Does anyone know of a cheap place to buy a ARB compressor???/fix a minor leak on tank

[Big Red]

I have a leak in my arb compressor and it needs a new "O" ring. Can I patch it up with some glue, silicone, pipe sealer, etc? It is a pretty small leak now at the top of the airtank. Otherwise I have quotes of around $235 for a new ARB compressor. I have a big 2-1/2 gallon tank/compressor that I just bought at Lowe's. It has a 100 psi max which is in the range of the arb requirement. Do you think I could hook my air line to it or do I need a pressure regulator switch to avoid damaging the arb unit in the diff? I would prefer patching up my existing arb comp, but the other big portable compressor is an option I hope, I want to have dual lockers for the con trip this weekend, without paying $$$ for a new ARB compressor now. It looks like part of the black rubber "O" ring is poking through the seal at the seam on the top. What do you guys suggest? Jes, I know this is a tech question, but I'm also seeking a place to possibly buy another compressor from if need be under $235 or so. What are your suggestions???
Troy

[CRASH]

Black room temperature vulcanizing compound will do the trick. Disassemble the compressor from the tank, clean the O-ring, coat it in the above compound, reinstall and reassemble.

CRASH

[Big Red]

Black room temperature vulcanizing compound will do the trick. Disassemble the compressor from the tank, clean the O-ring, coat it in the above compound, reinstall and reassemble.

CRASH

Thanks for the info Crash. I cannot just still this stuff on the outside where the leak is? Could this be a temp fix at least? Super glue or silicone will not hold it right? Where do you get this Black room temperature vulcanizing compound at? Can I use my big portable compressor this weekend? It has a max psi of 100. Don't the ARB's require 80-105 psi? If I do need another comp so you know where I can get a new 1 cheap? I think the compressor I have is yours. :laugh: I wired the comp up to the battery directly and got it to work, maybe then it sprung the leak. :dunno: It wasn't running that long though.
Troy

[SeanP]

good lord you are hopeless.

There's a bolt that goes thru the tank that holds the top on. It's a 13MM IIRC, tighten it. Voila, no leak.

[CRASH]

I have never run an ARB compressor.

Dude, you have to remove 1 bolt to disassemble the compressor. Take it apart, and fix the seal correctly. Room Temperature Vulcanizing compound.

You need between 80 and 100 PSI to run the ARB's, however you get that is up to you. I wouldn't carry around a big extra compressor on the trail, besides probably needing a large inverter to power it. How many nominal amps does it draw?

CRASH

[CRASH]

good lord you are hopeless.

There's a bolt that goes thru the tank that holds the top on. It's a 13MM IIRC, tighten it. Voila, no leak.

I have heard that it is helpful to urinate on the bolt before tightening it. It helps to free up any corrosion that may have built up over the years. ;)

CRASH

[SeanP]

I have heard that it is helpful to urinate on the bolt before tightening it. It helps to free up any corrosion that may have built up over the years. ;)

CRASH


It's right there in the manual. The aussies did that in the Outback to make it more stout.
SeanP

[Big Red]

good lord you are hopeless.

There's a bolt that goes thru the tank that holds the top on. It's a 13MM IIRC, tighten it. Voila, no leak.

I'm an accountant, what do you expect? :D I'm getting better though, I put in my axles though, wired up some rock lights, installed hood vents, Durabaked ext, etc. I'm not quite doing full width axles yet.

Could the bolt holding the tank come lose, causing it to leak. I guess that is possible. I will tighten it and see. Is there a compound that could also be applied externally to seal a air leak (super glue, silicon, teflon paste, etc)? Could I use a portable compressor as long as it is within the 80-105 psi range? I'm not sure if it has a pressure regulator built in. It does have a gauge where the psi can be dialed in.
Troy

[Big Red]

I have heard that it is helpful to urinate on the bolt before tightening it. It helps to free up any corrosion that may have built up over the years. ;)

CRASH

I'm not falling for that 1 man. :nono: I know that urinating on your foot is good to do after getting a jellyfish sting though. That's about all I know urinating on things is good for. :D
Troy

[CRASH]

I'm not falling for that 1 man. :nono: I know that urinating on your foot is good to do after getting a jellyfish sting though. That's about all I know urinating on things is good for. :D
Troy

Two words: Golden Shower.

CRASH

[CRASH]

I'm an accountant, what do you expect? :D I'm getting better though, I put in my axles though, wired up some rock lights, installed hood vents, Durabaked ext, etc. I'm not quite doing full width axles yet.

Could the bolt holding the tank come lose, causing it to leak. I guess that is possible. I will tighten it and see. Is there a compound that could also be applied externally to seal a air leak (super glue, silicon, teflon paste, etc)? Could I use a portable compressor as long as it is within the 80-105 psi range? I'm not sure if it has a pressure regulator built in. It does have a gauge where the psi can be dialed in.
Troy

UNBOLT THE BOLT, STRAIGHTEN THE SEAL, RTV IT, REASSEMBLE.

CRASH

[Big Red]

I have never run an ARB compressor.

Dude, you have to remove 1 bolt to disassemble the compressor. Take it apart, and fix the seal correctly. Room Temperature Vulcanizing compound.

