Bought a Curtis D96 Compressor

[dirkelstein]

So I went out, looked it over, hesitated...and then paid $150 for it. It's a Curtis CQ968 package with a D96 two stage pump and a Dayton 220V, 3HP motor. Has a magnetic starter and pressure activated unloader mechanism. Vintage ~1980 or so, as told by the previous owner.
Used exclusively in a dry cleaning operation. Empolyees would turn it on in the morning and it would run all day. The unloader would kick in at about 120psi and let the pump run idle with open valves. When the pressure would drop to ~80psi the unloader would activate the valves and the compressor would begin pumping again.
Now I need to figure out how to move it to my garage. I think total weight is about 550lbs, the motor weighs about 70lbs and the pump about 200lbs. I am thinking of draining the oil from the pump and removing the motor. Unbolt the pump and use an engine hoist to pull it off the tank, lay it on a furniture dolly, roll it to my truck and use the hoist to lift the pump into the bed. I think I can use a dolly / hand truck to move the tank or use the the hoist. Not sure yet how to lift the tank high enough to clear the truck bed. As planned, it should be a one man job, but I am a bit nervous...

 

[930dreamer]

I like the older compressors, they're built much better. Keep us updated with pics.

 

[Slick111]

Disassemble it much easer to move the tank not have it tip over busting parts or landing on you and you can check out the condition better plus a very good time to stop by the car wash on the way home and blast it clean with out getting water in the motor or pump.

 

[dirkelstein]

Yeah, my gut tells me to pull the heavy pieces off of the tank. It will be a longer job to move, but without a doubt safer and easier. I do like the idea of taking the tank to a carwash and giving it a good scrub and spray. Any idea where to get a manual or service manual (for cheap?). I found an exploded parts diagram on the FSCurtis website, but nothing else.

 

[EOC_Jason]

I don't think the pump would weigh *that* much, but I could be wrong.

Dissassembly would probably be the way to go. Like someone else said you can take a pressure washer to the tank & pump to give them a good cleaning. Plus when you reassemble you can make sure all your fittings and connections are tight.

Get a new belt too while you are at it, I'm sure it's probably very loose and worn.

 

[Steve from Socal]

I have a Curtis D96 on an 80 gallon vertical tank, I laid it on its side in a pick up bed with another guy no problem. I unloaded it with an engine hoist by myself again no problem.

Steve