't see the cfm listed and that's the most valuable info. If you use constant air consuming tools (especially die grinders and things that run non-stop) you will want something at least 10-12cfm @90psi rating. The specific tools you plan on using should have the air consumption listed somewhere.

If I were to guess, that compressor is probably rated at 15-16cfm @ 90psi which should be plenty for any air powered tools. It might be higher since it's 155psi tank. I have a 13 gal Campbell Hausfield but I believe it's only rated at about 5-6cfm @ 90psi. It's 125psi tank. When I run my die grinder porting various things, it can only keep up at 60psi running non-stop which is annoying and slows me way down! So I take stuff to work and use the 185cfm compressor

 

[wparks]

I had a good look at the 60 gallon Dewalt- this is a decent product at a good price. Keep in mind that unless you are buying a top professional grade unit it's going to come from China as they all do and this one does as well. I bought a nearly identical unit in black from Harbor freight for about the same price on sale a few years ago.

If you actually intend to do any blasting, I consider this size unit (11-13cfm) to be a minimum, and it will run continuously and get hot while you are blasting and will just keep up. Anything less and you will have to blast in short sessions. I run a fan blowing on mine otherwise it will get quite hot. For just a little more money you can go up to a full 5hp unit like this one for about the same price: 60 Gallon Air Compressor - 2 Stage, 5 HP, 165 PSI

For the OP coolrider2112- you don't need a very big compressor tank capacity for a leak down test, just a few gallons is needed. The bigger issue is this- you have a DSM. If you're doing a leak test you're probably getting into maintaining it and working on it, and you are going to need a compressor- a boost tank is just not worth having considering the wide variety of affordable smaller portable compressors available. If you're just filling tires and doing a leak test get a small one. If you want to run air wrenches, get a medium size roll-around. For anything like die grinders, cut-off tools, and any kind of sand/media blasting you're going to want a big one- with the highest scfm you can find.

A boost tank is just not effective for doing a leak down test anyway- you would really only get one shot, and not a very long one at the low pressures you need to use for testing, then you have to refill it. (unless you are going to spring for an expensive static pressure regulator so you can use high tank pressure.)

Here is the easiest way I have found for boost leak testing- I built my test jig from pieces I got at Ace hardware- a rubber 2" to 2" coupler with hose clamps on each end (it come as an assembly), a white PVC endcap, and an air hose fitting I drilled and tapped in so I can plug the test jig into the air hose like an air tool.

With the jig installed on the turbo intake but unplugged I run my compressor up to the pressure to start the test with reading the gauge on the compressor. I use 5psi or so to start, just enough for a hiss but not activate the waste gate dashpot, then plug the air hose into my test jig to pressure up the system. You can jump up to a high pressure off the bat if you want, but be prepared to crap your pants if the test fixture comes apart the first time! Using windex or soapy water works great, but any boost leaks worth your attention will hiss noticeably, at least when the compressor is off, which is where the few gallons comes in handy. I was surprised to find my only boost leak was from the seals in my throttle plate.

From there I'll slowly run the pressure up approaching stock boost and watch for the waste gate dashpot to start getting soft and opening the waste gate and note the pressure. At this point you can pull a light vacuum on the hose going to the bypass valve from the intake manifold ( you can use your mouth ) and the BOV should open and dump the pressure out when you do but should not leak without it at the stock boost level. From there you can continue up until the pressure overcomes the spring in the BOV and opens it by itself and record that pressure as well.

 

[dsmcurse]

what do you guys think of the dewalt 60 gallon air compressors at home depot? ill be using air tools, boost leak testing, ocasional blasting (nothing major) and some ocasional painting. i dont care if it needs to refill while im doing the job as long as the pressure and volume stay consistant. didnt wanna make another thread. i can get this for 700 at home depot. any one have experience with this one? DEWALT 60-Gal. Vertical Stationary Electric Air Compressor-DXCMLA3706056 at The Home Depot

im not looking for the same stuff as OP just didnt wanna start a new thread.

Very good air compressor. My buddy Alex (BoostDriven) has the exact version you speak of, use's it everysingle day like 8 days a week style and its a champ. Its a good one, im jelous of it, better than the one I got for at home use and im a career mechanic and Alex isnt. Funny

 

[bryanwheat]

I have an 8 year old hf compressor that still runs like new.

 

[JusMX141]

Just deleted 27 posts of nonsensical bullshit from this thread. I've literally read more-informative tampon advertisements than the amount of information contained in the posts I deleted actually pertained to air compressors.