You need between 80 and 100 PSI to run the ARB's, however you get that is up to you. I wouldn't carry around a big extra compressor on the trail, besides probably needing a large inverter to power it. How many nominal amps does it draw?

CRASH

I'm not sure how much it draws, but I just installed a new yellow top Optima deep cycle battery. I'm going to really test it out with my 3 pairs of rock lights. I never got that compound before, can I buy it as Ace Hardware, Home Depot, etc? Is it more of a plumbing sealant or air related? Thanks for all your help and info Sean and Andy, I know part of the grief you give is deserved. :tears:
Troy
Troy

[CRASH]

I'm not sure how much it draws, but I just installed a new yellow top Optima deep cycle battery. I'm going to really test it out with my 3 pairs of rock lights. I never got that compound before, can I buy it as Ace Hardware, Home Depot, etc? Is it more of a plumbing sealant or air related? Thanks for all your help and info Sean and Andy, I know part of the grief you give is deserved. :tears:
Troy
Troy

There are about 15 different kinds of RTV, it's the stuff you use on diff covers, valve covers, etc. Get it at any auto parts store. Grey or black is good for air leaks.

The number of batteries you have does not matter if you are running a 110 volts portable compressor through a power inverter. The power rating of the inverter is the limiting factor. Is it a 110 volt portable compressor? The formula for figuring out how many watts it draws:

Watts = Amps x Volts

Remember that running wattage is always about half of peak voltage at startup.

CRASH

[woody]

RTV= Silicone Sealant: Goo, Gasket in a tube, Gorilla snot. Trade name Permatex etc...

Comes in flavors like red, blue, black, grey, copper, and unflavored clear.

Avoid getting it in your eyes, or on your hootus.

[Big Red]

Thanks you guys, I have a few tubes of the red stuff from the previous owner of my jeep. He gave me everything/anything in stock parts he took off, to extra front rotors, etc. I'll have to go through it all and sell the stuff I don't need 1 of these days. I haven't taken a good look at the comp, so mind me not know how to disassemble it. I'll get it sealed up and hopefully it will work on the Rubicon trail this weekend. I know that many people have gotten through the Rubicon with 31" tires and open diffs or a locker or ls in the back, so I think I will be fine with my rear dana 44 with a detroit if my front arb decides not to work. I'm going on this trail regardless, I've waited to long to not to it now (6 yrs).
Troy

[Big Red]

I put some clear silicon to the outside but it didn't hold. I'll unbolt the tank and reseal it and reassamble thanks. Thanks for all the advise you guys, you are a wealth of info and sarcasm. :wave1:
Troy

[CRASH]

I put some clear silicon to the outside but it didn't hold. I'll unbolt the tank and reseal it and reassamble thanks. Thanks for all the advise you guys, you are a wealth of info and sarcasm. :wave1:
Troy

I'm shocked that jizzing some goo on the outside of a high pressure air leak didn't work.

Who could have foreseen such an outlandish scenario?

CRASH

[seanman]

I don't remember when I had such a good laugh. Thanks... Troy seriously are you just funnin us? If not call me maybe you can bring the heep up and I'll look things over.

Sean

[SeanP]

RTV= Silicone Sealant: Goo, Gasket in a tube, Gorilla snot. Trade name Permatex etc...

Comes in flavors like red, blue, black, grey, copper, and unflavored clear.

Avoid getting it in your eyes, or on your hootus.

Did I ever tell you about the time I Herculined my hootus? :)

[CRASH]

Did wifey enjoy that?

I imagine you could look at it as the ultimate in durable prophylactics.

And it's bumpy, for her pleasure.

CRASH

[Big Red]

Did wifey enjoy that?

I imagine you could look at it as the ultimate in durable prophylactics.

And it's bumpy, for her pleasure.

CRASH

No it's smooth and has UV protection for both of your pleasure.

[Big Red]

I don't remember when I had such a good laugh. Thanks... Troy seriously are you just funnin us? If not call me maybe you can bring the heep up and I'll look things over.

Sean

Thanks Sean. I've had a bunch of problems getting the ARB comp/wiring to work. I'll work on it a bit tonight because I'm off on the Rubicon tomorrow after work. Thanks for all your help, especially with getting those rock sliders installed, man those were a pain. I really like having them especially on a harder trail like the Rubicon. I hope your rig is coming together enough to do some wheeling this summer.
Troy

[Big Red]

I'm shocked that jizzing some goo on the outside of a high pressure air leak didn't work.

Who could have foreseen such an outlandish scenario?

CRASH

I had the silicone out so I thought, what the heck. I didn't hold too much faith in it.

[RCP Phx]

With this new information can we assume now that you bought a used compressor and wiring harness,you didnt mention that before!
1-You could buy a o-ring locally
2-Do a point-to-point continuity check on the wiring harness and the switches!

[Big Red]

With this new information can we assume now that you bought a used compressor and wiring harness,you didnt mention that before!
1-You could buy a o-ring locally
2-Do a point-to-point continuity check on the wiring harness and the switches!

I got the comp used from a good source (Crash) and the wiring harness I bought new.

