Square Dump Valves
Attention: Welcome to our new aircraft hydraulics section! We hope you find this section we have put together informative and interesting. You may notice that some part numbers and so forth are blurred out. One reason we didn't want to post full part numbers because it has taken us months of searches to get the information we have. It wouldn't be fair to us to just give up our hard work and research. Not too many people know about this stuff and the ones that do don't want to talk about it. We feel this is just the right amount of info so we don't upset anyone on either side. The biggest reason for not giving out full part numbers is because we don't need every lowrider to call up aircraft surplus places looking for things. Most warehouses don't want to sell to lowriders and the ones that do are raising their prices beyond a reasonable amount because people are willing to pay to much for stuff the warehouse considers junk. Lets keep prices down and think about it before you offer a insane amount for a used pump that needs a rebuild. If you are going to track parts down don't say that it is for a lowrider. Know what the full part number is, what aircraft it goes in, the proper name for the part and the function of that part. Take the time to research the surplus industry and know the lingo they use. Remember not to use lowrider lingo when talking with them because odds are they have a different term for the part you are looking for. With a little research and some luck you'll be able to find what you need.
If you are looking to get the most bang for your buck a square dump is the way to go on your setup. Square dumps originally came from W.W.II era aircraft hydraulic systems that controlled things like the brakes, landing gear doors, and ect. In the past original Adel valves were the choice for hoppers but today a Adex dump is usually desired by hoppers. Original Adel valves are very hard to find and if you do they are in usually bad condition. Adex is a quality American made reproduction of the original Adel valves. Squares or candle stick dumps as they are sometimes called have the quickest closing response of any dump used on lowriders. They have almost no pressure loss so your hop will improve. You will notice that most of this section is devoted to the Adel style square dumps but the other types are not forgotten.
In this section we will show you how to spot a real Adex valve from generic squares. We will also show you some good pictures of the different dumps.
Above: Here is serious collection of aircraft dump valves.
Above: Square dumps off of aircraft are very desired by lowriders.
Above: Another shot of the dump collection.
Above: Some more dump valves in Jay's collection.
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Hydro-Aire "Monster Green" Dump
Hooked Up Square Dump Pictures
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The original Adel dump comes from military aircraft from the 50's. The original Adel is a spool type valve. On the aircraft they are called just solenoid valves and brake valves. The original Adel valves are a rare find, since they are no longer made. It is even more rare to find a original Adel in good condition. Adel was bought out by Hydro Aire in 1972. If you are looking for surplus try looking for part number 23500-2 through a surplus parts warehouse. When the original surplus parts distributors like Palley Supply Co. in CA realized the value of these valves to early lowriders they tracked down most of the surplus and sold it off. We were told stories of Adel valves being so plentiful and cheap that when they would fail some people would use them as hammers!
Not sure if you have a real Adel? Not sure how to spot a real one?
Over the years a few people have tried to reproduce valves and stamp Adel on them. Most fake Adel valves will have 1996H stamped as a serial number. The top power connector on a original Adel will have "Bendix" stamped on the connector. Some may have "Amphenol" stamped on the connector if it has been over hauled. These means that the solenoid may have been replaced or fakes have that on them too so be careful. A big sign that the valve is a knock off is a stamp on the connector that says "Adel". On the brake side of a real original Adel you will also see some numbers stamped on that side. Inside the original Adel valve you will notice the O-ring back up seals are made of leather on the sleeve. Note: They may have been replaced with Teflon backings.
Don't worry if you can't find an original Adel then read on about Adex dumps below.
Above: A gem of a find, these original Adel valves are extremely sought after by collectors.
Above: This valve is in pretty good condition considering it's age.
Above: The bottom plate of the valve.
Above: Picture showing Pressure and Return ports.
Above: The body of this valve is in good shape.
Above: The candle was cleaned up.
Above: Another view of the valve.
Above: Early Adel stamping on brake side of valve.
Above: Here is the valve from the Brake side showing part number and serial number.
Above: The top power connector on a original Adel will have "Bendix" stamped on the connector like this one.
Above: Bendix is also stamped into the connector.
Above: Another Bendix connector.
