Moving an upright 80 gal air compressor

[Ross/Kzoo]

I know that I should have moved my upright 80 gal IR air compressor in the upright position but circumstances dictated that lay it on it's side. It will be that way for about 24 hours before I get it back up right. Any suggestions on what I need to do because the oil has probably already gone above the piston?

 

[RV77]

I recommend letting it sit vertical for at least 3-4 hours before starting it.

 

[Ross/Kzoo]

Thanks for the quick response. Because I need to wire it I won't be using for 4-5 days so it will be upright for at least 4-5 days. I hope that's enough time.

 

[Craptain]

If the oil level was correct before then check the level again before you start it. If it is where it should be then there is probably no leakage. If you are really worried then pull the head(s) and check. Or at least disconnect the pipe from the head to the tank and let it pump any oil out rather than into the tank. Stand clear if you do this.

 

[finn]

Should be able to bar the compressor over by hand at the flywheelto make sure it isn't hydrolocked.

 

[sberry]

Probably turn it by hand.

 

[Plane Crazy]

drain the oil,
tag it > "NO OIL"
get to where you are going
install fresh oil

 

[Ross/Kzoo]

drain the oil,
tag it > "NO OIL"
get to where you are going
install fresh oil

If I would have thought about it that's what I would have done however it's already been moved and on it's side.

 

[sparksftball69]

drain the oil,
tag it > "NO OIL"
get to where you are going
install fresh oil

LOL…i'm guessing you found out the hard way once from not labeling it…I did that on a lawnmower before… (STUPID STUPID STUPID ME) Lets just say i get a new lawnmower shortly after

 

[A_Pmech]

Should be able to bar the compressor over by hand at the flywheelto make sure it isn't hydrolocked.

Yes!

Don't start that thing up until you've barred it over at least 1-1/2 revolutions.

 

[Xtremetalworks2]

As others have mentioned I would let stand vertical for as long as you can and turn over a few revolutions!

 

[Kevin54]

When I bought my IR 80 gallon compressor a few years back, I asked the guy about laying it down, and he told me to just let it set upright for a few hours before starting it up. He told me they lay them down all of the time and never had a complaint yet. FYI, I bought it at TSC maybe 6 or 7 years ago.

 

[G_P]

Remove the oil and lay it down. If you are worried about starting it with no oil then remove the belt and tape a "no oil" sign to the flywheel so you will see it when you go to reinstall the belt.

 

[Ross/Kzoo]

Just an update. I started the compressor today and it did seem to take a while to get to 150 PSI bit it sounded good and isn't very loud. There was a little oil, maybe a total of 3-4 drops, coming from the tube that goes to the regulator.

A separate question: Do you leave your tank pressurized when leaving it overnight or for the weekend?

 

[EOC_Jason]

A separate question: Do you leave your tank pressurized when leaving it overnight or for the weekend?

I always leave my 60 gallon pressurized even though I might only use it once a week. If you don't use it often, keep air in it, but check the drain the day after you use it to give condensate time to work its way to the bottom.