I know the answer

jimmysisson · Nov 9, 2015

My 30 year old Emglo wheelbarrow compressor just started leaking at the tank. It's been maintained but was used in construction for ten yrs then retired to my garage last 20. Do I assume this cant be fixed? It is a nice old unit, well built and quiet. I don't need it too often but certainly don't want to be without air. Just seeping now...

The seep is not at the bottom as I expected but up an inch or so. No fix, I'm guessing?
Jim

George2615 · Nov 9, 2015

If its seeping, that part of the tank must be pretty thin. Probably rusting out from the inside due to water not being blown out daily. I'd say the best answer is to replace the tank.
Trying to weld a patch on would probably result in the weld blowing right through.

Mysfyt · Nov 9, 2015

Replace the tank. I remember seeing a YouTube video showing a compressor tank blowing up. Pretty violent. Fortunately, no one got hurt.

Billrog · Nov 9, 2015

Screw a roofing bolt with neoprene washer on it in the hole. Nothings going to blow up.

Rustyferrious · Nov 9, 2015

Billrog said:
Screw a roofing bolt with neoprene washer on it in the hole. Nothings going to blow up.

Just empty the tank first.......

the old grind · Nov 9, 2015

Billrog said:
Screw a roofing bolt with neoprene washer on it in the hole. Nothings going to blow up.

You're kidding right? (no

...?)

A temporary fix to get you thru the day. As rust advances the screw will eventually pop out, and you wouldn't want to be standing too close by if it ricochets. Air tanks are tested hydraulically, thus no 'blast' if/when things let go.

I doubt if this thread title will reel in many welders. Best to take their advice regarding welding of any air tank.
(Betting they'll agree to replace the tank or remount the motor/compressor onto one of assured integrity.)

Gary Fowler · Nov 10, 2015

Air tanks are considered a pressure vessel and should not be welded on. I would look for a new tank to mount the compressor on. One of the portable air tanks would be cheap to purchase and be about the same capacity as what you have now. You should be able to bolt on a mounting bracket to the feet of the new tank.

zombie · Nov 10, 2015

I had to try fixing a 30 gallon tank that was mounted solid to a flatbed, it had cracked at where the foot was welded on. Didn't matter what I did to it, even drilling the end of the crack, I just ended up chasing it further and further. I didn't plan on using the tank but had to try it anyway.

Billrog · Nov 10, 2015

I had a tank spring a leak over ten yrs. ago while working in a roofers warehouse , stuck a roofing screw in it and still use it at my mill on a regular bases and still no leak. If it were to come out it's on the bottom of the tank so not likely to damage anything.

jimmysisson · Nov 12, 2015

OP here. I found a fairly new compressor someone had disassembled and lost parts, a cheapie but a good 25 gal tank. I think I'll adapt the Emglo mechanicals to the new tank. Thanks for your responses. I thought this unit was drained regularly, but evidently not, or the drains don't get all the water out. Wish the tanks were aluminum or something less rust-prone.
Jim