Checklist for used Champion Compressor

[medinacaver]

I could use some help in putting together a more comprehensive checklist of things to investigate during/prior to purchasing a Champion Compressor.

I am looking to purchase a used Champion (advantage series) VR5-8 Compressor with single phase 5hp Baldor motor and what appears to be a 125 gallon receiver tank.

I went to do an initial checkout (or recon..) the seller did not know anything about anything over the phone, just posted a poor quality photo and price. During the recon I discovered the following particulars…

1.Champion advantage series VR5-8, Baldor 1-phase 5hp motor, 1750 rpm, 125 gallon tank. Decent overall appearance. Does not appear abused.. just neglected by time. Covered storage.

2.Oil in site glass is black/brown not transluscent. No telling how old the oil is.

3.Owner stated this unit was used his tire shop a few years ago for short time, then he moved it to present location where it has not been used except very seldom. Evidence supports this last statement... the tank drain is pointed inches away from a wall and shows very little evidence of blow down particles on wall.

4.The bottom of tank appears solid after rap test with hunk of metal. The drain valve was left open. No standing water was left in the tank. The valve does toggle, open/close.

5.A Short incomplete run test… the mag starter was defective. Apparently the owner had installed a 120v starter and this was blown. He replaced with same part # and it blew too.. he did not know the part was incorrect…While doing this inspection a service tech arrived and diagnosed the problem but did not have the correct part on hand. We bypassed the mag starter and did a very short run test. Just a few seconds. The motor and pump turned over nicely. We did not run the pump up to speed or completely charge the tank.
The owner was given the correct part # for Mag starter and location where to purchase. We agreed that I would return to see a complete run test.

What other specifics in a run test should I be testing?

Time duration to fill a 125 gallon tank to (lets say 150psi)

Thanks in advance for any help or advice
Medinacaver

 

[medinacaver]

I left this info out..
Somebody with more knowledge might be able to determine age from serial number
Pump serial # R0003881

 

[930dreamer]

What are they asking for it?

 

[medinacaver]

$1200.

 

[930dreamer]

$1200.

I wouldn't pay $1200 for a used compressor, unless it was almost new. Post some pics.

 

[cwlo]

I agree with 930..price is too high for the current condition. Run it through a full cycle, and make sure the unloader will release pressure when it stops. Not an expensive or difficult fix, but it will give you more bargaining chips. As far as the starter, seems strange as to why it would have the wrong starter. Check everything over carefully, as I doubt it would leave the factory that way, and if it is as new as he claims, then why would it have a different starter? Any evidence of wire overheating or anything?

Chris

 

[Farmall450]

Can't you get a new IR for that price?

 

[fury9]

It sounds as though you've already checked it over pretty good, I wouldn't pay over 500 for it based on what you say. Pics would help.

 

[metal4130]

I agree with others as well, way too much money for that compressor. If it was used in a tires shop it was used hard every single day and since the owner seems clueless I would pass. Another thing to note is the date on the tank tag. That will tell you how old the unit is.