Troubleshooting Constant Venting on Air Lift Compressor Manifold Valve

Updated 09/12/2025 | Published 08/23/2025

Question:

The Air Lift Air Compressor Manifold Valve 72708W, is constantly venting. As soon as the compressor starts, the manifold vents. Whats causing this? Its was installed 4 yrs ago.

asked by: Sheyne H

Expert Reply:

Hey Sheyne!

I reached out to Air Lift about this and they had a few quick questions of their own to try and narrow down the potential culprits:

1. Is the compressor continuously running, or does it shut off while the venting continues?
2. Has any moisture drainage or winterizing maintenance been done (especially since it's 4 years old)?
3. Is the venting constant or pulsed (intermittent hiss)?
4. Was the system recently modified or has the issue slowly developed?

Beyond that, here's the process they laid out to try and confirm and then resolve that constant venting:

1. Check for a Stuck Exhaust Valve
Have the customer listen near the manifold and feel if air is venting from the exhaust fitting.
Tap the manifold lightly to see if the exhaust valve is stuck open and might reseat.
2. Test with the Compressor Disconnected
Disconnect the compressor airline from the manifold.
If venting stops immediately, then the compressor’s check valve is faulty and allowing backflow into the manifold.
3. Inspect the Check Valve
Check that the check valve between the compressor and the manifold is present and working.
If it allows air to leak back after the compressor turns off, it causes the manifold to dump.
4. Spray for Leaks
Use soapy water around the manifold’s fittings and exhaust port.
If bubbles form at the vent or nearby fittings, there’s an internal leak or stuck solenoid.
5. Check for Moisture Damage
After 4 years, especially if no water trap is installed, the exhaust valve or manifold solenoids may be contaminated by corrosion or debris.

Let me know what you find and we can go from there!

expert reply by: Chris R

Chris R.

9/12/2025

Hey Sheyne, Did you have a chance to go through the steps I shared to troubleshoot the venting issue with your Air Lift compressor manifold? I'm eager to hear what you discovered so I can continue assisting you with this problem.

Sheyne H.

9/12/2025

The best I can figure, is some dust got in the exhaust vent, which caused the vent to stick open. I sprayes WD-40 up the exhaust hole and let it sit overnight. In the morning it was working as it should. It's been about a month now and still working. @ChrisR

Chris R.

9/12/2025

@SheyneH Fantastic news. WD-40 makes the world go 'round. Just let me know if anything else comes up!