More Images coming soon!!!
Recently we were very lucky to speak with Andy Lodi from Adex on 8-30-04 and found out some interesting information from him. Andy started out in 1971 with his first cut car that he had a aircraft hydraulic system in. Back then an Adel valve was selling for about $25-$50 a valve at Palley Supply Co., today the same valves can cost hundreds of dollars. From the very start he was taking apart the original Adel valves and drawing out the parts and figuring out how they worked and how to make them better. Before long Andy had machined his own hydraulic valve and showed it to Ted Wells. Many people were stunned and couldn't believe that it was made by him. Before long word had got out about the Adex valves, Box of Box's custom hydraulics started carrying the Adex valves in his shop. Many others started to carry the valves because of the quality and accuracy of the valves. Adel valves we too hard to get but Adex made it possible to have a quality dump. When asked how many units have been assembled over the years Andy declined to answer because it's a business secret. We respect his answer.
Just to give you an idea of how Andy is one word says it all, he is a perfectionist. If a screw hit the ground in his shop it will go in the trash. He is proud of his product and takes great care and pleasure in making the valves. All parts are hand washed and hand assembled on white hand towels. Andy personally checks every single spool before assembly and checks the finished product himself. The valves are built to last a lifetime and he's not kidding. In the rare event you have any problems with an Adex valve call Andy and send it back. He will make necessary adjustments or fix any problems you may have. When asked if you can tell the difference between an original Adel and Adex valve Andy says there is almost no difference. Every detail has been reproduced exactly, even down to the dust cap on the solenoid. We asked if Adex will ever reproduce a valve like the " Monster Green " Hydro Aire dump. Andy replied not likely because that design has been found inferior compared to the Adel and Adex valve. He informed use that a few professionals have switched to Adex valves and gained a few inches as a result.
Andy addressed the issue of the other generic Adel and Adex copies out there. The China made dumps have problems with the end caps blowing off. Other problems include pressure lock and the solenoids going bad. The spool / sleeve generic dump had their spools and sleeves mass produced and were not matched for optimum performance. Another American competitors valves had a very high failure rate because of this "Huge" oversight. Some valves like the old LA squares we were told are a delta style valve in a machined body and hidden in a fake candle stick.
We would like to thank Andy for his time and for contributing to this section.
Adex Regular Duty and Chrome Dumps
The regular Adex dump is an exact clone the the original W.W.II surplus Adel dumps. Like the original square dumps the Adex is a true spool type dump. Today's technology has been introduced to the design and that means better seals and tighter tolerances. The Adex dump is a affordable investment for your lowrider. Not only will these valves get your extra show points but they will improve your hop and add value to your lowrider. Just one thing that makes a Adex valve stand out from other inferior squares is the details and workmanship you will notice. The valve will be stamped with "Adex" above the part number and on the Amphenol male pin connector. Safety wire will be on all the screws on a Adex dump to prevent tampering that would void the warranty. Even the dust cover for the candle stick on a Adex is an exact replica of the ones that came on new Adel valves. Regular Adex valves will have a stamped replica assembly date and cure date. The chrome Adex dump is the same thing as the regular dump except it has a chrome solenoid and a polished body that does not have replica assembly and cure dates. All Adex Regular duty valves will have a part number of 23500-22 and SUper Duty valves will have 23500-23 on the body. The pictures below show genuine Adex square dumps.
Above: Old ad in magazine showcasing the Adex dump.
Above: Adex dump valve from the side.
Above: Close up of a Adex dump from the top.
Above: Note that the Adex dump has a assembly date and cure date on one side.
Above: Showing a different angle of the dump.
Above: Adex dump from the bottom.
Above: Another picture of Adex valve from assembly date side.
Above: Showing valve with fittings installed and connector.
Above: Four Adex valves ready to install in a car.
Above: A better picture showing assembly date side of dump.
Above: The other side of a Adex valve is shown.
Above: Adex made artillery on stand by.
Above: Close up of Adex end plate.
Above: Close up of Adex pressure port and return port. Note the pressure port is plugged.
Above: Adex valves have many details on them like the name on the connector.
