ARB Mini-compressor Question?
Thread Starter
JK Super Freak
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 1,053
Likes: 1
From: Olean NY
ARB Mini-compressor Question?
I got a rear ARB locker installed a couple weeks ago, havent been off road yet to test them. I took my jeep on a muddy dirt road to test lockers out and I just want to make sure this is normal.
When I first start compressor it runs for about 3-5 seconds. Then when I hit the locker switch it runs for 2-3 seconds. then it runs for about 2 seconds every minute while driving with locker engaged. Is it supposed to run this much. Its the mini-compressor so I know it doesnt hold a lot of air, just wanted to make sure it works. plus, when I turn locker off, I thought I was supposed to hear something, it doesnt make any noise. Is all this normal? I had the compressor and lines professionaly installed.
When I first start compressor it runs for about 3-5 seconds. Then when I hit the locker switch it runs for 2-3 seconds. then it runs for about 2 seconds every minute while driving with locker engaged. Is it supposed to run this much. Its the mini-compressor so I know it doesnt hold a lot of air, just wanted to make sure it works. plus, when I turn locker off, I thought I was supposed to hear something, it doesnt make any noise. Is all this normal? I had the compressor and lines professionaly installed.
JK Freak
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 811
Likes: 0
From: Broken Arrow, OK
i have the compressor as well but i dont use it for lockers. i know without my air hose hooked plugged in it will run as you described every few seconds. i would think with it running your air lockers it might run for longer periods of time. either way i think youre good. it seems like your lockers dont require a ton of air to keep them locked or the compressor would run forever which might not be too good for it... just my 2 cents since im not a pro nor do i have air lockers 
Thread Starter
JK Super Freak
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 1,053
Likes: 1
From: Olean NY
Nevermind, all fixed. I doused compressor with soapy water from spray bottle. It was leaking at the pressure switch. I removed pressure switch, removed all teflon tape, wrapped generous amount of teflon tape on threads, reinstalled as hard as I could tighten with fingers and tested it. Ran for 10 minutes with locker engaged, drove around block a few times (that was fun with locker engaged
) it did not cycle one time.
) it did not cycle one time.
JK Junkie
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 2,818
Likes: 3
From: Folsom, CA
Yep. You have a system air leak.
The compressor should run briefly when you turn it on (unless you have a reserve tank). Then it should run briefly whenever you engage a locker (unless you have the reserve tank). Then it shouldn't run again until you shut the locker off and turn it back on.
If you run a reserve tank it balances the air system and allows you to run the compressor longer initially but cycle it less when using your lockers.
I usually run all 4wd trails open, then add the rear when it gets tough and add the front only when its a must and then turn it right off once I'm over the obsticle. All the ons and offs can be annoying without a reserve tank...
The compressor should run briefly when you turn it on (unless you have a reserve tank). Then it should run briefly whenever you engage a locker (unless you have the reserve tank). Then it shouldn't run again until you shut the locker off and turn it back on.
If you run a reserve tank it balances the air system and allows you to run the compressor longer initially but cycle it less when using your lockers.
I usually run all 4wd trails open, then add the rear when it gets tough and add the front only when its a must and then turn it right off once I'm over the obsticle. All the ons and offs can be annoying without a reserve tank...