Old 220v 2hp Sears air compressor

[crbnfbr]

There's an old Sears 2hp 220v air compressor on craigslist that the seller knows next to nothing about other than he's had it for about 12 years and that it still works. He's asking $125 o.b.o. but it's been listed for over a month.

Here are a couple pictures of it. If anyone has any information the compressor I would appreciate it. Also, what would be a fair price? I was thinking $100 as it's about a 3hr round trip drive, if it's any good that is.

 

[md21722]

These old horizontal portables are notorious for pinholes from clueless owners who don't drain them. It may work, it may not. 3 hours is a long drive. I wouldn't go more than 20 minutes for something like this but they are a dime a dozen around here. Better to pay $400-500 for something you can count on IMHO. These $100 jobs are luck of the draw. There are $100 steals out there, but sometimes you end up buying a few until you find one. A true 2HP compressor will run better at 230V. They generally require a 20A 115V circuit minimum.

 

[PSYKO_Inc]

It's a little more than I would pay, I've seen several for $50-75 in my area. They're rebranded Campbell Hausfeld VT compressors that were also sold as CH, Speedaire, and Montgomery Wards, and probably a few others. Should be good for about 6 scfm at 90 psi. Parts are still readily available. I'm in the process of turning two broken compressors into one good one, with $21 invested so far (plus gas.) If you want to see the guts of one, check out my thread "can this compressor be saved?"

 

[redmondjp]

Yup. I'd go up to $100 for one of those - check for oil in the tank, and oil level in the pump. If you have 220 (240)VAC, I'd run it that way - it takes far less current and the motor will start quicker and run cooler as well.

 

[PMD1966]

I recently purchased an older Sears compressor. 30 gal. Previous owner had swapped the 3hp motor for a 5hp 220 volt unit. Paid $40.00 for it.

 

[CNGsaves]

That's an awful long extension cord for 240v ??

OP . . . are you sure it's not dual voltage 120v/240v and right now wired 120v ??

I'd sure put different SHORT electric cord and run longer air hose.

For that long 3 hr drive, I'd beat the guy down on price under $100 if you can.

 

[md21722]

That's an awful long extension cord for 240v ??

OP . . . are you sure it's not dual voltage 120v/240v and right now wired 120v ??

I'd sure put different SHORT electric cord and run longer air hose.

For that long 3 hr drive, I'd beat the guy down on price under $100 if you can.

Happens more often than you think. Panel in house not garage, etc. for 2HP it pulls 12A maximum. Probably runs about 8.

 

[theoldwizard1]

These old horizontal portables are notorious for pinholes from clueless owners who don't drain them.

I don't know if they are "notorious", but that is the biggest issue.

At a minimum, make the owner run it and then drain through the petcock on the bottom. If the petcock is frozen or you get a lot of rusty looking water, walk away.

 

[dsimatt]

I wouldn't pay a penny over $50 especially having to drive that far for it.

 

[crbnfbr]

Thanks for all the advice. I think I'll probably pass on this one. I really don't even need an air compressor, but then again I don't really need half my tools. I just figured it being 220v it would put out decent cfm. I'm mainly looking for a sub 30 gallon 240v compressor that puts out about 10cfm at 90 psi.

 

[md21722]

Thanks for all the advice. I think I'll probably pass on this one. I really don't even need an air compressor, but then again I don't really need half my tools. I just figured it being 220v it would put out decent cfm. I'm mainly looking for a sub 30 gallon 240v compressor that puts out about 10cfm at 90 psi.

To make 10 CFM requires at least a 3HP motor. I believe Campbell Hausfeld makes a 3HP portable on a 26 gallon tank. I see them come up for sale from time to time. Your air is probably going to **** with this configuration. Single stage pump running fast, making lots of water for your tools to ingest.

 

[crbnfbr]

To make 10 CFM requires at least a 3HP motor. I believe Campbell Hausfeld makes a 3HP portable on a 26 gallon tank. I see them come up for sale from time to time. Your air is probably going to **** with this configuration. Single stage pump running fast, making lots of water for your tools to ingest.

So, what you're is I should really just get a 5hp 60 gallon 2 stage compressor. At least that's how I am going to take it. Again, I really don't need an air compressor. I just purchased a cordless impact wrench. So, I won't be needing an air impact gun.

I just eventually want to get a nice quality compressor just in case I want to start painting some day.

 

[PSYKO_Inc]

I've managed to run a paint gun (not hvlp) off a 21 gallon HF compressor that put out a little over 3 cfm. A good 3hp belt driven compressor should do most everything you need. Keep an eye out for the Craftsman 5hp 30 gal belt driven compressors from the 90s (not the later direct drive model.) Those did about 10 cfm and pop up used on CL from time to time, just make sure you check the tank for rust/leaks.

 

[md21722]

So, what you're is I should really just get a 5hp 60 gallon 2 stage compressor. At least that's how I am going to take it. Again, I really don't need an air compressor. I just purchased a cordless impact wrench. So, I won't be needing an air impact gun.

I just eventually want to get a nice quality compressor just in case I want to start painting some day.

It really depends on what you are trying to do with it. I used to have a 3 HP 60 gallon and apart from looking nice in the garage, it really couldn't do much more than a 2 HP 26 gallon. Because one you cross the threshold of needing more air, even a 5 HP dual stage can be marginal. It may run a DA but it may run continuously to do it. I would hold off until you want to start painting and then buy a new one or one you know is in great shape.