How to fix a compressor???

[vettebrett]

I have found a 80 gallon compessor for $75, all I was told is that it quit working and it has been sitting outside ever since. I have checked into the price of a new motor or compressor and I could replace both for under $400. The local Tractor Supply store had an 80 gallon for $1700 so I figure I could make out pretty good on this deal. If faced with this option would you embark on it??

 

[Aceman]

Best case scenario, you get the compressor for $75 dollars and find something simple wrong with it.

Worst case scenario, you replace compressor/motor for a grand total of $475. Still $1225 under retail for a basically brand new compressor.

I'd say that's one hell of a deal, better jump on it. Honestly, I'd be surprised if both failed, most likely it's just the motor or the compressor. Maybe you'll get lucky and only need to replace the pressure switch! Let us know what you find out.

 

[bmwpower]

Make sure the tank is in good condition. If it's been sitting outside for some time, chances are the inside of the tank could be pretty rusted.

A replacement tank will be a little harder to come by.

What brand is it?

 

[Charles (in GA)]

Your compairson of prices to repair vs prices to replace sounds as if it may be flawed. 80 gal is not 80 gal, there could be alot of difference. The $1700 IR at Tractor Supply is a two stage, 7.5 hp unit that is about 24 CFM of air flow. What is the unit you are proposing to repair? Somehow I don't think you could buy both a 7.5 hp motor AND a pump of that capacity for $400. If you just start throwing generic pump and motors on it you will have to correctly size the pulleys, the pump will come with something, but you will have to use a motor pulley of a size to properly run THAT pump and it may not be the same as what you have.

Is the $75 unit three phase? Single phase motors are more expensive. Does it have the motor starter installed on it? If not that is quite a bit of money and you must have it.

Charles

 

[vettebrett]

Well here is what I bought for $75, guy said it stopped working, it came from an Xpress Lube place and he said he need another one quick so he went ans bought one, didn't try to fix this one.

 

[Junkman]

Looks to be a good buy. I would start by removing the belt guard and try to turn the pulley on the compressor itself. If it turns freely, then there is a good chance that it is good. Then put power to the motor and see if it spins. If it does, you will just have to check further to see why it doesn't make air. If the motor doesn't turn, but trips the breaker, then the motor has a problem or the wiring prior to the motor might have a short. That should be easy to figure out. If the motor just hums, but doesn't turn and doesn't trip the breaker right away, then it might just be bad bearings in the motor. They are replaceable, or you could just get another comparable motor and replace it. No matter what it is, the tank alone is more than worth what you paid for the unit.

 

[gerry]

First thing you need to do is figure out what's wrong with the compressor. Looks like a cast iron pump, so I doubt that you can replace it with the same quality and the motor both for $400. Is the comp frozen up? Will the motor run? You may just need a simple repair job to get it up and running again. On the other hand, if the pump is locked up. the pump may be trash

 

[vettebrett]

I will have to mess with it in the next few days, I am in the middle of rebuilding my boat motor, then I have to finish up the side exhaust on my vette, 2 new batteries for the riding lawn mowers, replace the oil pan gasket on my motorcycle and then get my new sons room ready for his arrival in mid June. So it is way down on the list right now but I am sure I will mess with it a little bit here and there. I just have to many things to do between now and June

 

[russlaferrera]

I say you got a great deal. What ever is wrong with it can be rebuilt/replaced. Most likely it is one of three things wrong. The pressure switch, motor, pump.

 

[Major Ramifications]

WOW, $75! I'll give you $76 for it. That way, you won't have to worry about it and you will make a whole dollar profit.

 

[vettebrett]

Well I started messing with the compressor, the motor is fried( burnt inside), it is a single stage 5HP motor, so from Harbor Freight that same motor will run new $250. Now does anyone know where I can get a starter box for it???

 

[bmwpower]

Well I started messing with the compressor, the motor is fried( burnt inside), it is a single stage 5HP motor, so from Harbor Freight that same motor will run new $250. Now does anyone know where I can get a starter box for it???

Please don't tell me your going to put a HF special on it. You can buy a nice Baldor for less than $300 on eBay. You can get the starter from the same place.

 

[vettebrett]

Well I am going to a local place on Monday to see what it would cost to rebuild this motor. Should be cheaper than buying new(I am a cheapskate at heart)

 

[Junkman]

Well I am going to a local place on Monday to see what it would cost to rebuild this motor. Should be cheaper than buying new(I am a cheapskate at heart)

Not neccessarly....... with todays high labor costs rebuilding small motors just isn't always as cheap as a new one. Depends on how fried the old one is. Check the price for a replacement on www.grainger.com and compare if the motor rebuilder will give you a firm price for repair.

 

[Steve in Mi]

Looks like a nice unit that had a magnetic starter on it (note the bolt holes on the left side of compressor mount apron) but is now missing. I would have taken a chance on it for $75.00. I would suggest that you do a hydrastatic test on the tank before you put it in service just to be sure.

 

[vettebrett]

Grainger is actually cheaper than I thought they would be. I will have to run by there on monday. I am going to make a T adapter for it and see if it will hold air as a storage tank.

 

[Charles (in GA)]

The starter needs to be matched to the motor. There is a heating element inside that is there to simulate a running motor. If the element overheats it is assumed that the motor overheated and the starter, acting as the overheat sensor shuts down the motor. If you use a starter that the heat element is not matched to the motor amp draw, then there will be no overheat protection unless the motor has its own built in (red button on the end of the motor).

Charles

 

[ng8264723]

Buy a blador on ebay they will sell you a matched starter as well. I got a 10hp with the starter for $800. 7.5 are a lot cheaper