Rust in compressor tank

[pat32rf]

Can I jump in here with a compressor question. I've got a Coleman 4.5 HP similiar to SR's above. Recently it is real slow on the electric motor start up, even to the point of throwing the 20 amp breaker...running on 110 Volt....don't have 220 in the garage. Bought it in 1997.

Should I change the oil or what's going on? And, yeah, rusty water comes out if I remember to drain it.

cheers,
Mike

Does your unit have a "dump valve" that releases compressor pressure when it tries to start?

 

[pat32rf]

My compressor is in my basement with an air line going out to the garage and an old 100lb LP tank that I have hydro stated to 400 psi, added drain valves etc. Biggest problem is the water vapour that freezes while entering the LP tank when it comes from the compressor. First cold fitting it comes to when it is 30 below out there..

 

[Sprinklerman]

I have had my compressor 30 years , it developed a pin hole leak in the bottom , I took a machine screw and a rubber washer and screwed it in the hole . It hasnt been a problem in 4 years . If it happens again thats what I will do . The water is always rusty .

 

[KennyG]

I have had my compressor 30 years , it developed a pin hole leak in the bottom , I took a machine screw and a rubber washer and screwed it in the hole . It hasnt been a problem in 4 years . If it happens again thats what I will do . The water is always rusty .

If it was mine and it developed the second failure, I'd say I got my moneys worth and junk it for safety's sake. But that's just me.

 

[Sprinklerman]

The rest of it is in great shape . Its in a shed separate from the shop . No worries .

 

[oldballs]

Does your unit have a "dump valve" that releases compressor pressure when it tries to start?

I think it does have a dump valve which I could use. After reading the OE manual I rechecked the belt tension and found it to be a little too tight; thus loosened it some. Then I removed some of the 40W oil and replaced it with 10W oil. Maybe that will take care of the problem without doing any harm to the unit. Thanks, Pat.

 

[ray66v]

Can I jump in here with a compressor question. I've got a Coleman 4.5 HP similiar to SR's above. Recently it is real slow on the electric motor start up, even to the point of throwing the 20 amp breaker...running on 110 Volt....don't have 220 in the garage. Bought it in 1997.

Should I change the oil or what's going on?

Most likely, the start capacitor is bad, or the centrifugal disc inside the motor that feeds the starting current to the motor is corroded, or, both.

It is repairable, if you are handy.

Read up on centrifugal starting systems.

 

[oldballs]

Thanks, ray66v. After yesterday's adjustments, the problem may still exist. Whence I'll be looking into the "start capacitor"/"centrifugal disc", which really makes more sense to me. I've used the machine for years with the belt tension and 40 W oil as is since 1997.
Cheers,
Mike

 

[fried1765]

pat32rf: 10W oil is too thin for your compressor, unless you use it only outside in cold weather.

 

[oldballs]

Thanks fried 1765...

Maybe I'll leave it in for the winter since it is in an unheated garage. It looked like the viscosity of water when I was adding it to some of the 40W that had been removed.. Today all worked well with starting etc.

Cheers,
Mike