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Brining a Champion RE-10 Compressor Back to Life

geotek

Well-known member
Joined
Oct 4, 2011
Messages
158
Location
Troy, NY
Let me preface the title by saying "I hope i'm"

So I've got all the makings of a shop compressor setup. A two stage Champion compressor, GE motor, and 80 gallon tank. Only problem is that I didn't gather the components and I cannot find any info on the pieces so that I can make it work together and go over the units to make sure that they are serviceable.

I have a few reasons for not just scrapping it and moving on:
1. it was free.
2. my dad (who passed) acquired it for me and my brother to use in the workspace so I would like to see it serve its purpose.
3. There is a similar compressor being used for the last 30 years in a full time garage (rental space my parents own) that will likely need to be replaced or serviced, and knowing my dad, I wouldn't be surprised if this is the twin to that unit. So it may come in handy to have a sources of parts and/or be able to quickly replace the other one if it needs to be.
4. and most importantly I like the challenge.

Here is the info I have off the equipment:
Compressor casting reading "Champion Pneumatic Mchy Co. Princeton Ill."
Compressor casting reading "RE-10-9A"
Compressor Metal Tag Serial No. "UP21472"
Compressor Metal Tag Model "RE-10"

Compressor Base casing reading "SE-14-11-A"

Compressor Pulley casting reading "SE57V G"

Tank Metal Tag Serial No. "86472"
Tank Metal Tag Model No. "TU55-80"

Motor is a GE Model 5KC182AL2106AT, 2 HP, single Phase, 14 amp, 1740 RPM on a 182T Frame. (have all of the other info from the tag but this appears to be the most relevant).

Calling Champion was rather useless and all they could tell me is that he has a valve in stock but nothing else, that they were last made around 1965, and that the base was a way of cooling the air between stages that is no longer used.

I'm trying to gather whatever I can so that I can understand how it should be plumbed, what if anything is missing, and what sources of parts might be available.

I did find this thread earlier http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=59470&page=2 which lead me to Gardner-Denver, who has not responded to my inquiry for info as of yet.

Current Needs:
1. Parts manual/breakdown
2. Parts sources, especially for a replacement silencer/air filter
3. Why is there a line from what appears to be the intake to the back of the pump?
4. What does the line out of the bottom of the back of the pump do? (shaped in a J) is this unit set up with a centrifugal unloader?
5. Why does the line from the top of the back of the compressor go into the base?
6. is it possible to get aftermarket finned piping to replace the damaged pipe. (the line is crushed near the one fitting.
7. What is the ting extending from the base? It looks like it could be a pressure control or maybe a pressure relief valve.
8. What kind of pressure controller may work best? This one is completely gone).
9. What king of oil should I use?
10. the motor... hell i'll just start a new thread dedicated to the motor lol.

Thanks Guys.
 

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nadogail

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Joined
Jan 23, 2009
Messages
31,942
Location
Coronado, CA
Considering our mutual lack of experience with Champion compressors,
I suggest you study how the working compressor is set up and duplicate what you discover there.

Why re-invent the wheel?
 
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geotek

Well-known member
Joined
Oct 4, 2011
Messages
158
Location
Troy, NY
Nadogail, I agree. That is generally the tract I'm on now. Part of my interest and concern is that I don't know if the setup is correct as is. I'm moving forward as if it is, but if some one has some insight I'd be glad to listen in the hope that it Will help the project along.
 
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DenisG

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Joined
Jul 14, 2013
Messages
1,278
Location
Milwaukee
There was a thread where someone offered help for people rebuilding old Champion compressors:
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=312878
I have an old Champion R15 (Dayton/Speedaire) that I got up and running. Ordered my parts from Grainger.
(added) From what I know, they all take straight 30W non-detergent oil. If and when I change the oil, I'll probably go with a synthetic. That pump gets hot.
 
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WagonHo!

Well-known member
Joined
Mar 11, 2014
Messages
1,015
Location
Albuquerque, New Mexico
Check out member Kevski threads on champion R15 pump rebuilds. He has the most comprehensive info and photos. I downloaded an army tech manual from "Liberated Manuals" website for a 1980 Chicago made industrial Champion/Dayton/Speedaire, it includes parts breakdown of the motor, pump, tank everything you could possibly want.
Grainger and Champion were useless for info on older models and parts. I used Air Flo, inc out of Greer, S Carolina a terrific gentleman by the name of Ken Michalek,(1 800 845-0125) got everything for a Complete rebuild valves, gaskets, rings, bearings, INTERCOOLER, safety valves, springs for the centrifugal switch, ferrules, except for one needle bearing.That one bearing I got locally from Pioneer Equipment/Compressors along with a gallon of Champlube compressor oil in Albuquerque and although I paid double the price it was worth it. I got rebuild info and tips from a master tech and a tour of his USA built compressor storage yard. I ended up also honing the cylinders getting great info, products and prices from EngineHones.com PMD Products excellent company. Ah Good Times!
 
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geotek

Well-known member
Joined
Oct 4, 2011
Messages
158
Location
Troy, NY
DenisG and WagonHo!, Thanks for the info i'm going to follow up on the links this weekend instead of mowing the lawn. Productive Procrastination.

As for the "sister compressor" nope its an IR, needs an oil change and the tank has water in it but that'll be a project for next week.
.
 
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