Air compressor troubleshooting question

[setlab]

I recently bought a 120 gallon 10hp IR compressor from a business that didn't want to fool with it anymore. I was buying it just for the tank so everything else was a bonus.

I got to taking it apart and found the check valve was blown apart. Defiantly will need to replace that but it got me wondering if that was their problem all along. What would the symptoms of a bad check valve be? The previous owner said they couldn't keep oil in the pump and it was covered in oil to boot. Also he told me the last time it was used it got up to 90 psi and stopped. The motor and control box on it is less than 2 years old.

 

[md21722]

The check valve allows air to flow backwards from the tank towards the pump. It does not cause any of the problems with the pump you described. For that pump, sounds like the valves and rings are shot in the one you got. Be careful with that tank. If its coated with oil on the inside it could potentially ignite and explode. I would flush it out before using it.

 

[setlab]

No oil on the inside, but I want to clean out the little bit of Rust inside.

 

[md21722]

The tanks start rusting the day they are made. I wouldn't bother unless you are up for an experiment. If the oil is only external, then it must have some bad seals.