The last time I searched the internet on soap bubbles, Dawn and Joy
liquid dishwasher detergent were recommended for making bubble
solutions (not for finding leaks but for amusing kids ). I used Dawn
and water to find a leak in a tire that was dropping from 35 psig to 25
in a week or so. It is sensitive enough to find your leak.

I would consider putting a valve at the tank inlet and see how fast it
leaks down with the valve closed and preventing air from getting to the
compressor.


Dan




Bob Engelhardt wrote:
I have an IR home-shop compressor (20 gal, 1 1/2 hp) with a leak. I
just measured & timed it: in 17 hours the pressure dropped from 100 psi
to 55. This means the compressor runs several times a day just to
maintain pressure. It is loud, so this is annoying.

In an attempt to find the leak, I sprayed soapy water on EVERYTHING: the
entire tank, the drain fittings, the "Christmas tree" fittings (pressure
switch, guage, etc). I even disconnected the pump output line to see if
the check valve was leaking back into the pump. I found a small leak in
the pressure guage connection, which I fixed (tightened). It STILL
leaks (but not the pressure guage)!!

Now it has become a challenge. I've GOT to find that leak! Before I
start taking parts off to eliminate them as leaks, does anybody have any
tips/tricks for finding leaks that might save me the work?

Thanks,
Bob