Expert: Skip Bollinger - 7/29/2006

Question
the system is dead.  can you help me troubleshoot it for ckt breakers/fuses and how to find possible leaks (if a fuse or breaker will get the compressor working) before I start replacing expensive parts. Thanx in advance!!!

Answer
Dave,
  This question is for a repair tech and I'm not. I locate antique/obsolete auto parts but I will give you my $0.02 worth. Look in your owner's manual for the fuse to the system. You can check it to see if it is blown. If it is, replace it. You can go to almost any public library and look in their "Reference" section for a repair manual on your Lincoln. You can't check out those books but when you find the "repair tree" for the air ride system, you can photocopy it and take that home to begin testing. The "tree" will have you, in order, test parts and will tell you "If bad, replace part" OR "If good, go to next step". I'm sure the only tool you will need is a cheap test light that can be had at any parts store or W/K-Mart.
  As far as leaks go, once you get the compressor up and running, you can mix a solution of liquid dish washing soap and water. Using a small paint brush, you can brush all the air lines and connections. If you see bubbles, you have located a leak. If it is in a line, replace the line. If it is at a fitting or connection, take it apart to see if it is an "O" ring seal or compression fitting. Take the broken part to your local parts store and get a replacement part. DO NOT just go to the store and tell them you need a new connector or "O" ring for your system. We have NO BOOKS that give us that information...  I hope this helps...
Skip
Gladstone, Mo.
816-455-2337
CarPartMan@aol.com