Anybody know if a compressor regulator can be rebuilt/fixed

[s219]

The regulator on my compressor is leaking, and I am wondering if I should just buy a new one or if they can be fixed. Here's what it looks like after I pulled the knob and cover off:



This is from a Craftsman 35 gal 150 psi horizontal wheeled compressor from about 2002 or so. Looks like I can probably put a wrench on the body and spin that off. I am assuming there are o-rings or seals inside that need to be replaced, but I have never torn a regulator apart before. If I had to replace I'd try and find a more serious metal-body regulator with the t-handle, assuming they come small enough to fit.

Right now it will leak down to about 70 psi or so and then hold, if that is any clue.

thanks,
219

 

[Bird]

When you infrequently change the pressure setting, it seems that moisture will cause problems. On the compressor I had on the farm, I took it apart, cleaned it, and put it back a couple of times. On my current 10 year old 30 gallon upright, 155 psi compressor, I finally just took the regulator off, cleaned it up, and put quick couplers on it and the compressor. Since I use full pressure nearly all the time, but have lowered it for painting, so I can just plug the regulator into the line when needed.

But in answer to your question . . . . I'm not sure, but I think you can fix it. Your ""clue" leads me to suspect that it's gotten adjusted down to 70 psi and likely needs cleaning and re-adjusting.

 

[KevT]

Can't tell if your piping is 3/8" or 1/4", but you can buy a 3/8" for about $30 or a 1/4"for about $25 at Lowes. What is your time worth in rebuilding?

 

[s219]

I guess I will tear into it and see if maybe I can learn something new, which would make it worth the time. But if not, $30 isn't bad for a new one. I believe the piping is 3/8".

 

[Tractor Seabee]

I have seen some in the past that once you get it open the valve part is a Schrader valve, pretty cheap fix if the diaphragm is OK.

Ron

 

[mark02tj]

I bought a generic one at Home Depot and it was "less than quality". I ended up buying one on Amazon that tied back to my Craftsman compressor and it was much better. As someone else said - somewhere around $25.

 

[ray66v]

They follow the same standard, as any other air tool.

If you have a quality one, that costs 4x as much, it's made to be rebuildable. If you have a basic one, it's disposable.

A $100 regulator is rebuildable. A $25 regulator is disposable.

Those little ones they give you with a craftsman compressor, are disposable.

 

[Soundguy]

As stated, easy to replace, and still show tank and output pressures. Can probably re use old gauges even, plus qd's.

Tsc sells a cheap orifice reg for ? 19$. That and your gauges, and 2 'T' fittings to get a fore and aft gauge plumbed, and you'd be back to the same functionality.. Probably cost you 15$ for both plumbing fittings and the cheapest orifice regulator they make.

As stated, you can buy better/ more expensive units.

 

[Xfaxman]

On mine I removed the tank gauge, added a tee, put the gauge on one side, a quarter turn ball valve and quick coupler on the other side for the tire filling air hose.

No restriction from the regulator when you need maximum flow.

 

[JRobyn]

I tried taking mine apart, figuring it maybe just had gunk inside or an o-ring was knackered. The entire inside was badly corroded from many years of moisture AND the diaphragm was toast. After I found out how cheap replacements were I just replaced the whole thing.

- Jay