Champion R15 rebuild

[larry08]

Hello, I just recently found this forum and have been looking through all the compressor rebuild threads. A couple days ago, I acquired a 1976 Champion vr5-8 80 gal compressor. The compressor is three phase, so I am planning on getting a new single phase motor and contactor for it. Upon removing the belt guard, I found the back of the compressor along with the intercooler coated in grease. I am assuming that the rear seal has a pretty good leak. Is there an acceptable amount of leakage from these compressors? I'd like to replace the seal; the oil sightglass is pretty dirty as well. Is it worth rebuilding the rest of the compressor while it's dismantled(rings and valves)? It seems like it has pretty good compression, just from moving the flywheel by hand.

Also, if I do rebuild it, how are the aftermarket kits as far as quality? I see I can get pretty cheap kits from ebay and compressorparts store.

Thank you!

 

[DeeKay]

I'd clean it up and then run it a while to see how bad the leak is and where it's coming from. 45 years is plenty of time for grease and goobers to build up on something without indicating an actual problem.
I also like rebuilding stuff though so I might just rebuild it to have something to do too haha.

 

[The Tool Tyrant]

That's a great pump. Without an hour meter, no telling how much use it's had. Personally, I'd replace the seal, and while you have the crank out, use a mirror and check for cylinder crosshatching...if crosshatching is still visible, leave the rings alone. I'd for sure do a valve service as it's very easy on that pump. I believe you can access the rear of the oil sight glass through the oil fill hole. Drain the crankcase and use a toothbrush dipped in solvent.

I purchase all of my compressor parts through Pacific Air Compressor, either on their website or on ebay. They are very knowledgeable and have most parts manuals if you need one.

 

[redmondjp]

I'd clean it up and then run it a while to see how bad the leak is and where it's coming from. 45 years is plenty of time for grease and goobers to build up on something without indicating an actual problem.
I also like rebuilding stuff though so I might just rebuild it to have something to do too haha.

^This.

Degrease the outside, change the oil, and run it first before you tear into it. If the rings are worn you will get excessive blowby which usually causes oil to end up on the outside of the pump via the crankcase vent. This will become apparent after you run it for a few hours. And if nothing, then you're good.

With these older industrial-duty pumps, there usually is no need to tear into them if they are still working fine, unless you have a leak, a knock, or really slow pressure buildup.

Listen for knocking at startup with no pressure in the tank (zero up to 25psi). If you have bad rod or wrist pin bearings, you will hear them then.

 

[larry08]

Thanks for the replies. I got bored this afternoon and ended up pulling the flywheel off without too much hassle. I scraped off most of the grease on the backside and am going to degrease and pressure wash the remainder of dust and oil tomorrow. I tried to clean off the sightglass from the filler hole, but it has a backer plate in between the glass and crankcase. So, it doesn't seem like I can really clean it without removing. Do these things just press in? I'm thinking I'll just take it apart and see what parts need to be replaced aside from the seal.

 

[The Tool Tyrant]

Larry, I'd first suggest contacting [email protected] with your pump model & serial # and see if he will send you a PDF of the parts manual.

 

[TonyJ]

Thanks for the replies. I got bored this afternoon and ended up pulling the flywheel off without too much hassle. I scraped off most of the grease on the backside and am going to degrease and pressure wash the remainder of dust and oil tomorrow. I tried to clean off the sightglass from the filler hole, but it has a backer plate in between the glass and crankcase. So, it doesn't seem like I can really clean it without removing. Do these things just press in? I'm thinking I'll just take it apart and see what parts need to be replaced aside from the seal.

That plate behind the sight glass with all the holes in it can be removed and left out. That plate is there so that when it’s running you can see the oil level while it’s running. It’s only there basically to slow the oil down while running so you can see the oil level. Some gear boxes require that plate because the oil needs checked while running. A compressor needs check while it’s off so your good on leaving it out.

 

[toolchaser]

I did a crank replacement on a R-15 pump awhile back, parts are reasonable from Pacific. Pretty easy to work on. Mine got a new crank due to careless shippers, not wear, ( they managed to bend the motor shaft as well).