Ancient Quincy compressor

[poorboy87]

I saved an old compressor destine for the scrap yard. Intercepted it within hours of it's given fate.

It's an old Quincy. Weighs a metric sh*t-ton. It's been sitting outside for 15+ years. Everything turns over freely. Compressor turns over by hand and still sounds like it'll build pressure. Still had air in the tank.

My question is. Do you think or would you trust the tank or should I just give in and scrap it.

Best part of the deal $30

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[57JoeFoMoPar]

No Effing way would I trust that tank at the pressure that pump could build.

 

[chris142]

probly works better than my new quincy! lolol

 

[Strouty]

Without being there, anyone who says to use the tank is just asking for trouble. I would look the tank over, it is most likely thicker than the ones made today, it is definitely better metal. Did you try and get a port open on the bottom? If there is water (there will probably be water in it) maybe it will give you some signs. Was it on concrete or tar or dirt? You said it was still holding air, did it seem to have any real pressure?

You could rent an ultrasonic thickness gauge and test all over the place to see if it is still within spec. That is of course if the tag says how thick the tank is. I would say you could buy a newer receiver and motor, then scrap the motor and old tank. You should get your money back at least.

 

[Strouty]

I guess the real question is…..

Do you feel lucky?

 

[amac70]

i would hydro test and look inside it before i scraped it.

 

[WWIIjeep]

That compressor isn't particularly ancient (depending on your point of view). It's got a modern-style receiver, so it's probably no older than 40s-vintage.

The main problem is that the whole thing has spent a little too much time exposed to the weather.

Agreed that the receiver should be professionally inspected or tested before attempting to put it in service.

 

[poorboy87]

To me it seemed like it had a maybe 10psi in it. I tried it three times and got air each time. One time I got a hint of moisture. I took the trailer off the jeep and tilted the tank petcock down last night. There was no pressure and no water trickled out.

Compressor sat on a utility trailer behind a shed.

I'm going to attempt to pull one of the plugs out of the end and stick a bore scope in there. The outer she'll of the tank has basically no pitting. Yes it's rusted but doesn't look thin by no means. I know appearances can be deceiving

What part are you guys calling the receiver?

Where would I go to get the tank tested?

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[Strouty]

That is good that it had airflow all around it. You may look into Hydro testing it, any legitimate testing will be expensive.

* I am conveying my true thoughts telepathically *

 

[nine4gmc]

This guy built his own hydrostatic testing rig to test an 80gal tank: http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=213166

 

[Trey T]

That's no ancient compressor, it just got weathered. From the plate, that pump is the 310 model and I believe the ROC is 11.

 

[WWIIjeep]

What part are you guys calling the receiver?

Receiver = tank = unfired pressure vessel.

Look for a metal plate about 3" x 4" riveted or welded onto the receiver/tank/unfired pressure vessel. It will tell you the date of manufacture, who made it, maximum operating pressure and temperature, and the original thickness of the steel in the shell (body) and heads (ends).

 

[zkling]

I would start by pulling the head. The disk valves are notorious for rusting, even under standard use. I'd be amazed if those aren't rusted heavily. Then check the cylinder walls. I don't recall that pump off the the top of my head, but I'm fairly certain you will need a larger than 1/2hp motor to get it really moving some air. Even then it is not a huge volume compressor. I would base the project contingency on the condition of the pump. Assuming the motor and tank need to be replaced.

The tank I would drain and feel the bottom for thin spots. If nothing feels thin or "pushy" I'd hydrostatic test it.

 

[poorboy87]

I'm going to check the local welding company's and see what they say

Supposedly the motor is set up to run 110 or 220. I'm not sure how it works.

The tag for the tank was rusty bad and half on there when I loaded it in the trailer. It blew away on the ride home.

Thing I should tear the compressor apart and check the innards or see if it'll run as is?

 

[BMAQCY]

This is a Quincy 310, record of change 11 from around 1946-1948. Awesome picture. If you would like to talk to someone from our reciprocating service department, please call 217.277.0200 or you can email us at [email protected].

