Hello all,

Well my compressor died on me...RIP. Problem is that I have a small leak in the front and the compressor was working overtime for over a year now. Here is what I want to ask you guys...I know I should just suck it up and get the full coil conversion (and believe me I WANT TO SO BADLY)....BUT....I am really tight on cash right now so I just ordered another air compressor to run me for the winter months and in the spring/summer I will get the 1.5" lowered coil conversion kit.

My question is this...I was thinking that maybe I can prolong the life of the new compressor by turning off the air switch whenever the suspension is fully inflated or whenever I am not using the car (ie parking overnight to avoid the air compressor from working since the leak is obviously continious) and only turning it back on whenever I see the front end sitting too low. Is this a good idea? Is it okay to drive the car with the air ride switch off? Would this help prolong the lifespan of the new compressor for atleast the next few months? Any help/comments/suggestions welcome. Again...I know I should get the coil kit but trust me when I say I can barely afford a damn hair cut these days. :(

THANKS GUYS


Vae Victus

The compressor will shut itself off after 1 hour of the car being parked.
so shutting it off overnight wont help.

the main problem is the continous running of the compressor due to the leak.
the new compressor wont last "long" under that condition.

Turning it off while driving greatly depends on the leak itself.
It MIGHT be ok..for a short while, but keep in mind.. leaks dont get better, they get worse.

Each time the front "pancakes" it probably opens up that crack a little more each time.
... you see where this is going...

honestly there is no cheap easy fix....or workaround... the problem IS what it IS, many have been there before you.

I'd put a set of front struts on it with your new compressor and enjoy the next 100K of trouble free air ride.

on my 400K car I replaced most of the air ride by 200K and at 400K it was still going strong.
it's not a bad system when problems are properly addressed.
The scenario you describe isn't properly addressing the problems and only gonna make more headaches for yourself down the road.

hell...even an EBAY air bag would be better than a known leaking bag.

"THIS" might help.. in the short term.

At your current "ride height" you obviously have a leak.
So.. move your front height sensors to a position that RAISES the front of the car to a different height.

THIS might allow you to inflate the bags and turn the compressor off.
by raising the car (again depending on the leak itself) you MIGHT get the car to "go down the road" and not leak.

Once you get the front to "not leak" then move the rear sensor to the level the car out...

Your car is gonna "look" funny in 4X4 mode, but it might buy you the time you need/want.

Dont "lower the car" via the sensor as that will exasperate the problem by exposing the leak more often. by raising it, hopefully the crack will stay closed.

...hope this helps.

THANK YOU VERY MUCH XLRVIII!
I will definately try your "4x4" scenario no matter how stupid it may look. lol
Like I said I really only need this compressor to make it thru the winter and once that happens I am switching to an air-free suspension. I love the air ride and its comfortable and smooth ride....but when u live in a city that has 6 solid months of hard winter with a crap load of salt on the roads it can become very tiresome maintaining the air ride on our cars.

Again, I really appreciate ur help bro.

btw...400k? DAMN! :eek: Thats what i call gettin ur money's worth. lol Are u the original owner of the mark? Cuz honestly thats the only way i can see it hitting 400k and i assume running well still. :)

btw...400k? DAMN! :eek: Thats what i call gettin ur money's worth. lol Are u the original owner of the mark? Cuz honestly thats the only way i can see it hitting 400k and i assume running well still. :)

no problem bro,

I got my car with 68,000 miles in sept of 99 drove it til april of 08 when it was stolen

I had a compressor problem but no leaks in my bags earlier this year and I turned off my compressor for 2 months an ran it without dropping.

Just so you know.. Eddie Spinks will give you a refund for your old compressor if you purchase a new or rebuild from him. http://www.americanairsuspension.com/ Best guy in the business of Air Ride support. His site also has tips plus he's usually available to take questions.. give him a call.

I got my car with 68,000 miles in sept of 99 drove it til april of 08 when it was stolen

Man that sucks bro that ur car got stolen. I can't imagine how pissed of u must've been.


Thanks mespock...I actually did speak with Eddie via email. Very nice person and very helpful.

Again thanks guys for all the help. This is one of the best forum sites out there BY FAR! :D

btw....I have another question and dont wanna start a new thread cuz of space and all.
When my suspension was functioning normal I noticed that my driver side front suspension was significantly higher than the passenger side. I searched the forums and found a few threads talking about a height sensor but I dont know how to fix the problem. Something about readjusting the height sensor but couldn't find any info on how to do it. It looks horrible when one side is higher than the rest....ANNOYS THE HELL OUT OF ME! lol

psssst. your compressor may not be dead Im waiting on cracker to bring me a stock comp. so we can post up a how to revive a stocker. Its a cheap fix, should only cost $1 and about 1Hr of labor I was shocked at what I found but not really surprised.

