Antique Curtiss Pneumatic Compressor head

[tom fleming]

I am a regular on Yesterday's tractors, and the tool board guys sent me here. Looks like a great board. Here is my question. I picked up an old Curtiss Pneumatic compressor head at an aution a few weeks back, and I am almost done bringing it back to life. It has an un-loader valve assembly on the head, and I was wondering if anyone was familiar with it, and could give some guidance on how to plumb it in. I can probably figure it out with some trial and error, but thought I would ask before I get too far down the road.

Here's a picture, and I can post other views if anyone asks:

 

[kams1973]

I assume there is one port on the unloader assy. If so, simply plumb it to the supply tank. The pressure in the tank provides the 'signal' for the unloader.

 

[tom fleming]

I would tend to agree. there are also 3 adjustments on it, one of which I know is the spring loaded valve. I'll try to get some close up pictures of it and post a bit later. This thing was a mess when I bought it, but after I got it all cleaned up, it actually pumps air pretty good. Will be interesting to see how it does under load. The darn thing is built like a tank. thanks for the quick response.

 

[kams1973]

Check out these links for pilot valve adjustments.

http://conrader.com/files/Pilot_Adjustment_and_Troubleshoot.pdf

http://www.mastertoolrepair.com/technical-help-i-11.html