3hp compressor issue
Discussion
Hi.
I recently bought the below 2nd hand compressor online with a few spray guns for some projects I have on the go.
I can't find any references to it or manuals online but I'm pretty sure it's similar to some other branded models.
I have an issue where the compressor builds up to around 40psi then it stops building pressure. The motor keeps going and doesn't cut out but stops rising.
Any ideas what it could be?
Or any ideas if what model it is and where i can get spares from?
Cheers
Chris
I recently bought the below 2nd hand compressor online with a few spray guns for some projects I have on the go.
I can't find any references to it or manuals online but I'm pretty sure it's similar to some other branded models.
I have an issue where the compressor builds up to around 40psi then it stops building pressure. The motor keeps going and doesn't cut out but stops rising.
Any ideas what it could be?
Or any ideas if what model it is and where i can get spares from?
Cheers
Chris
Here's another angle of the compressor. It isn't belt driven
The tank is holding pressure even after being off for 20 min it's still at the same pressure.
As it's a 2 cylinder unit and should be 3hp I'm presuming it's the internals that are worn can't handle anything past 40psi. Are there any particular components that fail? Are they easy to get hold of?
Cheers
Chris
The tank is holding pressure even after being off for 20 min it's still at the same pressure.
As it's a 2 cylinder unit and should be 3hp I'm presuming it's the internals that are worn can't handle anything past 40psi. Are there any particular components that fail? Are they easy to get hold of?
Cheers
Chris
Honestly if the pumps worn buy a new compressor. It's only a small one it's not worth messing around with.
If you do buy a new one I suggest buying the biggest tank you can. If you can slide one under a bench or similar do so. Little ones are ok but you can't really spray with them and they aren't much use for air hungry tools.
If you do buy a new one I suggest buying the biggest tank you can. If you can slide one under a bench or similar do so. Little ones are ok but you can't really spray with them and they aren't much use for air hungry tools.
That's not a belt driven compressor, but a 'direct-drive' one.
If the motor doesn't cut out when it gets to pressure, then the pressure switch is faulty. Replace it. Once you have it in your hand, eBay can be useful.
That the pump keeps on going, but the pressure rises no more will be due to a blow-off valve that IS working.
Think about it! A manual is useful, but not essential.
John
If the motor doesn't cut out when it gets to pressure, then the pressure switch is faulty. Replace it. Once you have it in your hand, eBay can be useful.
That the pump keeps on going, but the pressure rises no more will be due to a blow-off valve that IS working.
Think about it! A manual is useful, but not essential.
John
That's my thinking to.
However as a tight yorkshire man I decided to strip the cylinders to have a look. The reed valves were really gunned up and corroded. I've cleaned everything with an contact adhesive remover and it's all looking clean again.
I'll rebuild again tomorrow and see if it makes a difference
However as a tight yorkshire man I decided to strip the cylinders to have a look. The reed valves were really gunned up and corroded. I've cleaned everything with an contact adhesive remover and it's all looking clean again.
I'll rebuild again tomorrow and see if it makes a difference
Does the noise it makes change when it gets to 40 psi, OP?
There is a regulator on the unit and it could be set lower than you want it. If it sounds like the compressor is unloaded at that pressure, it would suggest it might be a control issue. Might start hissing as well?
If it still sounds like it's working hard, then it could well be an issue with the compressor itself.
Is there a proper nameplate on it somewhere - that should give you a better idea of what it's meant to do.
There is a regulator on the unit and it could be set lower than you want it. If it sounds like the compressor is unloaded at that pressure, it would suggest it might be a control issue. Might start hissing as well?
If it still sounds like it's working hard, then it could well be an issue with the compressor itself.
Is there a proper nameplate on it somewhere - that should give you a better idea of what it's meant to do.
Harg88 said:
That's my thinking to.
However as a tight yorkshire man I decided to strip the cylinders to have a look. The reed valves were really gunned up and corroded. I've cleaned everything with an contact adhesive remover and it's all looking clean again.
I'll rebuild again tomorrow and see if it makes a difference
I hope it is that it's a nice cheap fix if so!However as a tight yorkshire man I decided to strip the cylinders to have a look. The reed valves were really gunned up and corroded. I've cleaned everything with an contact adhesive remover and it's all looking clean again.
I'll rebuild again tomorrow and see if it makes a difference
I looked for the same compressor as mine which has done me 10 years hard use and was very cheap but sadly it seems the company has got wise to the fact that for a cheap piece of Chinese junk they are surprisingly good and put the prices up! But by all means ask if you want a link.
wildoliver said:
I hope it is that it's a nice cheap fix if so!
I looked for the same compressor as mine which has done me 10 years hard use and was very cheap but sadly it seems the company has got wise to the fact that for a cheap piece of Chinese junk they are surprisingly good and put the prices up! But by all means ask if you want a link.
I hope so too. A link would be great, even if I get this working its handy to know recommended machines for the future I looked for the same compressor as mine which has done me 10 years hard use and was very cheap but sadly it seems the company has got wise to the fact that for a cheap piece of Chinese junk they are surprisingly good and put the prices up! But by all means ask if you want a link.
Frankthered said:
Does the noise it makes change when it gets to 40 psi, OP?
There is a regulator on the unit and it could be set lower than you want it. If it sounds like the compressor is unloaded at that pressure, it would suggest it might be a control issue. Might start hissing as well?
If it still sounds like it's working hard, then it could well be an issue with the compressor itself.
Is there a proper nameplate on it somewhere - that should give you a better idea of what it's meant to do.
No noise change, it just carries on as normal. Im hoping its just the reeds that are dirty and not closing off properly, struggling after 40psi. There is a regulator on the unit and it could be set lower than you want it. If it sounds like the compressor is unloaded at that pressure, it would suggest it might be a control issue. Might start hissing as well?
