How to troubleshoot a horn install

Main Your Horns & Installs
1

Not enough sound out of my new installed Horns. Horn tested fine when connected to my shop air compressor, but once installed the sound is way lower.

Here is my setup.
I have a twin truck horn mount behind the front grill.
I’m using an A/C compressor as my air source
I have a 2 gal tank mounted under the truck near the back.
I ran 3/8 air brake line from Napa auto from the tank to the Horns. Appx 15 feet.
I’m using a 12v Solenoid I got from e-bay, looks to be a nice solid brass unit. 1/4" valve.

I did a bit of trouble shooting last night. I found I only have 80 psi when the compressor turns off, so I ordered a new 120psi pressure switch last night from Horn blaster
link to the valve click here

So I connected the shop air to the tank mounted on the truck and safety pop off valve kick out, seem odd to me as both pop off are 115 PSI. So I also order a new higher psi pop off valve too.

But at 80 psi I should get a good blast from the horns, at least for a couple seconds.

I’m thinking my next step is to by pass the 12v Solenoid?

2

Check the air line running to horns for kinks in the line or possibly smashed. Also check to make sure your solenoid is pointed the right direction.

3

Thanks, I will double check the line.

I assumed the arrow on bottom of the solenoid should point to the horn?
I will double check that too.

4

That is correct if not it may not fully open. Won’t be the first person whom has had that problem:D

5

Thanks guys for the help.

I pulled the hose going to the horn and press the horn switch and just a bit of air was coming out. So I took the hose off the input side and tons of air.:smiley:
I figured I had nothing to loose and turned the solenoid valve around. That was a no go, I had even less air then before. Turned it back to the correct direction.
I was thinking maybe the solenoid needed more juice, so I hook a wire to the battery and tried that. Well while I was touching the hot wire to the solenoid I notice a silver ball moving:confused: I took the brass 3/8 air hose connector off and inside was a check ball. I bought 4 of what I thought were the same 1/4 NPT to 3/8 air brake hose, but turns out one had a check ball. I was able to unscrew a small brass part and remove the check ball and spring.

Works great now.

Whoo who!!