Above: Regular Adex valves will have a part number of 23500-22 and a three digit serial number with one letter. We are not sure but we think the valve S/N's go from 001-999 then it goes up a letter per 1000 units.
They say you can't improve perfection right? Andy did it with his super duty dump valve. These are now available for about 25% more than the cost of a regular Adex. The super duty Adex has some major improvements over the regular duty dump. The first thing you will notice is a heavy duty blueprinted solenoid with improved ventilation near the connector. The end plate of a super duty dump is thick and it has heavy duty screws holding it on for extreme hopping.
Above: Adex Super Duty with chrome candle.
Above: Note the heavy duty hardware.
Above: The bottom plate is a little thicker than the regular duty valves.
Above: Here is the vented solenoid.
Above: Notice the heavy duty screws even holding on the power connector.
Above: Super Duty Adex valves will have a part number of 23500-23.
The popularity of the original square dumps sparked a movement to make low cost replacement valves from machine shops. We have heard mixed things about these valves from many people. In the world of generic squares basically you have two types of valves, spool type and poppet (cartridge) valves.
The spool type of generic square dumps is similar to an original Adel or Adex in how they operate. The big catch is that these generic dumps are made cheaply of low cost materials and poor engineering has caused poor parts tolerances. The spool / sleeve generic dump had their spools and sleeves mass produced and were not matched for optimum performance. Another American competitors valves had a very high failure rate because of this "Huge" oversight. This poor quality means leaks, part failure or worse. We have heard about the end plate blowing off these valves.
The cartridge type of generic square dumps are basically just a Sterling or Delta valve in a machined block with a hidden coil in the candle stick. What's bad about these valves? Well, they do not perform well in competition because they are not a accurate valve.
Many of these generic squares do not have a finished look to them. The bodies are not polished or not anodized. These valves are some times sold as Adel but you can see clearly that they are not the original valves. Check the original Adel square section above if you need a idea what to look out for. So if you are considering one of these valves think it over because they are just a little less than a Adex that has a lifetime warranty. Generic squares do not have a warranty.
Above: Here are some different generic square dumps.
Above: Here is a generic spool / sleeve type square dump.
Above: Notice the blue plastic in the connector, this is a dead giveaway that the solenoid is fairly new.
Above: Be very careful about buying any "Adel" valves with the 1996Hor 1994H serial numbers, they are fake.
Above: A Showtime millennium square. These valves were discontinued and may be worth picking up to a collector.
Above: The spool from a generic square made a nice key chain.
Above: This generic square valve body made an excellent pen holder.
In the early and mid 90's Red's Hydraulics released a version of the original style square dump. This copy is a cartridge type dump like a delta or Italian type dump valve. This valve is not a real square dump but it is a look alike. It is still lumped in the same category of generic squares though. Out of all the generic squares we'd probably pick this one not for it's accuracy but for it's OK reliability. Just remember it's the same type of valve as a standard dump but in a fancy package.
The nice thing about this valve is that the plate on the bottom is only for cosmetic reasons. You will not have to worry about blowing the plate off the body like other cheap squares out there. The body has no painted or stamped markings other than near the three ports. The valve body comes in a raw looking aluminum finish.
Above: This is a Red's LA Square dump.
Above: The bottom plate has the same type finish as the lower part of the solenoid.
Above: Here is the valve body from the side.
Above: Here is the valve body from the other side.
Above: What's this! It's not really a square dump!!!! Here the solenoid is removed to expose the dump cartridge.
Above: You can see that there is much less internal parts in a LA Square than in a spool type square dump.
Above: This is the valve body looking down into the cartridge cavity.
Above: You can see that the cosmetic end plate has been removed on the bottom.
If you are looking for an authentic valve to use a Hydro-Aire #8 is a good valve. Most of the Hydro-Aire #8's had round cast bodies that were likely to crack under serious use. The cast body valves are known as round bottom dumps. Only use round bottom dumps on your rear or on aircraft pump setups. The original square body version of this valve is rated for the same pressure as a round body valve. It is considered a more durable and valuable valve in the lowrider scene. Square bottoms or square bodies are machined from a solid block giving it more strength. A square bottom would be ok for use on a front pump. A Hydro-Aire #8 valve would be a step down from a Adex valve but it is still in use on some aircraft hydraulic setups in a few lowriders.
