Air leaks and how to stop them...

Ryck

Needle-chuck Ninja
So my new regulator arrived today and being no stranger or noob to plumbing air compressor lines, I did the usual wrapping of Tef tape on all of the fittings before screwing them in. I had to use a brass right angle adapter from the tank outlet to the regulator so I used a little extra Tef tape on each connection.

I see that I have leaks from every joint of that setup. And the pressure gauge that came with the regulator if screwed in tight not only leaks but faces downward where it cannot be seen.

What do I need to use to fix this when certain connections require that they be in a certain position?

Thanks.
 
try adding an O ring to the base of the threads, you may need addition teflon tape to make up for the O ring but you should be able to get the gauge to where you can see it.
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Not a total expert on fittings but I believe there is a different between NPT and BSP so maybe the reg you bought isn't the same thread as your compressor if you have leaks at all the joints ? Like I said, I'm no expert and am just thinking out loud
 
Thread tapers may be the issue like Jackie pointed out. Teflon pipe tape works great when you have NPT to NPT, etc. I would use a pipe sealant compound. It’s like a thick liquid you brush on the threads. Ought to keep those leaks from happening. Can get it at most hardware or home improvement stores.
 
As far as the leaks go, check the manual/packaging for the regulator to verify the thread sizes. If it was made outside the US, as stated, they could be metric, which is not compatible with the NPT fittings you are going to find at the local hardware store. I have run into lots of people trying to plumb faucets and stuff from foreign manufacturers that had issues because of that. With water, you can sometimes get away with it because the pressure is fairly low. Air isn't so forgiving.
 
I just saw your other thread about the regulator. You mentioned 1/4" threads which implies they are NPT threads. Not really sure unless for some reason the threads aren't tapered like they normally would be. That's really what gives you a seal. The teflon tape just helps compensate for any manufacturing imperfections.
 
Thank you all for the information and tips on how to fix this problem. I have some O rings around here somewhere and I will try them and I will look around for some liquid sealant as well. I was wondering if the combination of metals (steel, brass, plated brass and whatever the regulator body is made of had anything to do with the leaks. I will try the new ideas and get back to you.

Regulator connections.jpg
 
Well, I think I have the problem solved. I took the regulator and all fittings off of the compressor tank and cleaned and inspected everything. I found an O ring kit and I decided to try using "Flex Glue" as a sealant. I installed O rings wherever I could and used a generous amount of the glue on the threads of each part and reassembled everything. I gave the glue about 2 hours to set up and hooked up my airbrush and fired up the compressor. It only took a minute or two for the compressor to build up the 45 or so pounds of air in the tank and shut itself off. There is still one very tiny leak that I am hoping will stop once the glue cures overnight. Thanks again for all of the help on this guys!
 
Also, from the fitting leading to the regulator. I removed it so I could apply the sealant, but it was very difficult to remove and I damaged the fitting part that attaches to the regulator.
 
Also, from the fitting leading to the regulator. I removed it so I could apply the sealant, but it was very difficult to remove and I damaged the fitting part that attaches to the regulator.

The tank I bought was used and the fitting to the 90 degree adapter to the regulator was broken off. I tried every way to remove it without any success until I realized that it had been sealed with RED Locktite threadlocker. The only way to loosen it is with heat, so I used a small propane torch to heat it up, set the screw extractor in it and gave it a tug and it came right out.

It did not take a lot of heat to accomplish this task so you will know. As I previously mentioned, I used "Flex Glue" to reseal the threads and I laid it on thick after assembling it as seen in the picture.

Taking that "T" fitting off of the side of the tank would be a chore. I recommend sealing the outside with something. JB Weld would do the job but it will make that fitting pretty much a permanent fixture but you will not have to take it off which will save you time and stress.

Regulator connection.jpg
 
So my new regulator arrived today and being no stranger or noob to plumbing air compressor lines, I did the usual wrapping of Tef tape on all of the fittings before screwing them in. I had to use a brass right angle adapter from the tank outlet to the regulator so I used a little extra Tef tape on each connection.

I see that I have leaks from every joint of that setup. And the pressure gauge that came with the regulator if screwed in tight not only leaks but faces downward where it cannot be seen.

What do I need to use to fix this when certain connections require that they be in a certain position?

Thanks.
Its ok to use the tape BUT Teflon tape is not a sealer use a small amount of pipe dope on the threads of your fittings that will curb the leaks and give you some leeway on where your fittings sit!
 
So my new regulator arrived today and being no stranger or noob to plumbing air compressor lines, I did the usual wrapping of Tef tape on all of the fittings before screwing them in. I had to use a brass right angle adapter from the tank outlet to the regulator so I used a little extra Tef tape on each connection.

I see that I have leaks from every joint of that setup. And the pressure gauge that came with the regulator if screwed in tight not only leaks but faces downward where it cannot be seen.

What do I need to use to fix this when certain connections require that they be in a certain position?

Thanks.
Two words: Teflon tape
 
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