Air Compressor Help - Used FS Curtis or New Quincy

[adamz]

Fellow garage journal members,

I'd like to pick your brains regarding the potential purchase of a used 2002 FS Curtis 5e2ht8-a2 with e-57 pump 80 gallon horizontal or a new Quincy QT-54 60 gallon vertical air compressor. I run mostly automotive air tools, some portable abrasive blasting tools, painting equipment, and I keep pestering my wife into letting me buy a CNC mill or lathe for the shop (dream big, right?!).

Here is my situation:

FS Curtis 5e2ht8-a2
To begin, I could purchase this compressor and get quite a deal. When I went to look at this compressor, I was informed that it had sat outside unused for 6-12 months. We were unable to turn the pump by hand, to which we removed the cylinder cover to discover an amount of build-up/rust that was inhibiting the large piston from completing it's stroke. They were able to remove the rust and clean up the piston/cylinder, and I requested they reassemble it and run the compressor (knowing that two gaskets needed to be replaced) so I could verify the compressor and motor did at least run. Everything fired up without hesitation but would not hold pressure past 55psi, which I figured was attributed to the two gaskets being out. This didn't bother me so much as seeing some rust on the crankshaft when looking into the crankcase. On top of that, a brownish oil came back up from under the oil fill cap... This greatly concerned me.

The seller contacted me today stating that they had fixed up the compressor, replaced the gaskets, and flushed the oil twice and stated that everything was running fine now. They are now offering to deliver the compressor to me and for less than they initially asked as I had a bit of a drive to check this one out.

Would any of you more knowledgeable individuals have any reservations about purchasing this compressor? Are there other outlets for parts short of buying a brand new pump for $1000?

Quincy QT-54
This one is a bit more straight forward. Brand new, $1400 for aircompressorsdirect and $35 lift gate fee. I could easily extend the 1 year warranty to 2/3 years for another $170.

I would greatly appreciate any insight or advice! Thanks!

 

[930dreamer]

I think most new compressor lack the build quality of an older compressor. I'd also be leery of a seller telling everything ok now, sounds like the Curtis wasn't taken care of. I would buy the Curtis if it was cheap enough that I could go through the entire pump and rebuild. And by cheap I mean pennies on the dollar.

 

[CNGsaves]

You haven't told us purchase price of the used Curtis compressor?? If it fills 80 gal tank quickly and holds pressure (assuming also the 80 gal tank itself is safe), then definitely consider the Curtis. Post up pictures of the Curtis, along with giving the price.

 

[930dreamer]

X2 on the condition of the tank, if the pump was neglected the tank might be full of water.

 

[adamz]

They are coming down to $400. I'm not opposed to a rebuild, but haven't learned where to find parts for air compressors.

 

[930dreamer]

Is the compressor motor single or three phase? This could be a serious deal breaker.

 

[adamz]

These are the pictures from the ad, I did not take any when I went up to look at it.

 

[adamz]

Compressor is single phase. I did not want to spend the money on a VFD.

 

[930dreamer]

Whats the motor hp? This might be too small for your needs.
Here's the pump specs;

http://accessorieaircompressor.thom...tis-ca-series-electric-air-compressors/5e2ht8

 

[Zrexxer]

I think most new compressor lack the build quality of an older compressor.

While that may be true, a "FS-Curtis" isn't really an older compressor. FS is "Fu-Sheng Industrial" who acquired Curtis in 2005.

 

[adamz]

5 hp. I know planning for the future, bigger is better but I do not think I would be pushing anything too hard to truly warrant a 7.5+ hp unit.

 

[adamz]

I have requested a video of the compressor running to full pressure, should get that tomorrow.

Can anyone suggest a place to get rebuild parts aside from contacting Curtis?

 

[PT Doc]

Compressor is single phase. I did not want to spend the money on a VFD.

A single phase motor would not require a vfd.

Can someone confirm from personal experience if 3 phase compressors run well on a vfd?

 

[adamz]

The VFD was in regards to a 3 phase motor. There are a number of people running CNC equipment or other 3 phase items on Practical Machinist that seem to have success with it. I'd certainly consider it if a deal came up on some 3 phase equipment!

 

[kenfain]

I'd rather have a used commercial unit like the Curtis, than a new homeowner model Quincy. Even if it required a rebuild.
That being said I think you should keep looking. I don't like the sound of that rust issue.

 

[adamz]

The rust is the biggest factor. Without disassembling the compressor, I cannot tell if there is in fact rust on the crank aside from what little I could see from the oil cap. On top of that, I have not been able to locate a source for a new crankshaft if that were necessary.

I don't want to rule this one out completely until I feel I have done my research, but opportunities seem to be scarce in the Memphis area!

 

[kenfain]

Parts in the DFW metroplex are easily found. Can't say about Memphis.
A call to Curtis should get a local dealer, who can provide parts. There's not that much to a compressor. So it'd be pretty straightforward. And it shouldn't need much, provided it pumps the tank in the specified time.
I'd be more concerned with tank condition.

 

[CNGsaves]

OP, you're NOT going to need a new crankshaft on the Curtis. Not sure where you're getting that idea.

If Curtis is running and filling tank, it's likely fine. I'd say talk them down to $300 or $350 and Curtis would be awesome deal, even it took a little work, or worst case rebuild.

 

[adamz]

Externally, the tank looked OK. FS Curtis has one service center in Memphis and a few around me. I'll put in a call tomorrow, as I also found an exploded parts diagram.

 

[C96]

Normally I would advise the Curtis hands-down, but the rust issue could be a real problem. As for that Quincy, keep looking. Those lower end Quincy compressors are just that, low end machines with inexpensive parts, over spun offshore pumps sporting the Quincy name in a pretty blue outfit.

I would Offer $200 for the Curtis

 

[adamz]

OP, you're NOT going to need a new crankshaft on the Curtis. Not sure where you're getting that idea.

If Curtis is running and filling tank, it's likely fine. I'd say talk them down to $300 or $350 and Curtis would be awesome deal, even it took a little work, or worst case rebuild.

I got that idea from seeing some rust on the snout of the crank looking from the oil cap, so I have concerns that moisture got in to the crankcase while it sat. Would that be a valid concern, or are these compressors more robust than I am giving them credit?

 

[redmondjp]

I'd buy that Curtis in a heartbeat for that price. Shoot, it's worth it just for the true 5HP 1740RPM motor on it. I have that identical compressor sitting outside my garage. I bought it for $250, and then spent about another $500 getting the pump rebuilt.

The E-57 pump on it is still in production so there is no problem getting parts for them. I had a retired compressor mechanic go through mine and he sourced the parts but didn't indicate any problem getting them.

Have you listened to the unit pump up from zero pressure? This is where you will here the rod knocking if there is any rod bearing slop.

The Curtis is a true USA-made unit and worth putting money into IMO.

 

[adamz]

I'd buy that Curtis in a heartbeat for that price. Shoot, it's worth it just for the true 5HP 1740RPM motor on it. I have that identical compressor sitting outside my garage. I bought it for $250, and then spent about another $500 getting the pump rebuilt.

The E-57 pump on it is still in production so there is no problem getting parts for them. I had a retired compressor mechanic go through mine and he sourced the parts but didn't indicate any problem getting them.

Have you listened to the unit pump up from zero pressure? This is where you will here the rod knocking if there is any rod bearing slop.

The Curtis is a true USA-made unit and worth putting money into IMO.

I asked them to send me a video of the compressor pressurizing, I should get that today. I did not hear any knocking when I listened to it this past weekend.