Kellog American 331TV compressor won't compress

454ragtop · Jul 11, 2016

I've had this Kellog American compressor for about 30 years, bought it used, pretty much trouble free other than a pressure switch failure. Pump is a 331 TV that was new right before I purchased it. Been slacking on maintenance, finally ordered some Amsoil compressor oil and went to change it a couple weeks ago. Didn't like the looks of the milky oil that came out, so figured I would fill it with Mobil 1 5W30 , run it for a couple weeks, then drain and install the pricey Amsoil. Seemed fine, then last Thurs. noticed it running longer than normal, seemed stalled at 150 PSI, didn't want to get up to the 160 PSI shut off point, so shut it down. Started it this AM and the gauge just sits at about 55 PSI, won't make any air at all. Any ideas on where to go from here? Could the Mobil 1 have caused this?
TIA, Jim

Craptain · Jul 11, 2016

The oil is not a likely culprit. As long as it was there it was probably doing it's job.
Having said that, it is still possible.

What method of lubing does that pump use? Does the crank dip into the oil, splash ring or ??

Sent from my LG-D801 using Tapatalk

Burgerkong · Jul 11, 2016

Craptain said:
The oil is not a likely culprit. As long as it was there it was probably doing it's job.
Having said that, it is still possible.

What method of lubing does that pump use? Does the crank dip into the oil, splash ring or ??

Sent from my LG-D801 using Tapatalk

There is a ring that is connected to the crank which draws oil up from the sump.

redmondjp · Jul 11, 2016

Do you have any way to monitor the motor current while it is running?

Is there any evidence of oil blowing out of the crankcase vent?

How much oil is in the tank if any?

I'd look at the compressor valves first.

454ragtop · Jul 11, 2016

callmeboss said:
Kellog American 331TV compressor won't compress
I'm not necessarily disagreeing with you, but it's better for you to check it again before run it.

Not sure what you mean by this? Check what?

454ragtop · Jul 11, 2016

redmondjp said:
Do you have any way to monitor the motor current while it is running?

Is there any evidence of oil blowing out of the crankcase vent?

How much oil is in the tank if any?

I'd look at the compressor valves first.

I could probably monitor the motor current with an Amprobe if it would help. Motor doesn't seem to be laboring at all, it's a 5 HP Baldor industrial motor that was new when I converted this compressor from 3 ph to single ph when I first got it.

Didn't see any oil blowing anywhere, but there is some blowby when I remove the oil filler with it running.

As far as oil in the tank, very little is sometimes mixed with the water when I drain the tank. Doesn't seem to generate much condensation either, at least compared to other compressors I've worked with, maybe a cup of water in a month of pretty much daily use.

I assume to check the valves, one would remove the head and the valves are on the top deck of the cylinders?

Thank you, Jim

454ragtop · Jul 11, 2016

Guess I'll start by pulling the head, looking around I see the valves are in the head, just not accessible from the outside. What are the chances a rear disc brake caliper tool will work to remove the valves? Has many discs with pins in different spacings. Recommend a place for parts? Found this place via search http://www.compressorpartsstore.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=TuneUp-331&CartID=2
Yay, nay, price seems reasonable?

454ragtop · Jul 11, 2016

Pulled the head, definitely seems to have a problem with at least 1 valve, on the high side. I think the pistons and cyls. look good, at least from the top. Used a pin spanner to remove the valve, the rear caliper disc brake tool pin spacing was wrong. Will probably have to make a tool of some sort for the valves with the 3 circular slots. Just need to decide where to order parts from, and whether to get the kit with rings, even if I don't use them right now.

TK LP · Jul 11, 2016

Maybe a long shot, but I would look at the simplest stuff first. Are you losing any air through your unloader or any of its tubing? I replaced a defective valve and a cracked tube on my 332. I was losing air through the unloader while the pump was running, and was not able to adjust it out. The aluminum tubing also had a crack at the top fitting that was contributing to the problem. It wasn't as noisy as I would have thought. Correcting both of these significantly increased pump output to the tank. Also, what kind of shape are your belts in?

454ragtop · Jul 11, 2016

Made a tool to remove the valves with the 3 slots, pin spanner worked fine for all the ones with holes. Found 2 more broken valve springs on the low pressure side, both under the retainers with slots. Anybody that can recommend a parts source, please do.

454ragtop · Jul 12, 2016

AM bump for possible parts source.

Trey T · Jul 12, 2016

http://www.compressorpartsstore.com/

http://www.aircomparts-air-compressors.com/tools-replacement-parts/

I've ordered parts from the second link before. I spoke with the tech there and he's pretty knowledgeable

md21722 · Jul 12, 2016

Mastertoolrepair

ereplacementparts

larry_g · Jul 12, 2016

http://www.aircompeq.com/ka.htm

Some information at the above link. Not to solve your problem but the pump specs and they may have parts.

I often use the above spec sheet to explain pump speed/hp/cfm if someone is re-powering or changing pumps.

lg
no neat sig line

454ragtop · Jul 12, 2016

Ended up ordering a head overhaul kit here http://www.airfloinc.com/listitem.jsp?item=1403# Price was good, guy seemed helpful on the phone, see how it goes.

454ragtop · Jul 17, 2016

Got it back together today, back making pressure. Out of 7 valves, 4 had broken valve springs. Thinking might be a good idea every 10 years or so to pull the head and refurb the valves. Worse part of the job was the intercooler and aftercooler tubes, getting the threads started. Just by shear dumb luck I had a 1-1/4" 12 point crows foot, worth its weight in gold for this job, doubtful I could have got it back together without it.

Kellog American 331TV compressor won't compress

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