Can you manually fill the air shocks on an '83 Aspencade?

[PRACTIKALGUY]

After my ride today, I noticed that the rear shocks are a bit low, but the compressor has decided to quit working. Is that what the air hose valve on top of the compressor is for? Would I be correct to press rear shock and increase, then hit that valve fitting with a bit of air?
Thanks.

[virgilmobile]

Yea but don't use a air compressor like at the gas station or for your air tools.
Way too much pressure and volume.
My interstate had air shocks.Manual type.I used a bicycle tire pump for them.
Just a shot with a big compressor will certainly overinflated the system and possibly blow the seals out.
How bout fixing your compressor?

[PRACTIKALGUY]

Fixing the compressor is the plan, but I just needed a method short-term. I figured that must be what that valve is for.

[virgilmobile]

I understand...If you must use your home compressor,be really careful...maybe reduce the line pressure from 110 psi down to what you would put in the shocks...

[PRACTIKALGUY]

Yeah, it's really low output....one of those cordless, portable pumps.

[PRACTIKALGUY]

Probably about the same output (maybe a bit more) than the actual on-board compressor.

[virgilmobile]

Great...Just hook it up ...Kinda like an equivalent bypass of the existing compressor....I don't see a problem using that type..

[virgilmobile]

I wonder if you could grab power from the original compressor wires..??
Unless it's the reason the onboard one quit.....I hope that the control valves are working...I guess you'll find out in short order.

[Fatwing Chris]

I used to fill my rear shocks on my 84 Int at the local gas station before I had a compressor in my garage without hurting anything.Fronts you definitely need to do by hand as the range is only 4-7 lbs.

[PRACTIKALGUY]

Well, I had to remove the false tank again to add coolant, and, guess what I found? My compressor relay out of its socket, just rolling around. I assume that, when I put the tank back on, I pushed it out.....good cautionary tale. Anyway, I put the relay back in, and the compressor works just fine. I'm still glad to know that, if need be, I can fill up the shocks manually with that valve.
Thanks for the help!

[lhelber]

I'm glad I learned that too. I thought that valve was only used for filling your tires, provided you had the correct hose.