Man that sucks bro that ur car got stolen. I can't imagine how pissed of u must've been.


It happened in april and I'm still pissed....haha

I know where they found the car at, I have the address..
I just cant decide how to proceed from this point.

It's a rental property, rented to crackheads who are fencing stolen property in exchange for rock.

"I think a good fire sale" is in order, but.. am still exploring other avenues...
... I pity the fool that rents their house to crackhead theives.. I have no sympathy for them.

btw....I have another question and dont wanna start a new thread cuz of space and all.
When my suspension was functioning normal I noticed that my driver side front suspension was significantly higher than the passenger side. I searched the forums and found a few threads talking about a height sensor but I dont know how to fix the problem. Something about readjusting the height sensor but couldn't find any info on how to do it. It looks horrible when one side is higher than the rest....ANNOYS THE HELL OUT OF ME! lol

Don't be affraid of asking another question... You question may be missed as some members may feel that they responded to your question and not return again to this thread.

Not everyone is a Post Junkie...

Height sensors are easy to adjust.. Just need I believe on 10 mm socket and there's one nut to loosen.

Just make sure that both mounting nipples are adjusted to the same height. This should make sure that your car sits level.

There may be other reasons for the car to sag. Again the best suggestion is to contact Eddie. He's the go to guy on Air Ride. He's not going to tell you you need something that you don't need. He'll help you fix your problem in the most ecconomical way possible.

Others may offer more suggestions and you may find a solution on his trouble shooting page.

Good Luck.

.. Just need I believe on 10 mm socket and there's one nut to loosen.

.

mine were 11MM.. just for conversations sake.

Just don't tighten them too much... they are easy to break if your not being careful...

thanks guys...you've been of great help.

kustomizingkid....let me know about ur revival technique...cuz yeah that would definately help out with the $$$$ department. lol

mespock....so basically I loosen them and then what? Do i take out the sensor all together? And how does this sensor look like anyways? My car is slammed at the moment so I cant even take a peek. lol

XLRVIII....I say BURN DEM DOWN! lol But nah seriously, dont worry about it man. It looks like they're being punished as is for being the dimwitted crackerjacks that they are. I have no sympathy for them either man...you are the creator of ur own path....so choose wisely and stop blaming others for ur stupidity!

Move the height sensor up and the car goes down.. or vice versa.
it's been so long since I moved mine I cant remember, but it's pretty straightforward.

The front sensors work opposite of the rear "sensor" (only one on the rear)
Compress the front sensor to lower the car and expand the rear sensor to lower the car.. do the opposite if you are trying to raise the car.

and if you do break the ball the sensor clips in dont panic, use the little mount from an 83-91 s10 blazer gas shock for the rear glass. Ive used it when mine broke.

That's how it's done. Don't take the sensor off. Just loosen and move.

I hate to bust anyones bubble, but there is no $1 fix for any of these compressors. All the different compressors on Fords/Lincolns have different things that go wrong with them. Most of the time, the Mark VIII's are full of water and require much more than a dollars worth of parts. Vent solenoids, rusted dryer plates, corroded intake and/or exhaust valves, water damaged piston rings, brushes are worn out because the lead dust mixed with the water(basically sanding down the brushes and armature)......and this is not all.

I hate to bust anyones bubble, but there is no $1 fix for any of these compressors. All the different compressors on Fords/Lincolns have different things that go wrong with them. Most of the time, the Mark VIII's are full of water and require much more than a dollars worth of parts. Vent solenoids, rusted dryer plates, corroded intake and/or exhaust valves, water damaged piston rings, brushes are worn out because the lead dust mixed with the water(basically sanding down the brushes and armature)......and this is not all.

Yes somewhat true, the 2 that I cracked open, They were both running sluggish and that led to a fix.

Everyone wants a cheap fix...

I know where I'm going when my compressor dies, I believe that Eddie offers the best possible product.

Everyone wants a cheap fix...

I know where I'm going when my compressor dies, I believe that Eddie offers the best possible product.

Kracker and Mafioso did get a dead pump running again, very cheaply.
I agree that Eddie's products are "second to none".

Tiffany also frankensteined three compressors to make 1.
That compressor lasted over 200,000 miles with Eddie's Spider valve attached to it. That compressor still "lives" it's in my spare parts box.

I hate to bust anyones bubble, but there is no $1 fix for any of these compressors. All the different compressors on Fords/Lincolns have different things that go wrong with them. Most of the time, the Mark VIII's are full of water and require much more than a dollars worth of parts. Vent solenoids, rusted dryer plates, corroded intake and/or exhaust valves, water damaged piston rings, brushes are worn out because the lead dust mixed with the water(basically sanding down the brushes and armature)......and this is not all.

And this is why Eddie created the Spider Valve....

Everyone wants a cheap fix...

