Champion Compressor and Motor

[ehenry]

All, I've inherited the compressor in the pics below. The only thing that has any information on it is the tank. There is what I'm guessing is the compressor model number cast in the compressor block and absolutely no information on the electric motor. Does anyone here know anything about the motor on this thing? The tank was manufactured in 1969 so I'm guessing the entire unit was probably sold in the early 70's.

The compressor runs good an will fill the tank up in 8.5 minutes when its completely empty. I'm guessing that's fairly good.

 

[IndyGarage]

I have exactly the same machine, built in 1971. Still runs perfectly. Quiet and puts out a lot of air. I've had it for 7 years, and other than the pressure switch failing, it's never had a problem. It's a 5hp unit.

I don't remember the model number, but the pump is a standard Champion pump that I think is still in production. Your motor looks slightly different from mine which is 3 phase.

 

[metalmagpie]

Nameplates on the tank or motor are meaningless anyway. That's obviously a single phase motor in the 2-3hp range, could be wired for 115 or 230V. Compressor makers don't make tanks. So the tank will have some nameplate from some random company - not helpful.

The compressor (air pump) is obviously a two-stage pump, since it has an intercooler. Who made it? I don't know. It looks more like a DeVilbiss than a Champion in my book.

I'd check there's oil in it, run it and listen for clanks, let it pump up to 160 or so, then shut it competely off - all valves closed. See how long it takes to bleed down. Then pump back up again and drain water from the tank. Look at it. Totally rusty? Bad. Pretty clean except for some white foam? OK.

metalmagpie

 

[WagonHo!]

Here’s a photo of a Champion R15b, sure looks like it.

 

[finn]

Looks like my Champion made in the same era. My motor looks the same. If it is the same, it’s a 3hp single phase.

Same pump is used with 5 and 7.5 hp motors, with different pulleys to spin the pump faster.

Solid compressor, but at 40 something years old, I expect to have to replace it sometime soon when the tank reaches the end of its life.

 

[ehenry]

Finn, I don't see anything on the tank tag that indicates EOL. How would you determine tank EOL?

I've changed the oil with non-detergent 30wt. Checked the silencer/filter it was clean. I also had to replace the pressure switch since the other one was bad. It wouldn't cut off. It ran until the safety valve started popping off. Gauge on tank read 165. The new switch is 125/95 which works for me. I also replaced the drain **** on the very bottom with a ball valve to make it easier to drain. As I mentioned earlier, 8.5 minutes to fill an 82 gallon tank from totally empty is fast enough for me.

The only other thing I've seen that I've no experience with is servicing the valves on the head. I'll cruise YouTube and see if there is anything out there about it. I can promise you that they've never been serviced.

If anyone has any more wisdom they would like to impart I would certainly appreciate it.

 

[finn]

There isn’t an expiration date, of course.

It is a pressure vessel, subject to cycling of the pressure from 0 to 175 psi, and internal corrosion from water condensation, so I classify it as other than infinite life, sort of like the chassis of an over the road truck.

I only paid $260 for mine, with a pump that was recently professionally rebuilt.

I’m not afraid of my old tank, but I did lower the cutout pressure of the switch from 175 to 150 psi, and shut off the power every night. The compressor is in an enclosed boiler /electrical service utility room in the corner of my shop.

I like the compressor, but realize it is old and has finite life remaining,

If it failed tomorrow, I would buy a new 5 or 7.5 hp Champion without blinking an eye.

 

[ehenry]

Finn, thanks for the reply.....I've got one more question.

The electric motor has lubrication ports on each end. A port in top where a grease zerk can be installed and in the bottom where old grease will purge out as new grease is pumped in. After reading about the hundreds of greases out there until my head hurts I still don't know what to use. Judging from the manufacture date on the tank I'm guessing the electric motor is early to mid 70s vintage. What grease should I use ?

Thanks