 

[balane]

Old tanks can cause quite a mess!

 

[ArtDeco]

WOW. I would try to restore it - time and $ permitted but be careful

 

[Strouty]

This is a Quincy 310, record of change 11 from around 1946-1948. Awesome picture. If you would like to talk to someone from our reciprocating service department, please call 217.277.0200 or you can email us at [email protected].

I want to hear what your take on the receiver is. Or do you guys have a standard response for that?

Thanks for showing some interest, there are a lot of guys on here with quincy compressors, some are old, some are newer. I have a mid eighties one that I am putting into service soon.

 

[theoldwizard1]

This guy built his own hydrostatic testing rig to test an 80gal tank: http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=213166

If you don't have a hydraulic jack and press you can use a grease gun.

• Install a new ******, tee, pressure gauge and appropriate reducer for a zerk fitting (you may have to drill and tap a pipe plug)
• Fill with as much water as possible.
• I would try using rear axle lube instead of grease (it would easier to drain out) but a good grease gun should easily be able to achieve 200 psi.
• I would let it sit at rated pressure for 24 hours before calling good.

 

[poorboy87]

This is a Quincy 310, record of change 11 from around 1946-1948. Awesome picture. If you would like to talk to someone from our reciprocating service department, please call 217.277.0200 or you can email us at [email protected].

Thanks! Ill send them an email.

 

[VDubJoe]

I have the exact same one in my garage. Just not rusty. Runs great and use it every day. Still can get parts for it and not bad priced. Id look for a diferent tank and rebuld the head unit.

Joe

 

[poorboy87]

Got any pictures of it?

I contacted Quincy to see if they were able to test my tank and they recommended replacing the tank.

I'm going to see if the rest of the compressor works and go from there. I was able to find a parts manual for it on Quincy's website.

The great tank hunt begins


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[poorboy87]

https://vimeo.com/106664497


Pulled the motor off. Blew it out any tested it the other day. Worked good so I mounted it in the compressor. Ran it to about 20 lbs and shut it off. I didn't want to put too much pressure in this one. Drained a gallon of water out of the tank and restarted it. I've got another tank for it.

To me it sounds like it has a knock. What do you guys think?


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[Vintagemachine]

I've got that exact compressor

 

[Vintagemachine]

I swaped the 310 out after it started making knock.
Turns out the flywheel was loose!While I had it apart I found a working 308 roc 22 It's full pressure lube and a bit smaller displacement.
My tank is stamped 1947 date of manufacture.

 

[Flyordie]

I know this is an old thread but because I have updated information...

Quincy Compressor is no longer based in Quincy, Illinois. A larger conglomerate bought out the name and shipped the jobs to Alabama. The tanks will be made here, the compressors will now be made in China and shipped here. Personally, the company is going to trash the name and go to **** quality.

Personally, I wouldn't buy one unless its NOS from the Quincy location.

 

[MacMcMacmac]

I know this is an old thread but because I have updated information...

Quincy Compressor is no longer based in Quincy, Illinois. A larger conglomerate bought out the name and shipped the jobs to Alabama. The tanks will be made here, the compressors will now be made in China and shipped here. Personally, the company is going to trash the name and go to **** quality.

Personally, I wouldn't buy one unless its NOS from the Quincy location.

Quincy has had a plant in Bay Minette Alabama for decades.

 

[PureLeaf]

 

[koditten]

That compressor would be put back in service so fast, your head would spin. I have no idea why people want to toss up those exploding compressor tank pictures? They don't apply. Everyone of those exploded tanks had bad safety relief valves. The valves are to vent off excess pressure if the motor does not shut off.

Put on a new relief valve, which you should do anyways and run the thing.

By the way, if you have a knock, check the key way set screw in the flywheel. I had the same problem. The compressor turns so slow, during the compression cycle, you can hear the knock from the flywheel.

 

[poorboy87]

I haven't messed with my old Quincy lately. It's sitting in my garage waiting it's turn. I have a newer upright tank that I was planning to swap my motor and pump onto. Ill post up when I start on it.