1960s 1960 air ride question

[kkarrer]

Hello,
      My 1960 Eldorado has developed some issues with the air ride.  At this point, the bags are not the problem.  There's a small leak at the splitter tee located in the rear of the car near the differential.  It has a spring loaded part that is accessed with an Allen wrench.  I've cleaned it and tried tightening, but it still leaks under pressure.  I suspect that it needs a rebuild so I'd like some info on parts if anyone has a contact.  The bigger issue is that the system is now leaking air under pressure somewhere in the intake manifold area of the engine. It is louder when the oil filler cap is removed, so it's coming from that area.  As the system bleeds down the hissing sound stops.  This seems like a check valve of some sort is sticking.  Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Ken Karrer
CenTex Reg.Dir.
512-626-7268
kenneth.karreremail addresses not permitted

[Roger Zimmermann]

Do you know Mastermind  (or Mike Rizzuto)? Have a look here: https://www.mastermindinc.net/index.html
Good luck with the air suspension! This is one of the aspects for which I don't regret having sold my '57 Brougham!

[David King (kz78hy)]

Ken,

The valve in the back is the pressure relief valve and that is where the excess pressure is dumped.  The belt driven compressor runs all the time, so the excess has to go somewhere.  It would sound like the valve is malfunctioning and dumping at too low a pressure.

As far as the intake, that is mystery.  The only part of the induction system involved with the air suspension is the compressor intake tube which is connected to the carburetor air cleaner.  On your system, the exhausted suspension air is brought back to a Tee which goes into the compressor intake line.

There should not be anything plugged into the intake.

I attached a Serviceman publication which was provided to dealerships to help technicians sort out air ride problems.

It is handy to have available and also for documenting what was correct for the system.

12.2.23 added MPL images.

[kkarrer]

Dave and Roger,
    Thanks for the help with this.  I've done some trouble shooting and have come to the conclusion that the leak is in the rings or reed valves of the compressor.  That's the only way that air could get back into the engine.  I've got a reseal kit one the way and I'm going to pull the pump (no fun) and pull the crank and pistons and have a straight shaft machined to replace the old crank shaft and put the pump back together as an "idler."  Then I'll hide an electric air pump on the frame and leave the original pump "dummied up." The fact that the original pump ran all the time and at all engine speeds seems like GM was just asking for trouble on this system.  I think this will be the best compromise and will keep the car as original as possible. I'll let you know how it all works out.  It has to be better than what I've got going on now.
Take care and Merry Christmas!
Ken

[V63]

Those electric air compressors do take a lot of juice...might need to up the charging system to support it.

[kkarrer]

Thanks.  I'll speak with the supplier about that.
Ken