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Bus Discussion => Bus Topics ( click here for quick start! ) => Topic started by: belfert on November 08, 2008, 04:27:58 PM

Title: OT- finding leaks in enclosed trailer
Post by: belfert on November 08, 2008, 04:27:58 PM
Any suggestions on how to find where water is coming on an enclosed trailer?  I have two or maybe three seperate leaks.  I've looked over the roof and can't see any issues.

I did replace one side panel and the front plastic cap earlier in the summer, but the leaks are nowhere near these areas.  I hate to spend the time to take this to a trailer dealer, plus I hate paying the $80 or 90 an hour they charge.
Title: Re: OT- finding leaks in enclosed trailer
Post by: Hartley on November 08, 2008, 05:40:57 PM
Shop Vac using the exhaust connector..

drill a hole to stick the hose into. close it up and fill with air pressure..

Pressurize the trailer then spray water all over it.. sudsy works too...

Title: Re: OT- finding leaks in enclosed trailer
Post by: niles500 on November 08, 2008, 07:03:06 PM
Have some one pressure clean it while your inside - Kills 2 birds - clean trailer - leaks found - HTH
Title: Re: OT- finding leaks in enclosed trailer
Post by: TomCat on November 08, 2008, 08:12:59 PM
HVAC techs use a non smelly smoke generator to easily find duct and system leaks.

I'll bet Nick has some in his tool box!

HTH

Jay
87 SaftLiner
Title: Re: OT- finding leaks in enclosed trailer
Post by: jjrbus on November 08, 2008, 10:53:09 PM
Someone inside with compressor and blowgun, someone out side with soappy water.   Jim
Title: Re: OT- finding leaks in enclosed trailer
Post by: Sojourner on November 09, 2008, 01:23:35 AM
One person can do this and works every time.

Pressurize enclose vehicle is much quicker to find the leaks of the unknown areas. Many of cars dealer take a squirrel cage blower into open car window...bingo...a leak here and there the instant you slow flow water over any area. Never use garden hose nozzle because you cannot see the blowing bubbles.

Shop vacuum might be great enough flow if you have every door & window seal tight but the portable squirrel cage blower will do. Tape large cardboard over door opening and cut out blower outlet's opening and turn on. You with a garden hose with medium flow (no nozzle) over suspected areas.

Shop air blow gun will work if you know where the leak is....in other words; you have to be at the leak spot to bubble.

Keep it simple and be done is my goal. Even I don't always do that.

FWIW

Sojourn for Christ, Gerald
Title: Re: OT- finding leaks in enclosed trailer
Post by: bruceknee on November 09, 2008, 04:15:33 AM
Fill it with water and turn it up side down
Title: Re: OT- finding leaks in enclosed trailer
Post by: Busted Knuckle on November 09, 2008, 04:18:59 AM
Fill it with water and turn it up side down

LOL! Now that right thar is funny! I don't care who ya are! ROFLMAO!  ;D  BK  ;D
Title: Re: OT- finding leaks in enclosed trailer
Post by: FloridaCliff on November 09, 2008, 04:39:21 AM
Fill it with water and turn it up side down


Bruce,

You are the "Man's Man of the day".  LOL     I love it!  ;D

I myself have used the pressurizing with a blower or vaccum many times with great success.

The blower being the preferred method as Gerald explained .

Leaks have a funny way of traveling from one odd spot to another.

Cliff
Title: Re: OT- finding leaks in enclosed trailer
Post by: jjrbus on November 09, 2008, 06:03:17 AM
I agree blower is the delux method, shop air is fast and cheap if you have general idea where leak is and two people!! You may find leak in a few minutes as compared to time spent sealing up unit.  Jim
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