If you are lucky enough to have a Hydro-Aire #8 valve in your possession you will notice that the solenoid will either be made by Wesco, PSP and sometimes IMC. The solenoid is a very important detail because the dump uses different plungers for the different types of solenoids. We figured out that two of the solenoids uses a 1 1/2" plunger (IMC) and another uses a 1 1/8" plunger. If you plan on replacing the solenoid you can use either type on your valve as long as you have the matching plunger too. If you are having a problem with one of these valves pressure locking it can be easily fixed by making a few adjustments to the valve. If you are having this problem contact us for assistance.
Learn how to rebuild and check your #8 Hydro-Aire valves. Click here
Above: This valve is a hard to find Hydro-Aire #8 square body.
Above: This valve is the more reliable because of the strong square body compared to the round body valves.
Above: This valve is a Hydro-Aire #8 round body or round bottom.
Above: Round body valves are not good for hopping.
Above: If you get a round body dump make sure the PRESS and RETURN are close together. A valve like this is less likely to crack.
Above: The top power connector on a original Hydro-Aire valve will have "Bendix" stamped on the connector like this one.
Above: Here is one side of the valve.
Above: Here is the other side of the valve.
Above: Here is a close up of the bottom of the square valve.
Above: A round body valve will be marked Hydro-Aire on the body.
Above: Detail of a round body.
Above: Detail of a Wesco solenoid.
Above: Detail of a IMC solenoid.
Above: Detail of a PSP solenoid.
Above: The data plate confirms it's a real Hydro-Aire valve.
Above: Another Hydro-Aire data plate.
Above: You can see that the body of the Hydro-Aire valve is bigger than a Adex valve body.
Above: The Adex valve is taller than the square Hydro-Aire valve.
Hydro-Aire "Monster Green" Dumps
The Hydro-Aire monster green is on of the biggest square dumps out there for your lowrider. These days these valves are more sought after than the OG Adel valves. This valve came in a few sizes all the way up to a #16, the most common size it the #12. The valve is unmistakable because it has a odd shape and only two ports. Having two ports makes this valve undesirable for aircraft setups but good for single pump hoppers. The monster green is not better than an Adex valve. No questions asked which valve is better, remember that bigger isn't always better! The valve also has a manual release handle. Some monster green valves are stuck in normally open mode and must be converted to normally closed mode before use in a lowrider. If you have questions about converting a valve over please contact us, we can convert your valve for a minimal fee. These valves are known to be seen with their green paint badly chipped off of them. They came in several shades of green and we have heard some came in gray and some in blue! A real monster green has three sections in the body. A real monster green has four bolts on the bottom of the valve near the handle end.
There is a valve out there that looks almost exactly like a monster green Hydro-Aire except for a few differences. This other valve is made by a company called Hydraulic Research. These Hydraulic Research valves have a one piece body but they do have release handle like the monster green. A dead give away that the valve is from Hydraulic Research is that there are no bolts on the bottom of this valve.
Whittaker made a valve that may fool a few into thinking it is a monster green. It has a different shape body than the monster green. A dead give away is that the Whittaker valve is usually four port valve.
Above: Three rare Monster Green dumps!
Above: Three "Naked" Monster Green valves.
Above: These valves are in their original anodized gray finish.
Above: These valves have many different markings on their anodized gray finish.
Above: Here is a #12 Monster Green.
Above: Detail of the data plate.
Above: Detail of bottom release on valve.
Above: Notice the three different candles used on these valves.
Above: At one time you could buy Monster Green dumps from a few known hydraulic companies. Over the past few years these valves have become very rare.
Above: A real Hydro-Aire monster green to the left and a Hydraulic Research valve on the right.
This valve is another common dump sometimes used by lowriders. It is often confused with the Hydro-Aire Monster Green dumps.
Above: Here is a four port Whittaker valve.
Above: Here is another view of the four port Whittaker valve.
Above: Here are some two port Whittaker valves with manual release.
Above: Note the ports marked "cylinder" are part of a bolted plate.
