Tclancey Posted January 29, 2013 Posted January 29, 2013 Hi folks. I'm a new member to please forgive me if I'm in the wrong place... Just wondering if anyone has any advice on pressure testing the lego pneumatic systems. I'm building up some old models, I know I need to replace bits, but want to know which bits without going through hours of swapping them around. Also, what's the best advice for old pneumatic rams that are a bit 'lumpy', is there a safe way of lubricating internal seals? I've thought of a hyperdermic and thin motor oil, but don't want to use anything that's going to damage the plastic or o-rings. Any help gratefully received. Quote
efferman Posted January 29, 2013 Posted January 29, 2013 you should use silicon oil. mineralic oil damages the plastics Quote
dhc6twinotter Posted January 29, 2013 Posted January 29, 2013 (edited) LEGO makes a pressure gauge that comes with one or two of the LEGO Education pneumatic kits. The kits are expensive, but you may be able to find a gauge on bricklink or ebay. Welcome to the forum! Edited January 29, 2013 by dhc6twinotter Quote
JopieK Posted January 29, 2013 Posted January 29, 2013 http://www.bricklink.com/catalogItem.asp?P=64065 Quote
jwiger Posted January 30, 2013 Posted January 30, 2013 If you simply want to test for leaks i would suggest running an axle through both ends of a cylinder, then one or two sturdy rubber bands around the axles. hook the cylinder up directly to a pump and pump it just enough to fully extend it. If it stays extended then the pump and cylinder are good enough to use. If the rubber bands make the cylinder retract than you have a leak in your pump and/or you cylinder. You can trouble shoot this by replacing the pump or the cylinder, until you find a good combination. Once the pumps and cylinders pass that test you can test the retracting of cylinders using LEGO shock absorbers on the axles. If the cylinders stay still for ten to twenty minutes then they are good enough to use in models. Just be sure to use just enough air pressure to fully extend and retract them, don't keep pumping once they max out. Valves can be tested by simply adding them in-line between the pumps and cylinders and repeating the tests. Quote
Tclancey Posted January 30, 2013 Author Posted January 30, 2013 Many thanks for all the advice, very much appreciated. Cheers, Tull. Quote
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