co2 bottle :how long till it's empty

Hello guys.

Can someone point me in the right direction?
i have a 2,5lbs co2 bottle in the FC.
How long can i probably work with it?
I use it for the transbrake(Bruno/Lenco)
and the automatic shift system for the Lenco..(3-spd)

I was searching for a refill option,but need 1st to know what average it is.

thanks in advance
Tom

 

It really depends on how many times you use the trans brake switch. On a normal event you should be able to get at least four runs plus some testing of the system with that size bottle. With that said, always keep a spare full bottle for the final round. Watch the pressure as it will be about 750 LBS cold or around 1,000 LBS hot. If it's lower than that, swap in a new bottle. You don't want to run out of air with a Lenco as that will have you put new clutches in it.

 

Get a cheap baby scale from Walmart or somewhere and weigh the bottle full and weigh it when it's empty and write it down on the face of the scale if your memory is like mine. Keeping track of Co2 bottles is as important as checking your tires before each run, filling the car with fuel or checking the oil. There are a lot of factors that will determine how long one refill will last, including forgetting to shut it off after each run.

 

Yes ,
I have a 2.5 lb bottle in the FC>
I buy a mother bottle.
I will check the weight when it's empty and there's a pressure gauge on it.
We will have to find out how long it takes before we must fill it up.
thanks for the replies.
Tom

 

Like Will said, the Bruno use air for the transbrake and the apply piston for the transbrake is a huge air hog. I found it needed a minimum of 700-800psi just to be consistent so we almost always refilled between rounds, just to be safe. On the other hand, the Lenco seems to just sip air. I switched to a Lencodrive last year, and now we just check the gauges starting the day with a fresh bottle, will have air to spare at the end of the day. In fairness to Bruno, I had bought a well-used unit and the solenoid poppet always seemed to leak at the most inopportune times, (like in the staging lanes...) so it always paid to have a full bottle. Just my personal experience, probably not an issue with a newer unit.