Erie Compressor

[clayguy]

I know there is a posting about an old Erie compressor, but the post is a few years old, so I thought I'd start a new post. Please bear with me.

I just bought an Erie Service Station air compressor at an auction. The compressor runs great, is quiet and almost vibration free. It has a Peerless 1.5 HP electric motor that hums along at 1750 RPM. The tank is 60 gallons. The issue is that it takes 15 minutes to pump up to 150 psi. The auto shut off kicks in at 150.

Here's what I've done so far: removed head and barrel to check for obvious broken/worn parts. No broken rings, reed valves looked good. I could still see the hatch marks on the cylinder walls. Cleaned and reassembled. Runs great, but still slow build up of pressure.

Do I have unreasonable expectations that it should reach 150 psi in far less than 15 minutes?

I will happily absorb any advice offered!

 

[md21722]

Small motor, big tank.

By the math its pumping 5.45 CFM which is right in the ball park for a 1.5 HP compressor.

Nothing is wrong with the compressor.

You'll need to manage your expectations.

 

[redmondjp]

I would agree. I've got a "5HP" (actually just over 3HP) 60-gallon, single-stage compressor, and it probably takes 7-8 minutes (if not ten - I don't ever let it get to zero pressure so it's been years since I have checked that number) to fill the tank from zero. So for a 1.5hp machine like yours, your numbers sound fine.

If you want to make the compressor run for less time, dial back the pressure at which it shuts off. My single-stage really struggles to increase pressure once it reaches 110psi. You could set it at 125 or 130psi and it will shave a few minutes off of that time.

 

[clayguy]

Thanks for the input. I'll just adjust my expectations!