Above: Here is a shot of the bottom of the valve.
Above: Whittaker controls was in Los Angeles, CA.
Above: This valve gives us clues of origin.
Above: This valve was made in October of 1960.
Above: The top solenoid connector is marked "Cannon" on the top.
Above: The data plates on the two port Whittaker valves. Notice the valve to the left was made by Robertshaw Fulton Controls for Whittaker.
Above: Customer plates on the two port Whittaker valves.
Above: This valve was tested on Jan 21st 1954.
Above: Some detail on the top candle.
Other dumps are out there that are not commonly used but we figured we would show you some different things.
Above: Here is a mushroom top dump valve. This valve has a push button release on the top.
Above: The mushroom top valve has three ports.
Above: This mushroom top valve is made by Hydraulic Research and MFG.
Above: Data plate on mushroom top valve.
Above: This valve is very small.
Above: This is a modern valve that looks like an older style dump.
Above: Here is the side of the modern dump.
Above: This valve has only two ports.
Above: Detail of the top solenoid connector.
Above: This valve was made in October of 1994.
Above: This valve is a Futurecraft valve.
Above: This valve is very small.
Above: This valve is in near perfect condition
Above: The solenoid on a Futurecraft valve.
Above: Detail of the valve body.
Above: These Futurecraft valves have three ports.
Hooked Up Square Dump Pictures
Above: An Adex dump plumbed into the hydraulic system like a delta valve. This is not recommended.
Above: An Adex dump plumbed into the hydraulic system FOR HOPPING. The port marked pressure is blocked off and a T-fitting is on the brake port side allowing direct flow to the cylinders. A 1/2 inch check valve is used before the T-fitting.
Above: Adex valve on a 1/2 inch check valve assembly.
Above: Adex set up as it would be installed in a car to see what it will look like.
Above: Another view of how it will look.
Above: A plate was made to simulate being mounted to a pump. Some last minute changes were needed so the assembly would fit into the vehicle.
Above: The hard line return is now made and ready to install in the car.
Above: A better view of the hard line return.
Above: Adex dumps installed.
Above: Adex dumps installed.
Above: Close up of install.
Looking through a lot of pictures in magazines of cars with squares we noticed that many of the installs don't have connectors. Many of them have cheap push on connectors or they even solder a wire to the solenoid pin!! If your going to spend the money on a square then why half ass install them? If you look through some catalogs like Allied Electronics you can get them from about $15-20 each. The hydraulic shops are charging about double for the same thing.
Dumps such as the Adel, Adex and Hydro-Aire #8's use Amphenol 97 Series formerly ( MIL-C-5015 ) 14s ( shell ), 9s ( insert ) connectors on the solenoids.
Straight Plug: P/N 605-5011 *
or
90 Degree Plug: P/N 605-7015 *
and you will need:
Clamp for plug: P/N 714-2503 *
Monster Greens and Whittakers use Amphenol 97 Series formerly ( MIL-C-5015 ) 12s ( shell ), 3s ( insert ) connectors on the solenoids.
Straight Plug: P/N 605-4000 *
or
90 Degree Plug: P/N 605-6999 *
and you will need:
Clamp for plug: P/N 714-2502 *
ORDER YOUR CONNECTORS HERE!!!!!
* - Allied Electronics Part Number. All part numbers are for olive green finish Add 689 to the end of the part number for electroless nickle
The connectors are easy to assemble and make servicing your hydraulics much quicker. The wire can't just pop off the pin either because it is a threaded on military connector.
Above: Notice the connector is keyed so you can't hook it up wrong.
Above: This connector is the solder on type. Notice the pins are labeled "A" and "B".
Above: Another shot showing the Amphenol connector plug.
Above: Wires are twisted together and the connectors are taken apart to make soldering them easy.
Above: The wires are soldered in the correct places. Make sure to heat up the pins when soldering so you don't get cold solder joints.
Above: Here is a close up of a Amphenol clamp.
Above: Amphenol clamp showing part number.
Above: Here is a almost finished connector.
Above: The connector is tested on the dump.
Above: Connectors can be painted like these ones.
Above: Another shot of the finished connectors.
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