I know where I'm going when my compressor dies, I believe that Eddie offers the best possible product.

I've said it too many times Eddie is the best.. I'll stand by Eddie, his work and service anytime.

And this is why Eddie created the Spider Valve....


+1 for spider valve!!!!

if it will carry a frankensteined compressor for 200K like it did on my car

I'm wondering why Eddie doesnt get on the ball and make some more, that is the best aftermarket device ever produced for the mark 8

I want one... and I will buy one the day Eddie make them available again!

If you get a enough people together maybe he'll do it.

perhaps you should consider purchasing a set of USED air bags from a vendor like Jamie. They won't last as long, but they'll work.

If you get a enough people together maybe he'll do it.

last I heard he said they were a PITA to build.

looking at mine, I can see what he's talking about.

but.. it's a great product none the less.. and I have the "first generation" spider valve without the water traps.

I literally SWEAR by this device.. I was so glad that I recovered it from my stolen car {stupid theives didn't know what it was)
HAHA

Your making me jealous Tommy....

Have you put your spider valve on the slow car?

Sounds simple....lol. I will definately play around with that sensor and hopefully all will go well without breaking anything (finger's crossed).

What is this "spider valve" you're all talking about? Obviously its something aftermarket...but what is it used for? Sounds interesting.

Eddie will be having Spider Valves available by Nov. 21st of this year...

Go to http://www.lincolnvscadillac.com/showthread.php?p=444658#post444658 for more info..

fyi....i finally got the new air compressor in and I've been shutting the air ride switch off when the car is not in use. So far so good. New pump is awesome! Barely any sound...unlike the old dead one. lol

Sounds good mang!

Did you try raising the car up?

fyi....i finally got the new air compressor in and I've been shutting the air ride switch off when the car is not in use. So far so good. New pump is awesome! Barely any sound...unlike the old dead one. lol

You shouldn't have to turn off the air ride with the new pump. With the air ride off you will not get the drop at hwy speeds or adjust for loads..

Hey Kustomizingkid...well the car is raised up alright..in fact its WAAAAAYY UP. lol Tryin to get it down and I seem to be confused out of my mind cuz from all the info I got so far I still am not sure what to do with the damn sensor. In fact I'm not even sure if I have located correctly. Is it the black plasticy thing that loops just ontop of the tire??? :confused: I;m so lost! Can anyone post a pic of it if possible?

Mespock...I understand ur point perfectly. But my concern was overworking the pump again and frying it. I have a leak somewhere upfront...tho i must admit, I have had the new pump installed about a week ago and the air ride switched off and the car is still pretty high. :D Maybe the leak isnt as bad as i thought it to be.

Hey Kustomizingkid...well the car is raised up alright..in fact its WAAAAAYY UP. lol Tryin to get it down and I seem to be confused out of my mind cuz from all the info I got so far I still am not sure what to do with the damn sensor. In fact I'm not even sure if I have located correctly. Is it the black plasticy thing that loops just ontop of the tire??? :confused: I;m so lost! Can anyone post a pic of it if possible?


here you go buddy.. good article with pictures..
http://www.lincolnvscadillac.com/tech/lincoln-mark-viii/Sensor-Lowering/index.htm

I have an easy question. Where are the fuses and relays related to the air ride system? I don't have my manual. Mine isn't running and I want to check the fuses first. Also can you drive a MK8 a short distance (couple miles home) with the front bags deflated ?

A local kid drove his 93 Mark with the air ride completely deflated for 3 months...

I would check the high power relay you can swap it for the abs one.

Your making me jealous Tommy....

Have you put your spider valve on the slow car?

not yet..but I plan on it, prolly do it when I change the oil
:shifty:

Also can you drive a MK8 a short distance (couple miles home) with the front bags deflated ?

If there is a leak/crack in the bladder, running it while it's deflated will probably make the leak worse.

Try what KK said, take the Air Ride Relay and Swap it with the ABS relay and see if the pump comes on.

The Air Ride Relay is bolted to the bracket the compressor sits in.
It's behind the passenger side splash sheild in the fender well.

The ABS relay is located in nearly the same location, but it's on the drivers side
So your gonna have to get behind both fender splash shields to do this.

IF you swap the relays and the compressor works.. you probably need a new compressor. When they get weak and tired they overload the relay.

If you think just "chunking junkyard relays" is a fix.. dont do it.

If you keep running a weak compressor your also risking shorting out the air ride computer.

A compressor can take out the relay a couple of times. but eventually it's gonna fry the computer.

"been there done that".

The Air Ride Relay is bolted to the bracket the compressor sits in.
It's behind the passenger side splash sheild in the front of the fender well.



more like under the headlights inside the bumper cover

more like under the headlights inside the bumper cover
crap your right, well on the second gens..
the first gens are as described above

I keep forgetting they moved em on the 2nd gens