Old shop air compressor

[threeputt]

I own a shop that my dad built in 1961. Everything was run under the slap including air lines and of course water lines which are stopped up.

I have not turned the compressor on in about 15 years but it turns free and has oil in it. It was running the last time I had the power on.

My question is should I remove this compressor from the small building it in put in 50 plus years ago and put on the inside of the shop and just redo the lines. The info I found on the side of the unit is this
Kargard WP200 Build 1962 VA 5006G. I also noticed a Weaver plate on it but did not get the numbers from it.

It has a 5 HP Motor wired for three phase 220.
This compressor never failed me all the years I was in business. I have not used it more than a few hours since 1996 when I closed my shop and none in the last 15 years.

I drained the tank when I last used it but I can say it has not got any rust in it after sitting all these years.

I do work at the shop once in a while and when I do I just take my small compressor from home but it would be nice if I could get this old loud thing back going again. I know now why my dad put it in the outside building. You could not hear much when it was running and sure enough if was inside and close to where I was working

I thought it might be a good rebuild project if it would worth the trouble. What you think ??

 

[matt_i]

Any reason you can't either run a new airline or build a lean-to shed on your existing shop?

Reducing the noise is very big in my estimation. Where you have it apparently has all of the electrification already finished.

 

[koditten]

Hello, Lena.

You could start your own thread, more people will see your introduction.

Welcome.

 

[Boilerhouse]

I would leave it where it is and run lines from it, assuming that distance is reasonable. With even a bit of TLC the compressor should be good for many more years, the tank, if it was kept well drained, is probably OK.

 

[EOC_Jason]

Yep, I would open the tank drain again and see what comes out...

Rotate the compressor by hand some, then maybe let it run for 5-10 minutes to get the oil warmed up, drain and re-fill with fresh oil. Also if you leave the tank drain open you can see what will blow out...

If the distance isn't too bad just re-run your air-line above ground... You can do black pipe, copper, or even those rapid-air kits...

For noise reduction, looks like that pump could benefit from a better intake. Check out the solberg muffler filters...

 

[redmondjp]

I agree with the above - leave it where it sits and do maintenance/noise abatement as necessary. Search on here about remote air intakes (using a section of rubber hose close to the unit for vibration isolation), as that can significantly quiet it down. You can build that with stuff from the local home center (PVC pipe) for very little cost and an hour or two of labor.

Also, you may want to look at the motor bearings - that back bearing on the motor may have leaked all of its lubricant out from looking at the picture.

 

[metlmunchr]

Kargard is the tank manufacturer. The compressor is a Weaver. Weaver made a lot of garage equipment, and marketed other garage equipment like this compressor.

The pump is a DeVilbiss 432 which is an excellent pump with disc valves and centrifugal pressure release. When driven by a 5hp motor, a 432 pump is just loafing along as it can take motors up to 10hp. As long as it gets plenty of good oil, it'll likely last another 50 years with no major repairs.

Original spec calls for 20 wt non detergent oil. Rather than looking for engine oil, you'd be ahead to buy air compressor oil in 20 wt which may also be listed as ISO 46. Most of the non detergent engine oil that's still around today barely makes it up to what we'd consider lawn mower quality.

FWIW, a compressor with a pump of that quality will push $4000 if bought new today.

http://www.dynamicaircompressor.ca/...73/devilbiss-432-pump-parts-breakdown_new.pdf

Re the grease on the motor end bell... Most likely from over greasing on motors with grease fittings. If the bearings are noisy, replace them with equivalent size sealed bearings and they'll run for years with no attention. Back when all motors had grease fittings, probably 10 motors died from excess grease getting into the motor windings for every one that croaked from lack of grease.

 

[threeputt]

I can assure all that this compressor was never over greased. It has been over 20 years since I worked in this shop for a living. Back then I didn't do anything but turn it on and drain it ever so often.

It has been at least 15 years since I last run this thing. It seems like the last time I turned it on it was going slow like running on half power and I just shut it off. Been so long I really cannot remember

I didn't even notice the black area around the end of motor until I saw it in these pictures. I will just service it and see how she runs. THANKS for all the tips and help. Tom

 

[threeputt]

UPDATE
Tank has pin holes. I noticed when I removed the drain there was lots of rust.

I know the dangers of an 80 gallon tank blowing up from being rusty . I only let it run for a short time and then shut it off and listened for leaks.

Pressure never got high. Yes it is leaking so this one is trash.

Not sure what route I will take now but I would never attempt to use this one.
I will remove the motor and pump tomorrow and be on the lookout for a new tank. Tom