Craigslist Air Compressor

[tkg14]

https://sanantonio.craigslist.org/tls/d/antique-air-compressor/6309883205.html

Can anyone tell me if this is a good deal? I've never purchased a compressor this big so if I go to look at it what do I need to check for? Thank you guys in advance for your help.

 

[The Tool Tyrant]

1963...I'd first check with IR and see if parts are still avaliable for the pump. Next, you'd want to check the condition of the receiver as it may be in bad shape if it wasn't drained frequently. If you need a good working compressor, I'd recommend keep looking...if you're looking for an antique to restore then go for it.

 

[pcmeiners]

"Electric motor was replaced but I am not sure how to wire it. Motor is a 5hp 1760 rpm."

No mention of phase, sounds like he is hiding something, ask for a photo of the motor plate. 1963 is a bit old, you can do better

 

[Codejack]

Hopefully rust is less of a problem in San Antonio, but that's REALLY old for a compressor, even a good one.

 

[bczygan]

I called the guy.

He bought it from a dealer who took it in trade. He's had it for a couple of years.

It had a 3PH motor on it and he bought a new 1PH motor and hooked it up.

Said it pumped up pressure fine but the motor seemed to run slow. Thinks he may have hooked it up wrong.

It is a 60 gallon tank, not 50 as advertised.

It's an Ingersoll Rand T30 pump. That is a beast!

At that price, I would call him immediately and hot foot it over there.

I picked up a similar Speedaire and am really happy I did.

Loading and transport would be the next problem. It's heavy.

Bill

 

[bczygan]

I'd see if he could hook it up for you, so you could see it run.

Offer him $175 and settle on $200. These old compressors are beasts.

Mine is from the 70's and parts are still available, but not cheap for these big boys.

Your pump is still sold, so parts should be similarly available.

I'd grab it. I don't think people value these old big compressors, especially horizontal tanks.

If it pumps up pressure and holds it, it is a working machine, but even if you can't see it run, I'd go for it.


Bill

 

[The Tool Tyrant]

BTW, if you do 'pull the trigger' verify the maximum RPM the pump should run at. The size difference between the two sheaves pictured is not that great, so I would assume it's turning 1000+ rpm if the motor is 1760 RPM.

 

[Boilerhouse]

I agree with Bill in that the pump is a beast and any rebuild, if it even needs it, should allow it to run for many more years. However, the motor is questionable and the tank could be iffy. Definitely not worth 250.

 

[JohnDeere1]

I'd skip it because of age old ones at usually rusty I made the mistake of buying an old Craigslist compressor and every time I drain in its pure rusty nasty water ,one time I turned it on while draining thinking it would blow some of the water out hah big mistake the hole is small and must have got clogged by a piece of rust well then the pressure built right about the time I put my face down there it said POW and shot me right in the face with rust water and looked like mud went everywhere hahaha. I'd hate to see the inside of the tank.

 

[tkg14]

I really appreciate all the advice. I'm going to pass on this one. I don't NEED a big compressor like this but thought if it was a good deal I would jump on it.

 

[Lelandwelds]

IR isnt my favorite but I did look at the same ad. That looks like a cast iron three phase motor. Five hp isnt really that large. Tanks that age are 3 or 4 times thicker than more recent machines. Most of that size and vintage turn 700 or 850 RPM. They sound funny to younger people. Finger valves are pretty simple to replace. Compressors are easier to rebuild than engines.

Too much air compressor? I'm unsure what you mean.

 

[bczygan]

I really appreciate all the advice. I'm going to pass on this one. I don't NEED a big compressor like this but thought if it was a good deal I would jump on it.

A shame.

I would have jumped on it.

Reconsider!!!

Bill

 

[Lelandwelds]

I am glad everyone isnt fighting over a machine like I want. I am not buying until I have the building built.

I usually have six people fighting to pay twice what a new whatever would cost.
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