EAS air tube connector failure

[glenhendry]

Today I was getting out of the car after having driven to work and when I was about to lock the doors, there was a tremendous gush of air from the front. It turned out that the air line from the valve block to the air tank has blown a T piece connector (http://www.flickr.com/photos/53625512@N07/6954725007/). But the hose didnt just pop out of the connector, the connector broke (or came apart) where the red arrow indicates. It was the silver (metal?) part came away from the black plastic body.

I was able to push it back in, but I am not sure if it will hold 150psi again. Anyone had any of these connectors fail without provocation?

[Hoges]

Not as yet... but the consistently high under-bonnet temp can shorten the life span of "plastic" parts... whether they are made of high temp resin or whatever. I bought several T pieces from Airbag man but they're the metal ones. Rather than push-fit, they physically clamp on to the nylon air line...

The "Fittings express" mob at Brendale have a good selection of bits and pieces at reasonable price...

Cheers

[Hoges]

Variation on a theme...

re. the T pieces:

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2012/03/1202.jpg

Mounted the ball valves on a U-shaped 3mm aluminium 'bracket'.

Bracket itself mounted using a spare threaded section protruding from the engine bay.:eek:

The T pieces accept 6mm tubing while the push-in connectors between the valve block and the ball valve are similarly 6mm OD tubing.

Each T piece feeds to a Schraeder valve for connection to a compressor while the other end connects to an airbag... all 4 Schraeder valves mounted on a plate screwed to the bonnet supporting cross member

To isolate the system simply turn each ball-valve 90deg..

The picture represents the system on "automatic".

It's been very reliable.

[PaulP38a]

Nice setup Hoges, that is almost identical to the "Premium EAS Emergency Bypass Kit" Andy and I have been wanting to put together.
The push-on fittings (plastic or metal) have an inherint problem of the o-rings potentially wearing out over time and leading to leaks.

Glen - I'm going to send you some replacements.

Cheers, Paul.

[adm333]

Hoges, your engine bay is freakishly clean :eek:

[Hoges]

Hoges, your engine bay is freakishly clean :eek:

old photo...before Cape York!