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.

 

[cqaigy2]

I saw an episode of myth busters about air compressor tanks. They did everything they could think of to make it go boom, myth busted. They did not fill the tank with explosive gas, however. So no oxy acetylene mix test.

 

[fried1765]

I saw an episode of myth busters about air compressor tanks. They did everything they could think of to make it go boom, myth busted. They did not fill the tank with explosive gas, however. So no oxy acetylene mix test.

I "fixed" a leaky "Champion" wheelbarrow compressor that is now about 35 years old.
It developed a pin hole leak on the bottom of one of the tanks.
I removed a tank inlet pipe, and poured in about a pint of loose mixed (used a little thinner) two part marine epoxy.
Changed the tank sitting position a few times (rolled), and waited for everything to harden.
Compressor has been used like that for the past ten years, and is still going strong.

 

[Jstpssng]

It wasn't a tank; but I did see the bowl on a water separator fail and spew glass all over the shop. Thankfully nobody was nearby. It also gave me some insight into how rich people get their money; the mechanic's lease was running out in a few months and the owner tried to convince him that he didn't need a compressor to run the lift, tire machine et al.

 

[sd455dan]

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.

well there is this gets ugly after 1:27
Air compressor explosion safety video footage of actual explosion - YouTube

was the young mans grandfather that was injured.

 

[thepumpguysc]

If u do decide to go the bigger compressor route, have a look at the pawn shops.. I know, I know.. say what u will about them but they DO have things that we need at reasonable prices..sometimes..
My local ps has several stand-up compressors in the 60-80 gallon range for 350.-400.00..vs 1000.-2000.00 for new.
No way of knowing what the hours are tho..
Just a thought..

 

[ericm979]

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 had a small HF compressor rust through the tank. I drained it every time but I'd replaced the rubber foot at one end with one slightly taller. Since the tank was slightly tilted and the drain was in the center, water accumulated at one end of the tank and rusted it out. It took about 15 years. When it rusted through the tank started leaking through a pin hole. No explosion. Of course the next one could be different.

On the replacement compressor I did not change the feet. I added an elbow and extension on the drain along with a valve. That makes it easier to drain and the water accumulates in the pipe not in the tank.

 

[Diggin It]

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

I may have the same one ... bought at Monkey Wards in the 80s. Snap type switch gave up a few years ago and isn't replaceable, but there is/was a $70 conversion kit. I put a mechanical timer switch on the wall plug to deal with On/Off since the regulator portion still works. I've been considering replacing the whole machine and probably need to do it, but I really don't use air a lot any more.

 

[Meghan]

Useful topic, I also interested in it for some times, and it gives me some new knowledge

 

[Richard]

Some nice responses, thank you.

For "the rest of my story"....

I decided to dig into it and find out what I could.... to make a long story short.... I'm guessing the belt had stretched over time and/or, maybe the motor slide a bit where it's bolted in... (probably the belt).

I loosened bolts tightened belt by adjusting motor....and viola, working like a champ.

I'm glad because I don't have to buy anything AND I can get some more useful life out of this.... I'm not 'quite as glad' because I was secretly liking the idea of getting a 2-stage (not that I really need it)

I will admit, I had never thought of looking into a pawn shop! I rarely go through them however, that's interesting enough that I might browse one/five of them to see what they have.

 

[thepumpguysc]

I know whatcha mean.. I would have NEVER thought about a P.S. either, until one day I was driving by & saw their big roll-up door open in the back..
6-8 BIG compressors.. 60-80 gallon & bigger.!! I asked how much & when she said, we sellm for 400.00 but seeing its u.. how about 300.00??
& she said> pick out any one u want..
The only problem is.. the ends/plug-ins aren't there.. so unless u bring one & wire it up.. your at their mercy..