So I had a minor scare yesterday with the compressor



.
The pump runs awesome and pumps up even better (faster) than the specifications listed by Curtis for a 5HP motor driving an E50 pump on a 80-gallon horizontal tank.
I have been hearing a "tinging" sound; analogous to a fork lightly tapping on the side of an empty tin coffee can. What first came to mind is "
Great...a rod bearing cap must have loosened up"



.
I took the belts off, grabbed the flywheel and rocked it back and forth and in and out and eveything seemed tight given the simple nature of the inspection. I put the belts back on and disconnected the copper tube that goes from the output of the HP cylinder to the tank and started the compressor. Ran beautifully...no noises whatsoever.
I reconnected the copper tube and ran it again...this time with my automotive stethoscope in hand. I found the source of the noise...it was the
tank check valve. I let out a sigh of relief because it eliminated the pump as the source of the noise. I again removed the copper tube and pulled the check valve. This is a rather simple device as I discovered when I disassembled the valve. I didn't see any issues per-sa and simply cleaned it, reassembled and reinstalled the check valve.
Are these check valves noisy during normal operation? It may very well be a noise that IS normal while the system is running and I just have heightened sensitivity? That was the original check valve and replacements are fairly inexpensive
http://www.amazon.com/New-tank-Check-valve-compressor/dp/B00276IWWI/ref=?ie=UTF8&m=A17VS4Z36UDX1I so I have been thinking about replacing it...
In other news...I added a pilot lamp to the mag starter to provide a ready indication of automatic operation. (Alan recommended a great lamp...but I actually had some 220V LED's at work and grabbed one for this). I also cleaned and installed two (2) brass quick connects to the output configuration until I build my "Camby Cooler"


Lastly...I have a design in mind for a sheave/pulley cover and will photodocument that process once I get the necessary materials...so stay tuned for the custome build of the cover



!!!