Operation Manual ELF-1 Evap Leak Finder RTI Technologies, Inc. 10 Innovation Drive York, Pennsylvania 17402 USA Phone: 717-840-0678 Web-site: rti@rtitech.
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS & HIGH PRESSURE WARNINGS i Pay close attention to ALL warnings, as serious injury or damage could result! Throughout the ELF-1 Operation Manual, the symbol shown at right will designate where particular attention should be paid and caution should be exercised. i Be aware that even at the relatively low pressures delivered by the ELF-1, improper use can cause permanent damage to some systems and components, and can be hazardous to the operator and others in the vicinity.
INDEX Use Caution when Working with High Pressure ......................... 1 Leak Testing Techniques ........................................................... 1 Control Devices .......................................................................... 2 Initial Set up ............................................................................... 3 Calibration & Internal Leak Check .............................................. 3 Modes of Operation 1 PSI Mode .............................................
USE CAUTION WHEN WORKING WITH HIGH PRESSURE ELF-1 is capable of supplying over 15 PSI of pressure when the Pressure Regulator is fully opened. While this may not seem to be a very high pressure reading when compared to some pressure levels, it is very high when exposed to systems and components that were not designed for high pressure. Components such as a fuel tank will certainly be distorted at 15 PSI, and may even rupture.
CONTROL DEVICES Pressure Regulator: Regulates air pressure. Pull control knob away from cabinet and rotate in desired direction. It locks in position when the control knob is released. Timer: Power is turned on when the knob is turned clockwise to set a time period up to ten minutes. It can be turned counterclockwise to turn off power. Polarity Indicator: Illuminates when power cable is correctly connected to a 12 VDC battery.
INITIAL SET UP It is essential that ELF-1 is set up properly each time it is used. Failure to adhere to the following instructions will result in inaccurate diagnosis and potential damage (and possible destruction) to individual systems and components. The Pressure Regulator is adjustable from a minimum of zero PSI to a maximum of 15 PSI. Extreme care must be taken to ensure that pressure settings in all modes are appropriate for the system or component being tested.
Fog will be flowing when the Timer is activated and the Fog Tube is connected to the system. The Flow Indicator will be illuminated. The actual flow will be displayed on the Flow Meter, and increasing pressure will be indicated by the Pressure Gauge. Pressure will reach 1 PSI and the pressure switch will stop any further flow assuming that there is no leak in the system. The Flow Indicator will go off. Observe the Pressure Gauge to see if the 1 PSI of pressure is dropping.
4 - 15 PSI MODE When in this mode, internal pressure switches are by-passed enabling full control over the amount of pressure and/or volume that ELF-1 will supply. It is very important that the Pressure Regulator is turned all the way down (counterclockwise) before applying fog in this mode. Failure to observe proper procedures may result in damage, distortion and destruction of components not designed to be pressurized to 15 PSI.
PRESSURE & AIR FLOW CHARTS The following information is an outline of the relationships between the flow of air, the pressure applied and the size of a leak that influences them. In all cases assume that any leak size described is the equivalent area of the diameter of the leak. Of course few leaks are round, but all have an open area of leakage. LEAK CHART 1 LEAK SIZE PSI SCFH 0.020 0.020 0.020 0.020 0.020 0.020 0.020 0.020 0.020 0.020 0.020 0.020 0.020 0.020 0.
FOG CHEMICAL - LEVEL LOW A new charge of fog chemical needs to be added when ELF-1 stops providing fog. Remove the cap from the fill port on the top of ELF-1 and add 3 ounces from the 4 ounce bottle. Re-order a new bottle for the future. The one ounce left in the bottle is a reserve in case a new bottle was not ordered. Order RTI Part Number: 438100 (4 oz Bottle) or 438115 (6 Bottles) Never overfill ELF-1. The unit will need to be returned to the factory and is not covered under warranty.
VACUUM LINES - INTAKE MANIFOLD - PLENUM Today’s vehicles are true engineering marvels. The sealing on and in the various systems has improved tremendously over the last 10 to 15 years. Systems that leaked on a regular basis no longer leak at all, and occasional leaks have become harder to find. Oil leaks are now almost as rare as fuel leaks and can be much harder to pinpoint. On-board computer systems may be instrumental in masking a drive ability problem.
ENGINE MECHANICAL - HEAD GASKET - COOLANT TO OIL If coolant is found in the engine oil, there are a number of potential paths that could leak to cause this condition. While impossible to be definitive about the exact path, it is usually possible to confirm that the condition exists. Applying ELF-1 to the radiator (after draining the coolant) will eventually cause fog to appear at either the oil filler location, the dipstick tube or the PCV valve.
EVAPORATIVE EMISSIONS SYSTEMS Basically there are two types of EVAP Systems. Vacuum operated and electronically operated. Both types are designed to ensure that gasoline fumes from the fuel tank do not get into the atmosphere. Earlier vacuum operated systems simply provide a vacuum signal from the engine, which opens a valve (diaphragm) on the top of the canister that allows the stored (adsorbed) gasoline fumes to be sucked into the engine once it is running.
Parts List - With Part Numbers Complete Adapter Set: 438130 High Intensity White Light Fog Chemical - 1 Bottle: 438100 438140 Fog Chemical - 6 Bottles: 438115 8 ft Clear Fog Hose: 438125 Page 11
