Ingersol Rand Compressor leaks

[cobxd45]

I have a 60gallon IR air compressor got it back around 2006/2007 and never had an issue with it. Moved and the rental house I ended up in didn't have 220 in the garage and being a rental I was not going to mess with wiring it in. So forward 3 years later get a house and this last weekend we wire in 220 I plug it in and she starts to hum along so while it fills I run to the store to grab some things needed for the house. I get home and notice it is still running also notice a different sound so I check it out. The weld around where the plug for moisture drain screws in on the bottom has a leak. I call the company that IR points me towards for tank replacement since it is out of warranty and they say it is going to run $850 to switch over to the new tank(left voice mail so I am hoping that means new tank and labor)tank alone is $420 some dollars. Now I have thought about taking it to a shop and see if they can cut the weld, clean it up and re-weld it but with that much pressure in the tank is that safe?

 

[pattenp]

Sounds like a rust out leak. If it sat for 3 years and you didn't drain the water out of it then it may be a waste of time trying to fix. You will need to have the tank inspected to see if it's fit for repair.

 

[KULIWOBBY]

You can google all you want and listen to people that have done it and say " it's fine " but you never weld a compressor tank. It will explode eventually.

 

[cobxd45]

You can google all you want and listen to people that have done it and say " it's fine " but you never weld a compressor tank. It will explode eventually.

That is what I was thinking..

Now how hard is it to change everything over myself instead of paying the $400 in labor to do it?

 

[600SL]

A replacement tank cost more than my 60 gallon 3.7 HP Lowes Kobalt compressor.

http://www.compressedairstore.com/Vertical-60-Gallon-Air-Receiver-200psi-302412_p_3681.html

I consider my Kobalt to be a disposable compressor. It breaks just buy a new one.

 

[Bobf]

I have the IR SLS5 60 gal bought around that period and haven't had any trouble -yet.
I may be wrong but when I extended the drain a few years ago I thought there was a reducer bushing in the bottom which the 3/8 pipe elbow screwed into. I may be wrong as it's been awhile. Thought it may be leaking around the bushing??? Mine is bolted to the floor with rubber biscuits and I can't see under it.

 

[Milton Shaw]

The pipe ****** in the bottom of my rusted out too. check and be sure its the tank and not the plug and ****** at the bottom that is leaking. If it really is the tank, trash it or turn it into a bbq but don't use it for air any more.

 

[C96]

This is not the first time I’ve heard of this issue with IR.

Another GJ member had posted this very problem awhile back with his 60 Gal IR. If I remember correctly, his was still under warranty.

I hate to say it, but the IR lower end units seem to be problematic and giving them a bad reputation.

 

[C96]

Here’s a thread involving that issue if anyone’s interested.

Installed a Brand New IR Air Compressor and Guess What?

Click here: “Installed a Brand New IR Air Compressor and Guess What?”

 

[Todd.Brock]

It's not just IR. Replace the pipe bushing at the bottom. I have bought 4 Champion 80 gallon and an IR 80 gallon. Three of them had rusty pipe bushings. If you had any water left in the tank, it certainly didn't do it any favors Get some leak detection fluid, or soap and find the leak. If they are pin holes in the weld, you k ow what to do. If the welds seem kosher, then try to unscrew the bushing and see what it looks like. Retape it, and give it a whirl.

My champion has a slow leak, that I will be damned if I can find it. I'm almost convinced the check valve is leaking.