Look what I rescued!

[vette-kid]

Ive been wanting a compressor for a while now. But I dont have enough of a "NEED" to spend $400+ on a new one. Well the other day this popped up on craigslist. I was hoping for a little better condition, but for $150 I think this will serve me well. I figure if it gives me a year or two Ill be pretty happy. At that point I can reevaluate my needs and step up to something nicer if I feel its worth it.

When I got it it was covered with oil...turns out the head bolts were loose. As were the mounting bolts. So I tightened everything up and cleaned it a bit. I drained the oil and got a full quart of VERY black oil out of it. Odd thing is that when I replaced the oil it took just over half a quart to fill it. Did this guy put way too much oil in there? When I drained the tank I did get some brown sludge that came out from the drain. I also had to replace the drain, the coupler, and the copper pipe from the pump into the tank.

Despite those issues, it runs smooth and quiet, fills quickly (took about 2 min or so to reach the 130psi), and holds pressure. I was able to fill three tires pretty quick before it kicked on, and then it only ran for about 30sec. Im not sure what most would consider that, but Im very pleased with it. Of course its my first compressor, so maybe I just dont know what good is

One more pic in its new home!

 

[r6_cannibal]

Nice Monster in the background. It looks really clean too.

I'm loosely looking for a really good deal on a compressor that size. Small garage, and an oil-less is way too loud. How loud would you say your compressor is?

 

[vette-kid]

r6, the Monster is a 2005 S2R with less than 3500 mi on it. Its pretty much in mint condition, but Im selling because I dont ride much. Id rather have another Vette!

The compressor is actually really quiet! Hard to explain the volume, but the bike is WAY louder! Of course it has open race cans and no cat! Seriously though, with the compressor running you can hold a conversation anywhere in the garage without yelling. Its a very tolerable level for sure. The version they currently sell at lowes is slightly different, but I would assume it to be similar noise level. I believe it sells for just over $400.

Anyone ever had sludge come out from the tank drain?

 

[fatfillup]

$150 is a great deal on that compressor. You might find it will last a lot longer than a year or two. I have an craftsman about that size that i had for 21 years in my business and it still runs fine. It doesn't work hard but it runs a few air tools several times a day.

Love your floor, I assume that's your home shop.

 

[vette-kid]

Yup, just a home shop.

So now I have to ask a total newbie question. Keep in mind I have never owned and only once used an air compressor/air tools. I notice that most tools (impact wrench and ratchet specifically) are rated at 90psi and say do not use above that. I also notice that the gauge on the compressor reads 130psi before the motor shuts off. I assume that a regulator is needed to "dial in" the desired pressure? Or am I just looking at this all wrong. It seems odd to me that a compressor of this size would not have a way to regulate the pressure to an appropriate level for most air tools. Is there a way that I am missing, or should this have had one when new and just got removed at some point...for some unknown reason Enlighten me!

 

[Rigmaster]

Yup, just a home shop.

So now I have to ask a total newbie question. Keep in mind I have never owned and only once used an air compressor/air tools. I notice that most tools (impact wrench and ratchet specifically) are rated at 90psi and say do not use above that. I also notice that the gauge on the compressor reads 130psi before the motor shuts off. I assume that a regulator is needed to "dial in" the desired pressure? Or am I just looking at this all wrong. It seems odd to me that a compressor of this size would not have a way to regulate the pressure to an appropriate level for most air tools. Is there a way that I am missing, or should this have had one when new and just got removed at some point...for some unknown reason Enlighten me!

The 90 psi ratings are just an attempt to have standard ratings so you can compare different tools at that psi. You should have a regulator on that compressor, if nothing else, it will make your tools last longer if you run them at ~90 psi instead of wide open. Your compressor will also cycle less frequently if you crank the pressure down a bit.

You should be able to pick up a decent regulator for ~$50 or so, less if you shop around for a deal.

 

[arkangel06]

nice find

Fix her up real good and you shouldnt have to buy another one for a long time

 

[JD6619A]

Nice CMAN chest

Is the compressor missing a shroud for the fan?

 

[fatfillup]

A regulator with a knob adjustment and guage should be at the outlet right before the connection for the air hose. Inexspensive addition and will increase air tool life but probably not a life or death addition.

 

[vette-kid]

yes, its missing the shroud...or most of it anyway.

There is no dial. Just the outlet, the gauge and the safety valve. Lowes has them for around $30...ish. Anything to stay away from on these, or is one just about as good as the next? bear in mind its not getting used daily in a professional shop or anything.

 

[volvo420coupe]

Before I read the thread and was looking at the pictures, I was going to say something about how much you will appreciate the "quietness" of that compressor, great score!!!!

 

[GDA]

Nice score. Air tools are such a luxury to have after having started out and used hand tools for years.

 

[lilredex]

The photo below shows a compressor that was rescued years ago and has since been updated with a new compressor head and motor.

I have two outlets, one tank pressure and the other is regulated by a (Fisher) 1/2" Type 64. Both have gauges so you can see what is going on. A crossbar was welded to the regulator's adjusting screw for convenience.

I use the unregulated outlet mostly, as I have the pressure (Switch) controller set at 90#. The regulated outlet is mainly for painting, that's why the regulator is 1/2".

If you open your pressure switch, you'll see it is adjustable, likely down to 90#, if that is what you want.

My modifications were done many, many years ago when compressors (and other things..drill presses, saws, lathes) were next to impossible to find used. You had to wait for your grandfather's stuff. You couldn't just run to Canadian Tire or HD or Lowes and find something for a couple of hundred$$
Would I go to all that trouble today?? No way! How times have changed.