80 gallon compressor tank rust through leak

[CARS]

A few years ago, the MN State Pressure Vessel inspector payed my a visit.
He used a sonic tester to say that my 1948 tank was too thin to use. There should be a minimum thickness listed on the vessel's tag.

Just replace it. Not worth your life. If nothing else go to Craig's list and buy one of those used, noisy, oil-less compressors and use the tank from it.

 

[Rich H.]

I'm not sure if it's considered "the right thing to do", but I never tighten the drain plug completely. I leave it ever so slightly loose, just so I can barely hear the air leaking. I don't leave compressors powered up all the time and only turn them on when I need them.

 

[isaac338]

I like how every poster in this thread is desperately trying to convince the OP that repairing his tank is a bad idea, even though he's already clearly stated he intends to replace it.

 

[Stephenw]

I like how every poster in this thread is desperately trying to convince the OP that repairing his tank is a bad idea, even though he's already clearly stated he intends to replace it.

Reading comprehension much?

He talks about the price of a new tank, but in his final sentence, he asks for other ideas. A few people recommend repair. Most recommend replacement.

 

[isaac338]

Reading comprehension much?

He talks about the price of a new tank, but in his final sentence, he asks for other ideas. A few people recommend repair. Most recommend replacement.

... And a few posts later he says "I'll just replace it", followed by 20 or so posts rabidly declaring the stupidity of repair, complete with gore!

 

[78Bird]

I get the feeling he meant another source of safe tanks that aren't quite as expensive.

I'd say look for a decently new but blown compressor on CL, or maybe someone selling a 3-phase one that they cant use. The often go cheaper, just put your existing setup on it's tank.

With some patience, you might even be able to sell off the parts.

 

[Licensed to kill]

... And a few posts later he says "I'll just replace it", followed by 20 or so posts rabidly declaring the stupidity of repair, complete with gore!

Perhaps those 20 or so posts were actually directed at the people that suggested repair rather than at the OP.

 

[BMEP]

70Bird - exactly. I was thinking maybe somebody knew of a good source that might be lower cost or that maybe tanks are frequently repaired and tested by a qualified shop, suggestions on how to fine one, that sort of thing. It appears that anybody willing to repair and test it is going to charge just as much (or more) than a new tank.

I've looked for low cost compressors but most seem to have 60 gallon tanks and many with top plates too small to mount my pump & motor. I'm also weary of used compressors since it's tough to know the condition and I could be in the same boat.

 

[ToddG]

In Phoenix:

http://phoenix.craigslist.org/wvl/tls/2678066715.html

Looks real cheap!

 

[Todd.Brock]

So the rusty feet on my 10 year old 80 gallon compressor are now causing me concern. I bought it a few years ago and has held pressure fine. NOw you all have me paranoid b/c it has something looking like cutting oil sprayed all over it that looks like rust. I took some fine steel wool and it came right off. but the rusty feet and the paint flaking at the top of my tank have me wondering. IF the outside of the tank is any indication of the care and maintenance that the inside recieved, i may be too little too late by adding an auto drain!

 

[ptschram]

I've never seen a fiber tank for compressed air. Do they exist?

Self-contained breathing apparati are somtimes used with spun fiberglas tanks pressurized to more than 2000 PSIG.

 

[Falcon67]

I personally don't think 20 gallons makes that much difference. I'd buy a new 60 gallon unit at a home center and sell off the head parts. That's half what you'd pay for the 80 gallon tank. You've got the power and the CFM, 20 gallons won't make much difference unless you are really using the hell out of air and recovery makes that much difference.

 

[dwljpl]

I had a smaller 20 gallon tank let go in my dads garage while I was working on his car. It had a pinhole leak in the tank and finally let go while I was on the other side of the car. I can't imagine an 80 gallon tank imploding after experiencing that 20 gallon explode. Luckily no damage or injuries except to the tank and compressor that ended up in four pieces. I have a small 6 gallon Porter Cable pancake compressor that I drain each time I use it and I leave the drain open afterwards. Is there anything else that should be done?

 

[Brad54]

It's an air tank ! Not a fuel tank . Drill out the hole and weld in a threaded collar then screw in a drain tap. Or better yet drill about a 1/4" hole and tap that then screw in a small petcock.

You're joking, right?
I'd weld a fuel tank before an air tank... fill the fuel tank with CO2 or car exhaust, and it won't blow up.
Weld a pin-holed air tank and pump 145psi into it, and there's a good chance you'll be digging shrapnel out of the walls.

Have any of you "Just weld it 'n git 'er done!" types ever replaced rusted floors in a vintage car? Damn.

Here's a little tip you might not have grasped: Rust is a metal-thinning process. It makes a hole when a spot gets thin enough. The areas surrounding the hole are also thin, they just haven't gotten thin enough to have a hole yet.
Don't believe me? The next time you're around a rusted floor pan, take a pick or screwdriver and start poking it around the holes, and find out how far away you need to go before you hit metal solid enough to not poke through it.

Jeeze.
-Brad

 

[compman25]

Unfortunately, my 5hp 80 gallon compressor tank started dripping from a spot on the middle of the bottom side of the tank. It's a late 80s vintage Charge Air Pro by Ingersoll Rand 5hp, 18.7 CFM @ 175psi with relatively low hours. By the way, I do have an automatic drain but this compressor belonged to my dad for probably 25 years and it sat many of those years apparently with water in it. I added the drain fairly recently (and too late, as it seems).

So, I found a new ASME replacement tank for $699 (tank is $520, the rest is shipping). That's definitely less than a new comparable compressor, but still nothing to sneeze at.

Anybody got any other ideas?

Did you ever get a new tank? I know where there are 2 Champion 80 gallon tanks semi near you (Santa Rosa) that could be had for cheap, like free.