1947 Air Compresser

[AndyCFI]

Hi Everyone,

A 1947 Binks Air Compressor (60 gallon) came with my house. I've been hesitant to use it over the last few years as I am not sure of the integrity of the tank. Nothing specific suggests an issue, but the age concerns me.

What thoughts does everyone have on this? There is an inspection port on one of the ends, but it appears to be tack welded in place so that it does not unscrew. Is this common? Can I just grind that weld off to open it up and look inside? I have an inspection camera that would be able to poke around inside. I've also read about DIY hydrotesting with a grease gun.

Is it worth all this? Or should I just replace it? I'm not really in a rush as my trusty 33 gallon portable is still serving me well.

Thanks,
Andy

 

[G_P]

I would try to get that bung open and have a look inside.
Have you tried draining it? If it was regularly drained, the tank may very well be fine.

 

[sberry]

I would probably fire it up and blow some air out the drain first.

 

[sberry]

Most rust is very localized in pits. I just had one on a small unit leak. Had one small hole that had corroded thin about the size of a pencil eraser and close to where they had factory welded an attachment or drain right around the bottom.
We did a fuel tank a while back everyone was worried about replacing and same deal. We cut a hole in the bottom to look, one tiny spot causing the problem. Most tank rust thru is very spotty and leaks vs outright failure.