Does anyone know how to fix leaking actuators? We have been trying the tape that comes with the kit but that isn’t working. I was going to us hot glue until I remembered the rule about no glue. Any recommendation?
The fittings on the air cylinders should have a small sealing washer. Don’t use teflon tape on these threads as it interferes with the seal washer. Take the fitting of, clean any foreign material, and reassemble, making sure the little washer is in place. Finger tighten, then tighten with a hex-key wrench (if the fitting has an internal hex recess (no every fitting does)), or carefully tighten with some pliers, but not too tight.
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Which part is leaking and where is it leaking from? Is this a new kit or has it been well used?
If the cylinders are leaking around the fittings, make sure the small gasket / o-ring is not damaged. It should go between the fitting and the cylinder. They should also be snug (very slightly beyond ‘finger tight’). Do not use tape on cylinder fittings.
If the solenoids are leaking around the fittings, check them just like the cylinder fittings.
If it is leaking where a piece of tubing connects to a fitting, try disconnecting the tubing and re-cutting the end. You need a clean, square cut on the end of tubing to seal correctly.
If the body of the solenoid is leaking air, try gently snugging the screws that hold the solenoid together. There should be very small phillips-head screws on one or both ends of each solenoid. Use an appropriately small phillips screwdriver and get the screws snug (small screws are easy to strip the heads out).
If air is leaking where either fitting connects to the reservoir, try removing the fitting, cleaning all of the old teflon tape off, wrapping new teflon tape, then re-installing and tightening firmly. If they still leak, try tightening a little bit further (tighten by about 1/6 turn at a time until the leaking stops). The reservoir fittings are the only ones that you really need a wrench or pliers to tighten.
If you are trying to locate a leak, you can use a ‘bubble’ test. Unplug everything, then mix up some bubble solution using dish soap and water (or use store-bought bubble solution). Spray or drip the bubble solution on a part that is leaking and look for where the bubbles come out.
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