Heavy vs Lightweight Air Compressor flywheel

[Tristahn]

I have a Roliar K30 pump that finally died. Instead of rebuilding it again, I decided to buy a new one. I use a Baldor 5 HP motor, have a Siemens starter and the PUMP spins in the mid-800 RPMs. The old pump had a 16 lb flywheel and ran super-smooth. The new pump has a lightweight aluminum flywheel and now the belt hops up and down on the lower side (return side of the pulley rotation).

Q1 - Is one flywheel better to run than the other?

Q2 - Is the belt hop normal? I tightened the belt so it has a bit of flex, 1/2 in or so and if I twist the belt it doesn't twist more than 90 degrees.

Thanks guys

 

[LS6 Tommy]

1/2" is about right for belt deflection. I wouldn't try switching the driven pulley, sometimes they're balanced to match internal rotating assembly of the compressor, like an automotive flywheel.

Tommy

 

[Tristahn]

Thanks LS6 Tommy - The new pump came with the flywheel off and it had to mount it myself. I pulled the old cast and balanced flywheel off the old unit and thats when I realized the significant weight difference. So the belt sounds about right to you, the flywheels are both balanced and not matched to the pump's rotating assembly like a car might be. I guess I'll just run it for a while that way with the bouncing belt and see how it goes.

 

[The Cobbler]

be sure the pulleys are lined up. I'm sure you already did that ! LOL

 

[nadogail]

More kinetic energy is stored in a heavy flywheel than a lighter one. Lighter flywheels take less energy to bring them to speed.

IMHO, We don't have enough information available to make a responsible recommendation on this forum.

 

[Is this thing on]

Add a spring loaded idler.
You're welcome