Sharpest
Well-known member
I just acquired my first 2-stage 80 gallon compressor off the list last week. Its a DevilBiss unit with a 6.5 hp motor and compressor head rated at ~16 cfm at 175 psi. The pump model is ABP-459. The internet says this is an inferior pump due to the head bolt configuration. It runs and pumps up but sounds like it might have a knock. Is this what 2 stage compressors are supposed to sound like?
I spent a couple hours cleaning it off. It was covered in the usual oily dust so straight water out of a hose didnt touch it. Out came the Dawn dish soap. Worked like a charm. I cleaned the whole damn thing and discovered a few leaks along the way. The large ~3" manifold on top of the tank was leaking but some pipe dope will fix that up no problem.
The hard line between the compressor head and tank's compression fittings were leaking at both ends as well but snugging them down fixed that.
The biggest issue is the head/valve plate. It was hard to get a picture of but there were bubbles coming out between the head and cylinder jug. There were also bubbles around one of the head bolts. The flange on the pipe between the high and low pressure cylinders was also missing a bolt but surprisingly, that connection wasnt leaking.
How long should it take this compressor to fill up? The gasket kit is $160 but a whole new compressor head pump from Northern Tool is $300.
After cleaning, I am surprised at how clean this compressor is.
I spent a couple hours cleaning it off. It was covered in the usual oily dust so straight water out of a hose didnt touch it. Out came the Dawn dish soap. Worked like a charm. I cleaned the whole damn thing and discovered a few leaks along the way. The large ~3" manifold on top of the tank was leaking but some pipe dope will fix that up no problem.
The hard line between the compressor head and tank's compression fittings were leaking at both ends as well but snugging them down fixed that.
The biggest issue is the head/valve plate. It was hard to get a picture of but there were bubbles coming out between the head and cylinder jug. There were also bubbles around one of the head bolts. The flange on the pipe between the high and low pressure cylinders was also missing a bolt but surprisingly, that connection wasnt leaking.
How long should it take this compressor to fill up? The gasket kit is $160 but a whole new compressor head pump from Northern Tool is $300.
After cleaning, I am surprised at how clean this compressor is.
