New to me compressor, a few questions...

[boosteddsm92]

Hey guys, just picked up this little guy for $50 to use when I have to blow something off or fill up tires instead of firing up my big one for a few seconds of use and have a few questions. Can't find much on this probably due to its age but can anyone tell me if this is a decent pump/compressor? Anyone have one that can give me an opinion? Any idea how old it is? Seems to run quiet and well so no complaints there. Only problem w/it so far is it leaks air out of the fitting where the air supply line meets the tank. Looks like a pinhole but seems too perfect and thick for that to happen where it is. The fitting (and valve?) is pictured below. My first thoughts are the hole is there by design and there's some kind of valve in there that's stuck since it leaks when the tank is being filled. Any ideas? School me please!

 

[C96]

It’s your check valve. The hole is there to bleed off head pressure, but should not leak when running, only when it shuts off. You might be able to take it apart and clean it, but usually it must be replaced.

For a Speedaire, Grainger’s would be your place for parts.

 

[truckdriver]

That looks like a load genie. It's a combination check valve and unloader valve. They run about $30.
http://www.airtekltd.com/valves.htm
You can take them apart and see if any dirt and I believe there is an o ring.

 

[kams1973]

Try some WD-40 or something similar. Also, those load genies will distort if you tighten them too much. As for the age, I don't know, but the pump is a Champion. May be helpful if you need parts in the future.

 

[Farmall450]

Looks like a decent compressor...I'm curious, you don't keep your other compressor topped off when you're not using it?

 

[zkling]

It's a solid little unit. Call gringer tech service tomorrow they should be able to email you a PDF parts breakdown as well as provide overall specs. They have been very helpful on old units for me.

 

[boosteddsm92]

Thanks guys. Soaked it in some WD-40 and the valve works freely now. Put it back in and fired it up. It puffs air out the hole while it's running and stops when the compressor stops. Is that how it's supposed to function?

Looks like a decent compressor...I'm curious, you don't keep your other compressor topped off when you're not using it?

I don't keep power to it in fear something will pop and it'll just run all night or day until I realize. I usually don't keep it full in the winter either as I only use it every couple weeks or so, if that. Call me paranoid but that's just what I do.

 

[skruft]

I have a small Speedaire that I got for free and had similar problems. As I wanted to spend nothing and to use parts I had on hand, and I had no unloader valve, I used a check valve and a small hand valve that I just leave slightly cracked open.

 

[kams1973]

The load genie should release air when the compressor stops running (kicks out). I'd give disassembly and cleaning one more shot. If it still doesn't operate properly, toss the little f&^@ker in the brass pile and order a new one.

 

[boosteddsm92]

Thanks, I'll take it apart and give it another soak. I'm guessing the spring is dead, we'll see, thanks!