Did a boost leak test last night and noticed when using soapy water that my couplers leak a very minute amount from the threads in between the layers in the couplers. Has anyone else experienced this? Is this normal, I noticed my other ones doing it as well.

 

i did experience that on my car and 2 other x that i boost leak tested. I tried tightening it more but did not work so i guess it is normal. My coupler was made by k&n and the other two was ams, and ets.

 

Interesting. I tested some other ones and they all did the same thing. I had Akuma, Hose Techniques, ETS, and FP.

I might call and ask Hose Techniques to see why they do this.

 

That's interesting. I'm not sure how it's even possible to get air between the layers unless the coupler has a tear or crack in it.

Have you checked the inside of the coupler?

 

I did. It's not noticeable unless you spray soapy water on the edge of the coupler. I tested all of them and they all had similar results.

 

all soft material is permeable, it isnt metal

 

True, but you would think that a silicone layered coupler pressurized to 10psi would be less permeable than a rubber belted tire pressurized to 40psi.

 

Would it be possible to use v band clamps instead? They are great for the exhaust side, why not intake side?

 

V-band clamps require the ends of the pipe to have couplers welded on and there is no real sealing done. If you want to go that route, you could be a baller and get Wiggins clamps at $100/each.