1996 Campbell Hausfeld Compressor

[Gearhead00]

Compressor #3 is a 1996 model Campbell Hausfeld.

60 gal, with a 4 cyl made in USA pump and a Doerr 7 HP electric motor. Pumped right up to 145 psi.

Oil looked dirty in the site glass, I'm assuming it's just splash lubed since there was no oil pressure guage.

Are these older CH compressors any good? The pump looks very robust and has "Made in USA" cast very prominently into it. The motor is made in St. Louis.

I know the later model CH compressors are of questionable durability, but what about a 1996 "Classic" Cale Yarborough model?

 

[Gearhead00]

It's just like this one

http://www.aircompressorsdirect.com/Images/Campbell-Hausfeld-TQ3104-Air-Compressor/i7630.html

except it has slightly higher output, 16.8 cfm vs 16.0 and a 7 HP motor vice 5 HP motor, but has a smaller 60 gal tank.

 

[Gearhead00]

And is it a good deal at $500?

 

[gtermini]

This is a better deal than the other one. It's a fair buy at $500. I wouldn't hesitate at $350-400.

Greyson

 

[Gearhead00]

Thanks!

 

[EOC_Jason]

That's not a real 7HP motor, see on the label where it says SPCL, and it's only 21 amps? That's more like 4-5 "real" HP... Still it would be a decent compressor for a garage use.

I would pull the dipstick and see if there is at least the proper level of oil in it and see how nasty it is. Check the air filters, make sure they aren't clogged up. Open the drain valve (if he will let you) to see what comes out...

 

[Gearhead00]

Thanks Chief,

I'm sourcing this for my garage, will be running a single DA or a blast cabinet and I think this should keep up with it.

It was the backup compressor in a body shop (The IMC in the other thread being the primary that ran the shop) so I'm thinking it was held in reserve, and as such has fairly low hours for the vintage.

The 21 amp pull will actually be an advantage since I'm planning on piggybacking this onto the HVAC line to the A/C unit. I think the other one requires a 40 amp breaker.

The oil is dirty and opaque in the sight glass in both units.

 

[Gearhead00]

Ok, so I went with this compressor.

It was the back up compressor at a body shop and was in storage for many years.

The tank was bone dry. Fired right up and filled right up to 145 psi in about 3 min.

Other than checking the air filters and changing the compressor oil, what else should I do for it?

Where is a good source for compressor oil?

 

[EOC_Jason]

That's pretty much it unless you have issues. Change oil, drain tank, check air filter, check belt (for both tension/alignment and wear)...

Amsoil makes a good synthetic compressor oil. Otherwise you can find regular non-detergent oil at any auto-parts store. Some auto-parts places like O'Reilly's will carry compressor oil too. Big box stores will also have compressor oil (assuming they sell air compressors).

 

[pault28]

I have that same compressor. I bought mine used for 450 but it wasn't as clean as yours. Mine has the same usa pump and motor. It's been a beast for me and I have no complaints whatsoever. You'll like it!

 

[Gearhead00]

Thanks for the advice.

I run Amsoil in my Cummins, I'm thinking I'll run regular dino in it for a bit to flush it out and then change it again with Amsoil.

On another note, I was thinking of putting in my "garden shed" that's attached to my garage. It's uninsulated and unheated...will this be an issue during the winter? Otherwise I'll put it in the garage, which can be heated, but normally isn't. I was hoping to reduce the noise in the garage.

Paul,

Thanks for the data point. I think I did pretty well considering I don't think it has very many operating hours. Seller even delivered it and helped me move it in. It's great to get positive feedback on a purchase!

 

[pault28]

Personally,
I think it can't be beat considering:
1. It's price point
2. Made in USA cast iron pump, tank, and motor
3. Relatively quiet
4. Excellent CFM compared to most standard 60Gal upright 5hp units which usually out out 10-12cfm @ 90psi.

It is relatively quiet, but I would still like to quiet it down a bit more. I've looked into the solberg (probably misspelled the name) puck type mufflers but I couldn't find any puck style with 1/2"MPT that I didn't think would choke it a little bit.

Mine also does not have an on/off switch, it just has a square d pressure switch that is wired directly to an electrical disconnect which is wired to the panel. I kill the disconnect and keep the breaker in my subpanel on.

FYI, I keep mine in an insulated (though not spectacularly well) I heated garage in the Chicagoland area and it has done well without any hiccups.