Compressor pump

[MarkJ]

Hi All, I'm a long time lurker new time poster. I have a Ingersol Rand SS5l5 compressor. It's the single stage 18.1 CFM 5hp model you can get at Tractor Supply(which is where I got it). Recently I've found myself doing a lot of soda and bead blasting and I blew a gasket on the IR 5l5. It was an easy fix but I think if I plan to do a lot of blasting I might want to upgrade the pump. I have two 2-stage replacements in mind; a Northstar(Norther Tool Brand) 2 stage 15.9 CFM at 90 psi or an Eaton 2 stage 20 cfm at 100 psi.

The Northstar is $400 + free shipping. If I use my Amazon points I can get it for $300 the Eaton is $365 but you end up paying some $150 shipping. So is the Eaton that much better? Would the Northstar be a significant improvement over my SS5L5?? All opinions welcome....Thanks, Mark

http://www.eatoncompressor.com/catalog/item/518643/6414555.htm

http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_290953_290953

 

[BMB]

Have you checked the rpm rating for both of those pumps?
I think the SS5L5 uses a 3750rpm motor and those pumps may require something slower.

 

[MarkJ]

I havent checked but figured I could change the pully if need be to slow things down.

 

[MarkJ]

Looks like the Eaton pump is actually an Emax pump. Looks like I can get them from a couple of other sources too. Might have to take a leap of faith. If you can believe the CFM ratings the Emax is the better performer. And since I'm really planning on doing more blasting the extra air might make a big difference.

 

[kams1973]

Go with the Saylor Beall clone (Eaton). You can find them anywhere on the net and parts are readily available. It's cast iron and has disc valves. The other pump you have listed is cast aluminum and has reed valves.
As far as the CFM ratings being higher; it is a result of the pump rpm being higher.

 

[MarkJ]

Hey thanks kams1973. I didn't know that pump was a Chinese version of a Saylor Beall until you mentioned it and that information was a BIG HELP so I did some research and pulled the plug on one from Compressor World which isn't that far from me. Shipping came in under $100.00. BTW the northstar pump is listed as having ring valves, not reeds. Still it's got the aluminum head as you pointed out - which they tout as a benefit :\. Still I'm hoping I can retrofit my IR SS5L5 and keep up with the bead blaster/soda blaster without having reliability issues. I might sell the old SS5 pump toward the new one or use it for a mobile compressor project that just popped into my head. The responsible thing would be to sell....but.........

 

[trboxman]

I think that you need a 1725 rpm motor to run that pump.

 

[MarkJ]

I think that you need a 1725 rpm motor to run that pump.

Duho! Well I'll try and make it work. My possible next post "Compressor Motor Opinions"
Can I ask what makes you think that's the case? Thanks.

 

[trboxman]

it's a 700 rpm pump...real old school style. The IMC pump you have linked is a 1300 rpm pump and is driven by a 3450rpm motor...at least it is on my compressor...and I don't think you can get the speed reduction you'd need from a 3450rpm motor with a different pulley.

 

[RangerDaleXp]

Duho! Well I'll try and make it work. My possible next post "Compressor Motor Opinions"
Can I ask what makes you think that's the case? Thanks.

There is a possibility you will need to get a new motor pulley to run the pump correctly. here is a link to calculate what you will need....

http://www.csgnetwork.com/pulleybeltcalc.html

 

[RangerDaleXp]

And here is a good place to get any pulley you need for it...

https://www.surpluscenter.com/home.asp

https://www.surpluscenter.com/sort.asp?catname=powerTrans&keyword=PPT2

 

[MarkJ]

And here is a good place to get any pulley you need for it...

https://www.surpluscenter.com/home.asp

Thanks Ranger, You guys are alright!

 

[MarkJ]

I might not be too far off. Looks like the IR ss5 spins off the current motor at 1000rpm the new pumps pully is 1.5 inces bigger so I may be pretty close

 

[72Anthony]

Is your existing receiver (tank) designed for the pressure of the new pumps?

 

[RangerDaleXp]

Is your existing receiver (tank) designed for the pressure of the new pumps?

It is a good point, but he should be OK as long as he does not change the pressure switch if he currently has a single stage set up. In fact, I have known people to run a two stage pump on a 150 lbs max working pressure tank to increase CFM. It also helps to get more life out of the pumps as well....

 

[MarkJ]

It is a good point, but he should be OK as long as he does not change the pressure switch if he currently has a single stage set up. In fact, I have known people to run a two stage pump on a 150 lbs max working pressure tank to increase CFM. It also helps to get more life out of the pumps as well....

That was my thought. I wouldn't mind finding out what the tank is rated for but I hadn't planned on running above 150. Right now the pressure switch is set to 135-140ish. I'll probably bump it up a tad but that's it. I really am looking for more CFM and a pump that can deliver it a little easier than the SS5.

BTW the new pump came in today. It looks nice. I'm going to have to fabricate a mounting plate but that shouldn't be too hard. It's definitely bigger than the old one. I hope my hot rod compressor turns out as good as I'm hoping it will be.

BTW RangeDale, ordered a 3.75 pulley from the site you suggested. Thanks. It should turn the pump just shy of 800 rpm.

I'll put some photos up over the weekend. Going to leave the setup alone for now, until I get all the mounting parts ready to go. The plumbing on the compressor will take a little figuring out but shouldn't be too bad. It comes with zero in terms of information.

Cheers