Ingersoll Rand SS4L5 compressor

[mike diesel]

New guy here...

Some back history first...Bought an older 60 gallon Campbell Hausfeld off of the local classified 2 years ago for $200. It did ok but was only rated at 10CFM @ 90psi. About a month ago I sold it and Picked up a new Kobalt 60 gallon rated at 11.5CFM thinking it would be an ok upgrade...they had the poor thing cranked to 155psi and it took 8 minutes to fill from empty. The math shows an actual flow of 10.6CFM..less than advertised. I had it a week and decided I wasn't going to be happy. Sold it on the local classifieds literally 2 days after I bought it.

Went shopping this last weekend, ended up at Tractor Supply looking at some Ingersoll Rand compressors. Specifically the SS4L5 compressor, price was right and it would suit my needs nicely. It is rated at 14.1CFM. Did some research but was only able to find basically 1 forum where members talked about this compressor. For the most part, it had great reviews with a few negative also.

I ended up bringing it home with me and have been very satisfied with it (math is showing an actual 15.1 CFM), but I am starting to have doubts. Upon further reading, it appears that these IR units sold by these shops are not much better than Husky or Kobalt units. Mexican made motors and Chinese pumps....Did I make a mistake here?

Does anyone here have experience specifically with this model?

 

[mike diesel]

 

[383 240z]

I have that compressor. I've been happy with it for the past 10 years. The motor failed after 5 years, my motor guy couldn't rebuild it. I wanted to replace it with a quality motor, however, I was in a hurry and couldn't wait so I picked up a motor at my local TSC. It was not a direct replacement, I had to drill a few holes in the mounting plate, while I was at it I made a pivot point, so I could tighten the belt, using a pry bar between the motor and the pivot.

The compressor however has been great, I changed the oil at the 2 and 5 year mark. I saw no metal at all in it. I've been running full synthetic in it since. The only think I didn't like about it is the drain. Very hard to grab and turn, I swapped it out for black pipe and a ball valve. I use the compressor in a semi-professional setting. I run a large sandblaster, DA's, air tools, plasma cutters. Usually 2 guys working at a time. Keith

 

[mike diesel]

First thing I did was make a new tank drain with a ball valve, much nicer. If I get 5 years out of that motor, I'll be more than happy. I honestly don't use the compressor that much. I have a 22 gallon one I built that I use 80% of the time.

Sounds like your experience has been positive. I feel better about it already. Is there a better oil you'd recommend? All my past compressors have said to use full synthetic 10w30, first thing I noticed on this IR is that it said absolutely do not use any type of motor oil in the pump. Currently running the IR synthetic oil that came with it.

 

[383 240z]

I'll check if I have a bottle of the oil I used in the shop, I pulled my hamstring and I'm not moving real well. I know it was compressor oil, full synthetic, not sure on the brand. Keith

 

[469 runner]

The motors on those are real ****. The rest is fine. When the motor gave out on mine I replaced it with a Baldor, that took a little messing as there was no direct replacement. Well worth it though. That pump is not as good as the T-30 style that IR sells, but should last a long time.

 

[cgrutt]

I have a similar compressor SS3LS but looks pretty much the same. My motor failed too after a couple years. I also considered replacing it with a Baldor but was able to get the original motor repaired for about $60 so I went that route. My only complaint with the compressor is I'd rather have one with higher CFM but it's worked OK except for the problem with motor. I also put in a ball valve for drain. I don't know about oil.

 

[mike diesel]

So far, I am happy with the CFM out of the SS4L5. Pumps out a hair over 15cfm.

Appreciate the responses!

 

[AntonLargiader]

How loud is it? I need a larger one and I have a Tractor Supply right here in town that sells this unit.

 

[cannondalejoe]

I bought a TS4L5 ( which looks identical to your SS4L5 ) back in 2000 from Sears, and it has been running flawlessly ever since...

 

[Dunfallin]

Today, 5/3/18, hooked up my new SS4L5 and within a minute found air leak at fitting into tank from pump! Come on man! Assembled in America means a lot to me, even knowing major parts are sourced elsewhere. But a leak means more electricity used, and more heat cycles on an already hot pump.
Tractor Supply tomorrow. See what manager will do. I paid a guy with forklift to come TWICE! To offload. And today to lift off pallet onto slab. And wiring it is no small act. 5 hours from repair facility.
Can someone look at picture and say whether you could get in there, and how to fix? I consider it impossible at home.
View is looking down thru mounting plate, pump on right, motor on left.

 

[FTG-05]

Today, 5/3/18, hooked up my new SS4L5 and within a minute found air leak at fitting into tank from pump! Come on man! Assembled in America means a lot to me, even knowing major parts are sourced elsewhere. But a leak means more electricity used, and more heat cycles on an already hot pump.
Tractor Supply tomorrow. See what manager will do. I paid a guy with forklift to come TWICE! To offload. And today to lift off pallet onto slab. And wiring it is no small act. 5 hours from repair facility.
Can someone look at picture and say whether you could get in there, and how to fix? I consider it impossible at home.
View is looking down thru mounting plate, pump on right, motor on left.

How to fix depends on where it's leaking: The compression fitting or the NPT threads into the tank?

If it's the compression fitting: tighten and see if you can rid of the link. At worst, you may have to take it apart and replace the compression ring.

If it's the NPT fitting into the tank, then you have to take apart the compression pipe at both ends, remove the small compression pipe on the left and depending on how much threads are showing (so you can use a socket) the over pressure safety valve.

Shouldn't be hard to fix if none of the parts are damage. Surely far easier than getting a guy back with a forklift not once but twice!

Good luck.

 

[Dunfallin]

How to fix depends on where it's leaking: The compression fitting or the NPT threads into the tank?

If it's the compression fitting: tighten and see if you can rid of the link. At worst, you may have to take it apart and replace the compression ring.

If it's the NPT fitting into the tank, then you have to take apart the compression pipe at both ends, remove the small compression pipe on the left and depending on how much threads are showing (so you can use a socket) the over pressure safety valve.

Shouldn't be hard to fix if none of the parts are damage. Surely far easier than getting a guy back with a forklift not once but twice!

Good luck.

Thanks FTG for such a quick and thoughtful response. I did find that leak is at ****** to tank bung. Then I went to Tractor Supply this morning and an hour later the manager and I came to a resolution. Not mentioning the financial details. But can say how poorly I think IR service responded to this. If I had bought the service plan they “may have come 5 hours” to fix it.
So, I’ll try your solution and report back.
Dissolutioned with even American assembled tools. Do your homework guys. In the end it’s still price vs. quality.

 

[Lelandwelds]

So far, I am happy with the CFM out of the SS4L5. Pumps out a hair over 15cfm.

Appreciate the responses!

I 've got a calculator and I am not afraid to use it!

I expected a rant about your single stage not hitting 175 psi. IR and Quincy both, in my opinion, are depending on their reputation from years ago to sell a ho hum product.

I am impressed you made time to fix leaks and figure actual cfm.

 

[j-dogga]

My 18 year old T30 upright 5HP baldor motor / two stage "V" pump ..... 60 gal tank finally pinholed.

Motir and pump run very well.

Should I (can I) buy a brand new SS4L5 for $900 and replace the smaller motor/pump with my existing setup?

Or buy a brand new tank (only) for similar price?

I no longer need the 14CFM at 90 (no more sanding body work/sandblasting) just using impact, nail, air ratchet etc home hobby.....