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ACME Air Compressor!

Vintagenut

Member
Joined
Dec 16, 2022
Messages
18
Well, sorta. I’ve had this old compressor pump and electric motor combo for about 15 years (belonged to my wife’s grandfather) and have used it on a regular basis, but it’s had only a 5-gallon tank to fill which has made it fairly limited for most tasks. I recently picked up a 20-gallon tank from Harbor Freight (wish me luck) to mount it on and decided to give the pump and motor a good cleaning. There was a little bit of gunk in the bottom of the oil, but the piston, rotating assembly, and bottom side of the head are very clean. Used a lot of cleaner and elbow grease on the outside though and had to make gaskets to put it back together. The plumbing was fun too. I think it turned out well. It runs quietly and efficiently. The Square D regulator shuts off at 125 and restarts at 90psi. Next is to run airline throughout the garage.

A few notes:
  • I have no idea who made the pump. The only markings are a B201 and C on the housing, an S-501 on the front cover and a S 500 C.I. and M on the head. Google hasn’t been much help, so if anyone knows anything about it, I’d be happy to learn. I’m guessing it’s from the 40’s or 50’s. I don’t believe the air filter housing is original, but it looks kinda cool (the filter may appear dirty, but it’s a new Sanborn filter pad). I’m also not sure if the flywheel is original.
  • The motor is a 1/2hp, 1,725rpm AJAX. Not sure of the model number. It spins freely and silently with no play. I swapped the small pulley that was on it for a slightly larger one to help the pump fill the larger tank more quickly. The power switch was added for convenience.
  • The USG pressure gauge was sourced from eBay (as were the ACME label and “Road Runner Racer Red” wheels. Lol).
Anyway. Enjoy! And, again, any help identifying the pump is welcome.
 

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