Monkey Wards compressor score!

[MT Mike]

I picked up this little beauty today for the grand price of $40.

2 hp 20 gal 125 psi 230v air compressor. Works fine, needs to be cleaned up and have the oil changed. Biggest problem I have is the two (one on each end of the tank) drain plugs will not budge. I have no idea when the last time the tank was drained. Their is no sign of rust. Any suggestions on how to best remove the drain plugs? They are large square pugs, large enough that only a pipe wrench will fit them.

Any suggestions or pointers would be greatly appreciated. I'd like to clean it up and get it in tip top shape so I can sell my Husky oil-less compressor.

 

[slip knot]

that's a nice reliable old compressor. I have one real similar thats Campbell Hausfeld tagged. I still use mine regularly on home remodels. you may have to get some heat on the plugs to get them out. beware the safety Nazis who are gonna tell you to scrap it cuz it will blow up. Clean it up, change the oil and make sure the relief valve is working and enjoy running a nice, quiet belted compressor.

 

[MT Mike]

I was wondering about putting heat to the plugs, but wasn't sure if that would compromise the tank. Safety valve works well. A few cans of brake clean, some fresh oil, and draining the tank and I'm hoping it will be good to go.

 

[aeopav]

Is that cool or what? What decade are we talking about here 70's or 80's?

 

[Sears Gilera]

If you can see any of the threads on the drain plugs I would be tempted to use penetrating oil. Then let it creep overnight. Might save you from having to heat them. My Dad has a similar Montgomery Ward compressor. He passed away in 2003 but it is still on the job. I use it at the homestead several times a year.

 

[Itsahobby]

Interesting, my neighbor just gave me a monkey wards compressor. It's from the 60s, though.
He says it still runs, but I haven't plugged it in yet.


Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G900A using Tapatalk

 

[calif phil]

I had one almost exactly like it but it was 110 volts. I think I paid $40 for it also. Should have never sold it.

 

[TractorJeff]

Is that compressor the one that on top looks like it might be a 4 cylinder? Those are some pretty good CFM numbers they are listing? Reason I ask is I have seen orange painted pumps like that at Fleamarkets and they are all 4 cylinder.

 

[COL911]

The drain plug on this one was frozen, but PB Blaster spray with a soak overnight loosened it up enough to get it out, with a struggle, Buggered it up, but the old draincock was shot anyway, so just replaced with a Husky branded one

 

[eae197]

I would use some penetrating oil on the plug, put wrench on it and give it a solid tap or three and then use heat if necessary. Good luck, nice compressor.

 

[tailshaft56]

Good penetrating oil. Time and occasional hammer taps should free it up. If you can catch a Snap On truck pick up a can of Soaky.

 

[terex]

Glad I found this thread. I have a Montgomery Ward 2hp Compressor which I inherited from the family. It's been used on/off regularly for
the last 20+ years. The oil has been changed from time to time, but that's it, no other maintenance has been done.


Thank you

 

[nadogail]

Without pressure the tank will not blow; you can take that statement to the bank. You need pressure to blow a tank.

Once you get the tank empty and dried out, a professional inspection will be prudent.

 

[Dan in Pasadena]

When I was in high school and college ('68-'76) I worked at Sears in the paint department. I sold LOTS of those green compressors. There was a lower price point version that was red and I sold a returned one we couldn't return to the warehouse to my brother in law for $50. He JUST gave it to his son in law. That was 50 years ago (HOLY MOLY!) and it still runs great. It has a small leak due to rust so it's not long for this world but they made a quality product. Can't say a thing negative about a product that lasts 50 years.

 

[FredWanaker]

is there a drain **** on it on the bottom or a spot for one? I've never seen a consumer version of any CH/DeVilbiss like MW or Craftsman that didn't have a drain **** on the bottom. All mine had both a large plug and a drain ****. I'd just replace the drain **** and if there is rust plugging it poke a hole thru it once the drain **** it out. Don't do it on concrete or any place you don't want a permanent rust stain. Gonna stink and have lots of icky bacteria in it.

 

[billspit]

Use a little heat and bee's wax candle.

 

[vwpieces]

Cool score.
Don't Mistreat it HAHA

 

[terex]

Appreciate the insight on this board. I took a leap of faith yesterday and attempted to loosen the wing nut at the bottom of the tank which was frozen solid.

 

[vwpieces]

Tanks need to be drained regularly. I would plumb a ball valve for easy and convenient draining.
Think about where you are going to keep the compressor and have the drain accessible.

Likely the Goo has some oils in it. Water is the enemy of the tank.

 

[terex]

Tanks need to be drained regularly. I would plumb a ball valve for easy and convenient draining.
Think about where you are going to keep the compressor and have the drain accessible.

Likely the Goo has some oils in it. Water is the enemy of the tank.