Air line connection leaks on exhaust brake

[B.G. Smith]

The push on fittings for the 1/4" plastic lines on my exhaust brake continue to leak. Replaced them with original type and still leak. anyone find a fitting that will hold air for a while?

 

[petersonj]

Did you trim the air line back a little to ensure the line is round and smooth and did you make sure there are no burrs or sharp edges on the end of the line? If the end on the air line is sharp or has a burr, it can cut the O-ring during assembly.

Does the new push-to-connect fitting use a brass sleeve to fit inside the air line? Some fittings don't use the sleeve and they are more prone to leaking.

- John

 

[ScottLewis]

After years of slow leak down of the air and replacing air lines several times, I finally gave up trying to stop the leaks. 100 PSI places a strain on the fittings and is difficult to maintain, especially if the truck sits a few days. The air bags, on the other hand, stay a fairly low pressure and stay inflated much longer.

 

[seafish]

I am going to venture that the problem is due more to Cummins and air compressor induced vibrations of the plastic lines then in the type of fitting.

Maybe time to spring for copper tubing with compression fittings instead ???

 

[AH64ID]

I agree with John, what condition was the air line in?


I’ve never had those fittings leak on either my airbags or the exhaust brake.

 

[B.G. Smith]

Did you trim the air line back a little to ensure the line is round and smooth and did you make sure there are no burrs or sharp edges on the end of the line? If the end on the air line is sharp or has a burr, it can cut the O-ring during assembly.

Does the new push-to-connect fitting use a brass sleeve to fit inside the air line? Some fittings don't use the sleeve and they are more prone to leaking.

- John

I just cut the line with razor blade and installed, I will make sure no burrs this time... got new fittings in ail today. No sleeve. The compressor is rubber mounted, vibration may be a factor. Thanks for the replies.

 

[BigPapa]

You talking about these fittings?

 

[B.G. Smith]

Did you trim the air line back a little to ensure the line is round and smooth and did you make sure there are no burrs or sharp edges on the end of the line? If the end on the air line is sharp or has a burr, it can cut the O-ring during assembly.

Does the new push-to-connect fitting use a brass sleeve to fit inside the air line? Some fittings don't use the sleeve and they are more prone to leaking.

- John

You talking about these fittings?

View attachment 133628

View attachment 133639

Yes, the first two sets were stainless steel.

 

[BigPapa]

We use mainly the brass ones at the shop a LOT. As long as it's the correct tubing and the end is square and smooth we don't have any problems. We did get some 1/4" tubing from O'Reilly's a few months ago because we were out and in a bind and it wouldn't work with them.