air compressor

[junkyardwarrior]

I was gifted a 60gal 6.5hp free standing (vertical) air compressor in about 2013 from my dad. it's an older "Charge Air Pro by Ingersol Rand". The other night I was using the air to cut some sheet metal and the compressor pump seized and burnt the belt off, belt actually caught fire (but self-extinguished thankfully). My fault for not being dilligent on checking the compressor oil often enough I guess. Shaft seal had been leaking.

Anyway, this unit has the old twin cylinder inline aluminum pump on it. There are very few markings on it, and nothing I see on it matches up with anything online. Based on that, and the fact that I cannot seem to locate a new pump, what are my options here? New compressor is about $1000. I can afford it but would rather not have to replace right now if I don't have to.

 

[BurtEggley]

probably a Devilbiss if it is a consumer grade aluminum twin. Used only as they are out of business. If it is cast iron, then who knows who made it for IR. Might see if HF has something that fits the platform.

At that age, if it hasn't been drained after each use, might want to keep any repairs inexpensive because the tank could be getting near the end of life too. But if you have faithfully drained it after each use, then it probably has life left in it.

 

[ericm]

You might have to adapt a different pump. Surplus Center is a good source for relatively inexpensive compressor pumps.

 

[ADKAmateur]

Just get new pump from Harbor Freight or Northern Tool. The pump died on my Campbell Hausfeld and a pump from HF bolted right up.

 

[The Cobbler]

6.5hp

is it a true 6.5 HP motor? or is it from the era where numbers were fudged ?
what is the amp rating on the motor name plate?
as mentioned you can easily replace the pump .
I'd be tempted to tear into it & see just how bad it is . maybe some bearings & a hone job would get you some more life out of it.

 

[finn]

I have an old Ingersol Rand compressor from about 1975 with what is probably the same pump. When I needed gaskets, IR referred me to General Air Compressor in Bensenville, il.

They still have an internet presence, and claim to be an authorized service center for 15 different compressor brands..

IR told me that they transgpferred all remaining parts to General.

i think that pump is actually made in Italy and was used for decades by multiple companies under various brands. I don’t recall any details, though.

 

[junkyardwarrior]

I made some calls as suggested. I am told that it's an old Devilbiss aluminum pump which is NLA, so I have to adapt a new one to the tank/frame. That also means changing the motor pulley and flywheel as the old Devilbiss pump flywheel is a little different.

Looks like I get to replace the compressor assembly, probably a better option anyway as the tanks do rust. I have been diligent in draining it, but it was used when I got it and no telling how well (if at all) it was maintained prior. Every so often I'll find a little rusty water in the tank when draining it, so that is probably a sign to just replace it. Also considering that the pressure switch, check valve, motor, etc are all 1998 vintage, and the liklihood of their failure is higher due to age.

It sits in a closet outside the shop, which is dry and out of the weather. Problem is, I have some research to do because the closet door is only so wide and a larger tank may or may not fit. Everything else shouldn't be much issue.

Thanks for the suggestions. Off to find a new compressor now.

 

[Ike Carlson]

See what you can find on marketplace or craigslist. I picked up an old westinghouse 2g on a 60 gal tank. It weighs several times more than any of the newer stuff. It’s not a high cfm compressor and is only 1 cylinder, but it will happily run up past 285 psi and destroy a regulator. (Didn’t know the regulator was limited to 150 psi on the high side…) I would guess it is in the 5-8 cfm region.



There is a 5g that is more cfm.

I am getting ready to install a 2 stage saylor beall 705 knockoff that I ported. (Picked it up on marketplace for $10) That will happen as soon as the weather warms some more.