Im not sure, but it looks like my ARB compressor blew out some oil from one of the solenoids. There is a oily spot on the underside of my hood, right above the compressor and one of the soloenoids has some oil on it too. Did I blow a seal? Im just wondering what this could be? Both lockers still work so it cant be too bad. Just wondering if I need to put in oil or what? Cant find anything in the manual about this so Im stumped.

The only problem I've had with my ARB compressor in the 5 years I've had it was the bolt that holds the small tank on loosed up. I just took the bolt out, cleaned and greased the O ring, and locktited the bolt back in. Stopped my leak and it works great again. Never had any problem with oil leaking though. Probably didn't help much.

As you said...its no big deal

I've had the same thing with mine for the past 3-1/2 years.

The first thing that you want to check is make sure your breathers aren't blocked and that your airline exposed inside the diff (from the inside top of the housing to the cap) isn't leaking although you said they worked fine which would rule this out.

Barring that, if it really bothers you that much you need to order a seal replacement kit from ARB to replace the seals inside the locker. This comes with bolts as well as once you undo it you need to replace them.

I've replaced the orings on mine with no luck so I surmize that the above is correct, that and the fact that the only way it can suck diff fluid is to have it blow past one of the seals. I have the kit but have yet to put it in.

Usually when oil is blowing out of the solenoid, the o-rings at the seal housing are the problem. When you release the locker, oil is being sucked past the o-rings and blown out the solenoid. As long as the compressor isn't constantly cycling on and off trying to keep the locker engaged, it's not too big a problem, just keep an eye on it.

HTH,
HEAD

How often should the compressor cycle. Mine is not constant because I dont run my locker constantly, just long enough to get over an obstacle and move on.

I've left mine engaged for a few hours without hearing the comopressor engage. This was in the garage while working on some other stuff though. I do the same as you on the trail...it's only on when I need it.

HEAD

damn! I need to do some work on the seals then. Mine I bet if left engaged would cycle every 5 minutes or so.

I've had that thing scare the crap outa me when you forget and leave it on, and hours later your working on somthing and it kicks on...:eek:

No doubt. I was catching some zzzz's under the heep when that thing woke me up!


Anyways, it sounds like you've got some o-ring replacing to do. It's not a hard job, just labor intensive having to remove the axles etc....

Good luck,

HEAD