I’ve got a Kobalt VT6362 compressor (60 gal upright, 3 HP) I bought 10-15 years ago, and until recently, have had no issues. However...
A couple weeks ago, I found my compressor running and upon inspection, I found that the compressor discharge tube leading to the tank split and separated just above the compression fitting, I’m assuming vibration over time fatigued the tube at compression nut. I secured it and let it cool down.
I’d used it earlier in the day but forgot to isolate it from my shop’s air system, as I typically did because I’m still chasing some air leaks. Based on the time for my system to bleed down sufficiently, worst case, the compressor ran about 5 hours.
A couple days later, I drained and replaced the oil and ran it occasionally for my projects. Because my hearing ***** already, I could not say whether it was any louder while running. I did check the temperature of the pump and my gut says it was running hotter than I remember, but I’d never measured temperatures previously so no baseline.
Fast forward to last week, I went out to start it and run it and nothing. (Learned to secure it mechanically/electrically FWIW). Troubleshooting led me to a failed contactor on the pressure switch, so I replaced the switch and it’s back in operation. However…
I measured the temperature in the vicinity of the head and the discharge and I’m seeing above 390 degrees. Definitely hotter than I remember but again, no baseline. More concerning though is I’m observing an oil vapor plume coming from the crankcase breather tube.
So I’m getting pressure in the crankcase, which leads me to bad piston rings or gaskets and a rebuild is in order.
I’m starting to build a parts and price list for that task, but as I do, I’m wondering if it’d be smarter (time and money) in the long run to just replace the entire pump, vice chase other issues such as bearings, seals, etc.
Any insight and wisdom from those who have gone before me on this journey?
A couple weeks ago, I found my compressor running and upon inspection, I found that the compressor discharge tube leading to the tank split and separated just above the compression fitting, I’m assuming vibration over time fatigued the tube at compression nut. I secured it and let it cool down.
I’d used it earlier in the day but forgot to isolate it from my shop’s air system, as I typically did because I’m still chasing some air leaks. Based on the time for my system to bleed down sufficiently, worst case, the compressor ran about 5 hours.
A couple days later, I drained and replaced the oil and ran it occasionally for my projects. Because my hearing ***** already, I could not say whether it was any louder while running. I did check the temperature of the pump and my gut says it was running hotter than I remember, but I’d never measured temperatures previously so no baseline.
Fast forward to last week, I went out to start it and run it and nothing. (Learned to secure it mechanically/electrically FWIW). Troubleshooting led me to a failed contactor on the pressure switch, so I replaced the switch and it’s back in operation. However…
I measured the temperature in the vicinity of the head and the discharge and I’m seeing above 390 degrees. Definitely hotter than I remember but again, no baseline. More concerning though is I’m observing an oil vapor plume coming from the crankcase breather tube.
So I’m getting pressure in the crankcase, which leads me to bad piston rings or gaskets and a rebuild is in order.
I’m starting to build a parts and price list for that task, but as I do, I’m wondering if it’d be smarter (time and money) in the long run to just replace the entire pump, vice chase other issues such as bearings, seals, etc.
Any insight and wisdom from those who have gone before me on this journey?