Air compressor question

[Richard]

I didn't want to hijack the compressor thread regarding noise.

I have a Campbell Hausfield 20 gallon 'hot dog' style. Motor on top, wheels...handle.

I think it's nearing the end of its life (the motor)

Though I really like the idea of maybe a 30 gallon 2-stage compressor.... I'm also thinking the "big" needs I've had are probably behind me (some of the reasons this one is probably toast)

Should I shut up....buy a 2-stage (I don't know that I "need" a 2-stage or if it's just a want) So, do I just buy a new one or, buy a new motor and replace what I already have?

The model I have has the cast iron cylinder.

In fact, while I'm at it.... is there anything I should replace along with the motor should I choose that path? (are there reeds in there to keep air going one direction, how about a cylinder rebuild??)

Other than the belt which is proably nearing its end too (you can sometimes smell burnt rubber in the air)... Actually, the burnt rubber smell has me wondering if the issue is really isn't the motor but maybe in the cylinders instead? They could be causing stress on the motor.

I guess I need to take it apart to figure that part out.

Here i was looking for encouragement to just shut up & buy a new 2-stage....

 

[Richard]

Before anyone encourages me to buy another... I just now took it apart and indeed, the belt has stretched a bit. Loosened motor, tightened it up and viola, working like a bandit now. (darn it... cause I'd really like to get a bigger one with more CFM however, I don't know that I really need it)

 

[3Ts]

Typically the pressure tank is supposed to be replaced every 10 years.

As a note - I ran a 20 gallon tank for more than 10 years and it eventually rusted thru and failed when it was under pressure and I was in the shop. Fortunately, it only made a mess with no real damage, but it certainly impressed me and is something I'll never forget.

 

[ultrarunner]

I have ASTM certified air tanks at work... with certificates... the State comes out and uses an instrument to check wall thickness in random spots... 20 years and so far so good.

I did add from day one a auto condensate drain that purges the tank every 8 hours...

 

[Richard]

When they blow, are they catastrophic or do the simply "violently decompress"??

I would think a hole MIGHT blow out to a finger or fist sized hole but otherwise, the air just blows out (verses the tank blowing up like a grenade)

I've never seen/heard one.....ever.

 

[ultrarunner]

Only seen tow and it was a pin hole in both... sound of air and a small puddle... both were in what I would guess is the low spot.

The guy gave me the compressor which had low hours but about 35 years old... he drilled a hole in the tank because he was worried I might try to patch it... said I just wanted the compressor part...

 

[prof fate]

my 20 year old sears 'oil less' compressor bit the dust a month ago - motor fine, compressor rattles and makes no pressure. No parts available. Selling the tank...interesting they need checked.

Bought a smaller similar aged one working fine off craigs list.

I too think my hard days are behind me and portability is nice. Would love a big good one..but can't justify $400, well, $900, if I can get one for $100...

 

[Oldoak]

Only seen two and it was a pin hole in both... sound of air and a small puddle...

Same as the one air compressor tank failure that I have witnessed. There was no catastrophic failure.

By the way, I am still using my 42 year old Sears Craftsman air compressor with it's original tank.

 

[Budweiser John]

Keep those air tanks dry by opening the drain valves every day. They will blast a long time.
Never attempt to weld an air tank.

B. John

 

[3Ts]

When they blow, are they catastrophic or do the simply "violently decompress"??

On mine, the best I can figure is there was a rusty area in the bottom of the tank that developed a pin hole leak and as the air evacuated it made the hole larger and released the air all at once. It started out as a small hissing sound like a leaky tire valve and about the time I decided to find it, it went Whooompp! The tank remained intact, but the pinhole got bigger (two finger size) real quick. Since it was in the bottom of the tank, the force was directed downward and stirred up lots of dust, sawdust and all the light weight things nearby. There was no "explosion" like I've seen in some shops with PVC piping, just lots of light weight stuff stirred up and floating in the air through out the shop. Took a long time for it all to settle.