[SeanP]

steinjeep.

Don't take this the wrong way, but it doesn't sound like you have a bunch of mechanical experience. It also doesn't sound like you take advice well. Those are two really scary character "issues" that when combined and brought to the back country, can be a real downer for those that you wheel with. I don't mind helping folks out on the trail, but there must be a modicum of responsibility on all wheelers. I like to wheel with folks who have skills and tools and spares to fix their rigs if something untoward happens. Nothing is a bigger buzzkill than the guy who has a hastily built rig with no spares, a big right foot, and inability to listen when someone gives them the directions to fix their problems. Please remember this when you are on the rubicon this weekend.

[CRASH]

Well said, Sean.

While the 'Con is not in the league of some of the "extreme" trails we have been running lately, it can, and does jump up and bite veterans and newbies alike.

Things you SHOULD know how to do if you wheel backcountry trails:

Change front axle shafts.
Disassemble and reassemble a differential.
Rebuild a driveshaft.
Reseat a tire bead
Build and operate a simple welder using batteries.
Diagnose electrical gremlins related to your powertrain.

I'm very anal about this kind of stuff because I travel far from the beaten path often on hunting, fishing and 4 wheeling trips. The last thing I want to do is hike 25 miles to get back to pavement.

CRASH

BTW, Troy, that ARB compressor was never mine. That came from Seanman, and was operating perfectly when he gave it to you.

[TRNDRVR]

My .02 worth of info. (http://www.4x4wire.com/toyota/tech/caddy_comp/)
I hope it helps either now or in the future for you or anybody else.
Thanks,
Dan.

[Big Red]

steinjeep.

Don't take this the wrong way, but it doesn't sound like you have a bunch of mechanical experience. It also doesn't sound like you take advice well. Those are two really scary character "issues" that when combined and brought to the back country, can be a real downer for those that you wheel with. I don't mind helping folks out on the trail, but there must be a modicum of responsibility on all wheelers. I like to wheel with folks who have skills and tools and spares to fix their rigs if something untoward happens. Nothing is a bigger buzzkill than the guy who has a hastily built rig with no spares, a big right foot, and inability to listen when someone gives them the directions to fix their problems. Please remember this when you are on the rubicon this weekend.

SeanP:

I do take advise well and appreciate all the advise that people give when I ask a question. I did get the arb comp sealed after taking out the bolt and sealed it with the sealant Crash and other suggested. I do have spare axle shafts, steering, hubs, etc and I have changed them out before at home. I don't have a heavy right foot and know that if my dual lockers will not get me past an obstacle I rather use my winch than hammer it and break something. I respect the rubicon and have wanted to do this trail for the past 6 yrs ever since I knew what it was and 1 of the main reasons I moved from Chicago to Sac was to be able to do this trail and others with my jeep. I'm not the guy you might think I am, I do lack a bit of mechanical experience, but I'm working my way up with projects like the axle swap, Durabak ext/Herculiner int, etc etc.
Troy

[Big Red]

Well said, Sean.

While the 'Con is not in the league of some of the "extreme" trails we have been running lately, it can, and does jump up and bite veterans and newbies alike.

Things you SHOULD know how to do if you wheel backcountry trails:

Change front axle shafts.
Disassemble and reassemble a differential.
Rebuild a driveshaft.
Reseat a tire bead
Build and operate a simple welder using batteries.
Diagnose electrical gremlins related to your powertrain.

I'm very anal about this kind of stuff because I travel far from the beaten path often on hunting, fishing and 4 wheeling trips. The last thing I want to do is hike 25 miles to get back to pavement.

CRASH

BTW, Troy, that ARB compressor was never mine. That came from Seanman, and was operating perfectly when he gave it to you.

Enough said, I got the comp working and appreciate all the advise I rec'd. I never doubted the comp and knew that a simple fix was possible. Thanks again and see you guys on the trail at some point or at a meet and greet where we can get to know each other better. :wave1:
Troy

[Big Red]

My .02 worth of info. (http://www.4x4wire.com/toyota/tech/caddy_comp/)
I hope it helps either now or in the future for you or anybody else.
Thanks,
Dan.

Nice mod Dan, that is a whole lot cheaper than getting an ARB comp at $240 or so. I have heard of people doing that.
Troy

[Big Red]

I got the ARB working up front and man does it grab and make it hard to turn, it's a good thing that it's so easy to flip on and off. The detroit locker I have in the back of my dana 44 is hardly noticable on the street with an auto and taking it easy on it. I do notice a slight pulse/thump when I accelerate from coasting because I know this is when the locker, locks. Thanks again for all the advice I rec'd on this thread. The comp was very easy to open up and service the seal leak. Man that tank is small enough without their being a bolt in the middle of it too. I can see where it will want to come on after a few times of flipping the locker on & off.
Troy

[Bronco]

I don’t want to quell the fun with an on topic post here and I would have chimed in sooner but I was rolling all over the floor. Nobody has mentioned that if the O ring is bad you may want to consider replacing it. It’s probably a 3 cent buna o ring that ARB would sell you for five bucks. Or better yet you could get a viton one that’s the same size and it would last forever.