STAY ON TOPIC or don't post at all.

 

[AngelOfPassion]

EDIT: Sorry Jus.

I was writing my post when you posted that. Didn't see it.

 

[Archer Fabrications]

Very good air compressor. My buddy Alex (BoostDriven) has the exact version you speak of, use's it everysingle day like 8 days a week style and its a champ. Its a good one, im jelous of it, better than the one I got for at home use and im a career mechanic and Alex isnt. Funny

sweeeet good to know dsmcurse. this is exactally what i was lookin for. ill go pick it up for sure then. i think there are a few different motor options. and ill check on the flow rate of the compressor. for air tools. i dont plan to do ALOT of blasting. i just would like to have the option to do that as well as paint once in a while mostly air tools.

thanks everyone else for your help also. and thanks justin for cleaning up

since it looks like the link i had was canadian home depot and doesnt work on my computer anymore , here are the specs. it doesnt look like a powerful motor. but should do the job?



DEWalt 60-Gal. air compressor features a cast iron, twin cylinder, oil lubricated pump with a one-piece cast iron crankcase, thermally stable cast iron cylinder body, aluminum head and valve plate, automotive style ball bearings, durable Swedish stainless steel reed valves, oil level sight glass, easily accessible oil fill, and a 12 in. cast iron balanced flywheel. Unit has a heavy duty, 240 Volt induction motor for maximum performance and efficiency. 155 PSI max pressure for optimum tool performance.

13.4 CFM at 40 PSI and 11.5 CFM at 90 PSI with 1.9 RHP
Large capacity, 60-gal. ASME air receiver provides more air for longer run times on air tools such as ratchets, impacts, spray guns, hammers, etc
Shipped with synthetic oil for optimum performance and long life
Equipped with pressure gauge and on and off switch
MFG Model # : DXCMLA3706056
MFG Part # : DXCMLA3706056


and there is a 1,200 dollar one that seems better and is an 80 gallon


16.1 CFM at 40 PSI and 14.0 CFM at 90 PSI with 4.7 RHP
Full metal belt guard
Integrated control panel includes pressure gauges, airflow regulator, quick connect air outlets, and pressure relief valve
Shipped with synthetic oil for optimum performance and long life
MFG Model # : DXCMLA4708065
MFG Part # : DXCMLA4708065

 

[KazooGS-T]

Behold the power of harbor freight... Buy the extended warranty if you're afraid of it breaking. Reviews are great.

60 Gallon Air Compressor - 2 Stage, 5 HP, 165 PSI

Specs:
5 Horsepower, 60 gal, 165psi Two Stage Air Compressor.
Brand: Central Pneumatic
Amperage (amps): 22
Capacity: 60 gal.
Certification: ASME
Horsepower (hp): 5
Maximum pressure (PSI): 165
Product Height: 5-3/4 ft.
Warranty: 90 Day

Air delivery: 13.5 CFM @ 165 PSI, 15.8 CFM @ 90 PSI, 16.4 CFM @ 40 PSI
Cast-iron cylinders and stainless steel valves
Automatic start/stop
ASME tank with safety valve
No mag starter required

 

[Archer Fabrications]

Well here is the thing about harbor freight, it doesnt exist in canada, plan B?

Great chineese tools otherwise used to go often while i lived in seattle

90 day warranty? What is the extended? 6 months? Lol

 

[Twinturbo120]

Well here is the thing about harbor freight, it doesnt exist in canada, plan B?

Great chineese tools otherwise used to go often while i lived in seattle

90 day warranty? What is the extended? 6 months? Lol

That air compressor has a warranty of two years actually. I would know because I own one

 

[dsmcurse]

Kyle, I hear rumors of Lan Evo 4's and 5's being rather common up there? That places are importing cars WAY easier than US. Any truth to this? Ever see $hit like this now that you moved to BC?

By the way Dewalt makes the best everything. Period. Doesnt matter if its a drill, a saw or a air compressor. Get the Dewalt, good investment and will last for ages.

 

[zachwilliams02]

Oh because I looked at one at walmart liek you said and it was basically saying it was used to release air out of like tires and crap liek that. So if I just go to the gas station and fill it up I could just release the air when I want when doing the boost leak test? I seen a 7 gallon air tank for about 30 bucks, how long would this also last?

According to the Walmart service area when your check engine light is on and yellow you should service it immediately. When it turns red you should stop the car. Lol no joke this is on their website