Smallest compressor to check for boost leaks

[4gfun]

I want to know what would the smallest air tank be that I could get away with to test for boost leaks.

There are 2 reasons for this:

1) I would be refilling it with a portable tire air compressor and I am not sure how long that would take.

2) Money is tight

The only thing I am worried about is the compressor not being big enough for me to hear the leak for very long.

Any ideas?

Thanks!

 

[pdxkris]

I'm sure others who have used the stand alone tank method will be by shortly with more info, but I can tell you that when doing mine recently I felt my 21gal compressor was too small WTF. Any chance you can borrow somebodies compressor?

I'm still tracking down all my leaks, and maybe I'm just unlucky, but I've refilled the tank a few times now while trying to track them down..

 

[4gfun]

I'm sure others who have used the stand alone tank method will be by shortly with more info, but I can tell you that when doing mine recently I felt my 21gal compressor was too small WTF. Any chance you can borrow somebodies compressor?

I'm still tracking down all my leaks, and maybe I'm just unlucky, but I've refilled the tank a few times now while trying to track them down..

Wow, I have now revised the subject to the smallest compressor to test for boost leaks.

 

[snowborder714]

I use a 6 gallon air compressor without any issues. I never have it turned on while doing tests (it's very loud) and I can usually test the car twice up to 25 psi with one fill up. It does start to lose a bit of steam towards the end of the 2nd test, but that's usually not a big deal. I usually have the regulator set at 40-60 psi, which is about half of the max that it'll push.

 

[4gfun]

Any thoughts on a 5 gallon one...just asking because Harbor Freight might have one.

What about horsepower ratings?

Thanks!

 

[snowborder714]

My guess is you would be ok with a 5 gallon, but you'd have to refill it fairly often. You could probably get one full test about it.

I think mine is a 1/2 horsepower?

 

[4gfun]

My guess is you would be ok with a 5 gallon, but you'd have to refill it fairly often. You could probably get one full test about it.

I think mine is a 1/2 horsepower?

You don't even want to know what I got. I guess you will see it in another post .

 

[mike96]

believe it or not, the first Mitsubishi i ever had was an EVO1 when i was stationed in japan..... i managed to do a BLT with a large bicycle pump, yes one of these...http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml04/04003.jpg took a while to get some pressure built up and i don't think it would have worked with a large leak but it will work if you are in a pinch and have nothing else. so i would say you could use something as small as one of those tire inflater pumps if thats all you have. will take longer to pressurize the intake than a larger but it should be OK.

 

[4gfun]

believe it or not, the first Mitsubishi i ever had was an EVO1 when i was stationed in japan..... i managed to do a BLT with a large bicycle pump, yes one of these...http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml04/04003.jpg took a while to get some pressure built up and i don't think it would have worked with a large leak but it will work if you are in a pinch and have nothing else. so i would say you could use something as small as one of those tire inflater pumps if thats all you have. will take longer to pressurize the intake than a larger but it should be OK.

Wow, well I will spill the beans and let you know that I got a 1 gallon donut compressor.

Hey maybe after this story I will get by. Hopefully there are no BIG leaks.

 

[GORBS88]

I use a 6 GALLON and it seems to be perfect. Anything smaller would make it tough i think.

 

[4gfun]

I use a 6 GALLON and it seems to be perfect. Anything smaller would make it tough i think.

If this donut works, I would be happy to let you all know about it. I still have my walmart receipt and will return it if not.

Looks like some of the folks at the SRT-4 forums got away with a one gallon but then again their cars are probably newer and tighter to start with.

Oh well, all I can do is take a gamble on this one.

Maybe I will hear enough of a hiss to plug it and get on with it if it gets real bad.

 

[wranglerunner22]

Any thoughts on a 5 gallon one...just asking because Harbor Freight might have one.

What about horsepower ratings?

Thanks!

I have a harbor freight 3gal oilless 1/3hp(relax I got it for air brushing).

I was able to pull it off, it can be done. It takes a while to charge back up, but whatever, gives me time to fix whatever else is broken while I wait!

 

[Speed_RacerGSX]

The most important thing is being able to hear over the damn compressor. A long hose is helpful.

 

[4gfun]

Yeah that has got to be a pain. I'll try and throw it in the car while I do the test. Maybe that will work.

 

[JDog_27]

believe it or not, the first Mitsubishi i ever had was an EVO1 when i was stationed in japan..... i managed to do a BLT with a large bicycle pump, yes one of these...http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml04/04003.jpg took a while to get some pressure built up and i don't think it would have worked with a large leak but it will work if you are in a pinch and have nothing else. so i would say you could use something as small as one of those tire inflater pumps if thats all you have. will take longer to pressurize the intake than a larger but it should be OK.

I've used a bicycle pump as well...took some major pumping but my leaks weren't major and was able to get 15lbs of pressure going before I passed out on the garage floor.