TLC on an old compressor

[RainbowsParticipant @rainbows]

As I mentioned in what might be at this point labelled the "pimping an adept" thread I saved a compressor from a scrapyard for £15.

A picture says a thousand words and a video has about 60 pictures per second so heres a clip of it running.

Now what should I do to help its longevity? As seen it is working (will be fully functioning once I replace a snapped pipe round the back) but it has been sitting around in a scrapyard for a while now. What sort of maintenace should I do to it so it runs like new (or near enough to it). This is my first proper sized compressor so use small words.

 

Also will this be big enough to power most model engines? The air tank is relatively small compared to modern small compressors.

 

Edited By Rainbows on 18/04/2015 23:23:49

[RainbowsParticipant @rainbows]

[I.M. OUTAHEREParticipant @i-m-outahere]

I would be careful with that old compressor as you have no way of knowing what condition the the inside of the receiver is in it could be rusted out.

As for the pump check the valves are sealing and change the oil if you have to do much more than that it may well be cheaper to buy a small cheapie compressor.

[Phil WhitleyParticipant @philwhitley94135]

You can make it a lot quieter by fitting an oil bath type air cleaner. You will be amazed how quiet it can be! Back to basics, how long does it take to fill the tank, and can you hear air leaking back through the non return valve (if fitted) or back through the compressor valves, listen to the cylinder head with a long screwdriver after the tank is full. Change the oil!

Phil

UK

[VicParticipant @vic]

Posted by Phil Whitley on 19/04/2015 17:39:07:

You can make it a lot quieter by fitting an oil bath type air cleaner. You will be amazed how quiet it can be!

Phil

UK

Tell me more Phil! Can I fit one to my 2HP 25 Litre compressor, where can I buy one, how do I fit it!

[Steven VineParticipant @stevenvine79904]

Following on from XD351's reply, does anyone know if a receiver like this can be reliably tested for soundness using the water test method used for model boilers?

Steve

[Capstan SpeakingParticipant @capstanspeaking95294]

Posted by Steven Vine on 19/04/2015 17:58:42:

Following on from XD351's reply, does anyone know if a receiver like this can be reliably tested for soundness using the water test method used for model boilers?

Steve

Yes it can and it will need to withstand at least double the running pressure. The safety valve should be thrown away and replaced too.

[FMESParticipant @fmes]

Posted by Steven Vine on 19/04/2015 17:58:42:

Following on from XD351's reply, does anyone know if a receiver like this can be reliably tested for soundness using the water test method used for model boilers?

Steve

That's exactly how it is done Steve, but I wouldn't want to try and apply the content of PSSR 2000 to it **LINK** but a simple hydraulic test to prove the integrity of the pressure vessel would be prudent.

If its not a home made unit it should have an original set of test markings on the tank somewhere, usually near the outlet (but not allways) which will give you the required test pressures normally 1.5 times working pressure.

Just remember it was on the scrap pile for a reason, you need to find out what that reason was.

All the best

Lofty

[Capstan SpeakingParticipant @capstanspeaking95294]

Posted by Lofty76 on 19/04/2015 18:23:26:

If its not a home made unit it should have an original set of test markings on the tank somewhere, usually near the outlet (but not allways) which will give you the required test pressures normally 1.5 times working pressure.

Lofty

Actually the manufacturers' test regime is 1.5 times the design (rated) pressure. As they often run at less than that a wider test margin would be recommended.

[Phil WhitleyParticipant @philwhitley94135]

Hi Vic, I think you may have to scavenge to find one, the one I fitted to my 5hp 22cu ft min compressor was off a Hillman minx, but they were fitted to all manner of cars and tractors. this is the one I used.

They really do work to cut down the noise, and they are also MUCH better at filtering the air, the paper or mesh type are useless, but cheap! Google "oil bath air filter", and you will be an expert on them in seconds!

Good luck

Phil

[FMESParticipant @fmes]

Posted by Capstan Speaking on 19/04/2015 18:38:43:

Actually the manufacturers' test regime is 1.5 times the design (rated) pressure. As they often run at less than that a wider test margin would be recommended.

Actually in this instance it's academic as any test would be purely for the confidence of the user.

[Steven VineParticipant @stevenvine79904]

Thanks Capstan,Lofty.

I've walked away from many similar units that I have come across in pub cellars because I have been wary about their condition under pressure. I'll bring home the next one I find, give it a prudent test, and start tinkering.

Steve

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