Air compressor pump/motor replacement

[niget2002]

Hello All,

Has anyone ever replaced the pump/motor on your air compressor with one from a larger tank size?

I was wondering if I could upgrade my air compressor by buying the larger capacity AC over time.

Upgrade the motor first... then when funds allowed, get a larger pump. Finally, replace the tank with a larger one (or plumb in additional smaller tanks to the first one).

I could even grab dead air compressors off of craigslist with various working parts. I assume as long as they are compatible RPM/power-wise, it should be doable.

Is there something I'm not thinking of?

 

[Oldbear]

I'm in the process of changing over. My oil-less stopped building pressure and isn't worth fixing. I got a rebuilt Emglo KU pump for a case of beer, a 1/2 motor for future trades, and a plate to mount it to from our scrap bin. I found the RPM range of the pump and took into account the lower power of the motor and used this website to calculate the pulley size and belt needed:

http://www.blocklayer.com/Pulley-BeltEng.aspx

 

[Mandres]

you certainly can but you might end up spending more than you expect on replacement lines, check valve, a heavier-duty pressure switch, mag starter (if you go up to a >5hp motor), etc. You'll probably also need to swap out the pully to maintain the right rpm for the pump if you go to a bigger motor.