If it still sounds like it's working hard, then it could well be an issue with the compressor itself.
Is there a proper nameplate on it somewhere - that should give you a better idea of what it's meant to do.
Peanut Gallery said:
What are the bores like?
I would also make sure the safety pressure release valve is clean and movable if there is gum in the system. A couple of oil changes have probably been missed!
The bores are surprisingly fine, the pistons were dirty on top but everything has cleaned up well. I think all the oil changes have been missed. ill be doing a change at the same time.I would also make sure the safety pressure release valve is clean and movable if there is gum in the system. A couple of oil changes have probably been missed!
http://www.localtoolsales.com/compressors
I got mine from these guys. I got it as the 60+ year old aid British made compressor I had been using went down and I needed a compressor yesterday. I seem to recall I've got a 250l tank and it was around £279, I bought it through eBay. It was delivered free on a lorry crated up in a wooden crate and the delivery driver who was obviously used to them got it in to the garage for me. I will say it is what it is, it's Chinese and you can tell, the aid when we moved it wasn't liftable by 2 people even when the pump and motor were stripped off. The tank is the same capacity and physical size. We had to use an engine crane and 2 people to get it in to a Passat estate boot. How the suspension didn't collapse I don't know. In contrast the new compressor is almost able to be lifted by one person complete. If it wasn't such a large ungainly thing I could lift it. So the tanks thinner, the pump and motor aren't as good quality.
But it will be equivalent to anything machine mart sell, and short of spending thousands with a UK manufacturer if they even exist any more it's a good value thing. The pump and motor which are the bits that will fail eventually are standard items and can be changed, likewise the pressure switch. It's on wheels so can be moved around. Like I say 10 years hard use spraying and running power tools and it's still strong. I drain it about once a month.
I got mine from these guys. I got it as the 60+ year old aid British made compressor I had been using went down and I needed a compressor yesterday. I seem to recall I've got a 250l tank and it was around £279, I bought it through eBay. It was delivered free on a lorry crated up in a wooden crate and the delivery driver who was obviously used to them got it in to the garage for me. I will say it is what it is, it's Chinese and you can tell, the aid when we moved it wasn't liftable by 2 people even when the pump and motor were stripped off. The tank is the same capacity and physical size. We had to use an engine crane and 2 people to get it in to a Passat estate boot. How the suspension didn't collapse I don't know. In contrast the new compressor is almost able to be lifted by one person complete. If it wasn't such a large ungainly thing I could lift it. So the tanks thinner, the pump and motor aren't as good quality.
But it will be equivalent to anything machine mart sell, and short of spending thousands with a UK manufacturer if they even exist any more it's a good value thing. The pump and motor which are the bits that will fail eventually are standard items and can be changed, likewise the pressure switch. It's on wheels so can be moved around. Like I say 10 years hard use spraying and running power tools and it's still strong. I drain it about once a month.
Edited by wildoliver on Thursday 26th April 14:47
wildoliver said:
http://www.localtoolsales.com/compressors
I got mine from these guys. I got it as the 60+ year old aid British made compressor I had been using went down and I needed a compressor yesterday. I seem to recall I've got a 250l tank and it was around £279, I bought it through eBay. It was delivered free on a lorry crated up in a wooden crate and the delivery driver who was obviously used to them got it in to the garage for me. I will say it is what it is, it's Chinese and you can tell, the aid when we moved it wasn't liftable by 2 people even when the pump and motor were stripped off. The tank is the same capacity and physical size. We had to use an engine crane and 2 people to get it in to a Passat estate boot. How the suspension didn't collapse I don't know. In contrast the new compressor is almost able to be lifted by one person complete. If it wasn't such a large ungainly thing I could lift it. So the tanks thinner, the pump and motor aren't as good quality.
But it will be equivalent to anything machine mart sell, and short of spending thousands with a UK manufacturer if they even exist any more it's a good value thing. The pump and motor which are the bits that will fail eventually are standard items and can be changed, likewise the pressure switch. It's on wheels so can be moved around. Like I say 10 years hard use spraying and running power tools and it's still strong. I drain it about once a month.
That's great. Thanks for the info. I had a look at them and look great for the money.I got mine from these guys. I got it as the 60+ year old aid British made compressor I had been using went down and I needed a compressor yesterday. I seem to recall I've got a 250l tank and it was around £279, I bought it through eBay. It was delivered free on a lorry crated up in a wooden crate and the delivery driver who was obviously used to them got it in to the garage for me. I will say it is what it is, it's Chinese and you can tell, the aid when we moved it wasn't liftable by 2 people even when the pump and motor were stripped off. The tank is the same capacity and physical size. We had to use an engine crane and 2 people to get it in to a Passat estate boot. How the suspension didn't collapse I don't know. In contrast the new compressor is almost able to be lifted by one person complete. If it wasn't such a large ungainly thing I could lift it. So the tanks thinner, the pump and motor aren't as good quality.
But it will be equivalent to anything machine mart sell, and short of spending thousands with a UK manufacturer if they even exist any more it's a good value thing. The pump and motor which are the bits that will fail eventually are standard items and can be changed, likewise the pressure switch. It's on wheels so can be moved around. Like I say 10 years hard use spraying and running power tools and it's still strong. I drain it about once a month.
Edited by wildoliver on Thursday 26th April 14:47
I've just cleaned mine up, made some new liquid gaskets up and put it back together. Its shot up to 100psi in no time. Will change the oil tomorrow and set the cut in / out.
Hopefully it will do for now. But as I've got some spraying lined up in the next few months I'll seriously consider the ones you reccomend. Especially if parts are readily available
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