Air compressor troubles

[ShopWelder]

Hello, I have some questions regarding an air compressor. This compressor can't be but 15-20gal. While cleaning out my grandfather's properties (he has been relocated to nursing care due to health), my father and I came across this little tank. Originally, it had this GE motor (1/3hp, 1725 rpm, 115v) and a single cylinder oiled pump. Upon testing, I noted a weak pump and replaced it with a twin cyl pump to up the recharge rate.

BEFORE I go further, this is my first compressor experiment.

Now then, for some reason, I cannot get this compressor to charge past 20psi before the motor just stalls and goes into thermal over-load. Do I need to switch to a 220v setup? Maybe get a stronger 120v model? I don't really know what's out there. I found, in general, 115v @1725rpm and 1725/3450rpm 220v models. I know very little about this pump. It's a Craftsman model with X610045 stamped in the rear bottom. No ID plate.

My assumption here is that the motor is too weak to do the job. Prior to sealing the connections, it cranked just fine. Ran it for 20min before I quit the test. Then I sealed the connections to the tank and I have nothing beyond 22psi.

Thanks in advance for reading this. I look forward to your insight on this one.

 

[ShopWelder]

Picture 2. iPad only loaded one at a time

 

[ShopWelder]

And the motor info...

 

[Zrexxer]

1/3 HP isn't going to be anywhere near enough to run that pump. I think you're going to find yourself looking for at least a 2 hp motor or larger.

 

[ShopWelder]

WOW!! Ok, we'll, I'll look into finding one. Who sells such a beast? And check valves? I forgot to inquire about check valves. During my last experiment, I blew a line at 100psi. Not sure how much pressure should be coming back into the lines as it builds pressure, but I don't think I should be blowing lines from the pump to the compressor.

 

[CNGsaves]

+1 to get bigger motor. Use that piddly 1/3 HP on a bench grinder instead.

Also, ought to pursue copper lines (w/ proper fittings) instead of rubber hydraulic hoses? with hose clamps on the compressor. Heat is going to eat those alive.

Have you drained the tank of water, and looked inside for rust / pitting?? A rusty leaking tank can be quite dangerous - - if questionable, the tank should be hydro-tested. Take out a ********* in tank and look inside with one of those snake cameras.

 

[ShopWelder]

Use that piddly 1/3 HP on a bench grinder instead.

That's not a bad idea. Just so happens that I brought one of those (very new) from grandpa's properties as well. As far as the copper lines go, I plan to. This quick connect air hose **** was just to see if it worked at all. My next actual goal, after the motor upgrade, is to remove/replace the mounting plate with a slightly longer one. The current one is about 1-1/2" short.

Awesome, so we established that my motor is too small. What about check valves and pressure regulators? Where can I find them? The previous pressure gauge said 125psi is the danger point, so I want to make sure i get something to cut-off before then. I wasn't able to fully test this one, but may as we'll replace all the small components. Once it's fully operational, I'm adding a lifting handle.

 

[mmouse]

I would have filled my shorts if a line blew at 100 psi! Check ebay for electric motors. You can get a new Leeson for a reasonable price. Or lookfor a local motor repair place. They. May have a refurb.

 

[RECox286]

New "compressor duty" motors can be had at places like Harbor Freight,

Grainger, Sears Parts and most motor shops to name a few sources.

There is literally no end to the list of suppliers. Gaging from the

picture I would be looking for a 2 or 3 hp motor to drive your new

compressor.

Uncle Bob

 

[Norcal]

New "compressor duty" motors can be had at places like Harbor Freight,

Grainger, Sears Parts and most motor shops to name a few sources.

There is literally no end to the list of suppliers. Gaging from the

picture I would be looking for a 2 or 3 hp motor to drive your new

compressor.

Uncle Bob

The motors at HF are just high priced ChiCom junk, look online for motors, 2-3 HP is a bit high for that pump.

 

[HotrodHR]

OK... So you found this 15 - 20 gallon tank and want to resurrect an air compressor? What do you plan to use this for? After replacing the motor, rebuilding the pump, and pressure testing, how much do you think you'll have in it?

If it was a larger tank and I had a bunch of old (usable) parts laying around I might play around with it... Unfortunately, you may be at the point of diminishing return already...

 

[badss98]

There must be a check valve in discharge line from pump to tank, this should solve pressure problem. You also need to know what the tank is rated for in terms of pressure, if the tank is good you can order a pressure cutout switch rated for tank that will run motor and stop at specific psi.

 

[Davefr]

The motors at HF are just high priced ChiCom junk, look online for motors, 2-3 HP is a bit high for that pump.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/251331686454?ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1555.l2649

 

[ShopWelder]

There must be a check valve in discharge line from pump to tank, this should solve pressure problem. You also need to know what the tank is rated for in terms of pressure, if the tank is good you can order a pressure cutout switch rated for tank that will run motor and stop at specific psi.

I'm assuming it is 125psi. This is the old gauge that I replaced. The needle was sticking, and required a bit of a tap to get any reading over 20psi. Based on this, I would say its 125psi safely. I went hunting for a cut-out switch and check valve, but came up short. Any suggestions?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/251331686454?ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1555.l2649

If I get my old welder sold, I'll jump on this. I have a large family living under the Obama administration, so I can't take it now, like I want to.

 

[badss98]

Northern tool and equipment carry both items do a search on there site for Air pressure switch and check valve. I did not price shop these as they may be cheaper at other retail locations but around 60 for both items at northern

 

[ShopWelder]

Kick ***. Found them. Thanks. After reading through everyone's advice/suggestions, I've decided to save up and seek out a 1.5-2hp motor and go for it. For now, I reattached the old pump (projects still need done in the mean time) and will deal with it until I can swap it (or it dies). I will be replacing the remaining components as well. The pressure switch is to the point where it's almost impossible to adjust it (best I can do is 80psi on/95psi off). The check valve is sketchy, so I'll swap it too. I'll post a pic or video when it's done. Might be awhile though. Thanks everyone with your input. You've been a great help on this one!!!