Finding air leak in solenoids or actuators

25 Feb 2010

We frequently get reports of "sluggish gates" or air leaks from solenoids or cylinders and we must troubleshoot the problem to the faulty component. Often swapping components, where possible, is an excellent troubleshooting technique. Rather than physically moving solenoids or cylinders, this swapping can be done with a 2 to 3 foot length of blue air line hose. The fittings are almost always "quick disconnect" fittings. Therefore just shut the air off at the grain gage air shutoff valve, connect the parts in question with other similar parts, turn the air back on and locate the faulty component without the time consuming job of actually moving the parts.