Older Sears Air Compressor Restoration

[bower4311]

I picked up this air compressor for $60 a year or so ago. I originally bought it to spray finishes for woodworking. I've used it a little since I bought it. A little nailing and some other basic stuff. I've read that these compressors are pretty accurate with their CFM specs and they didn't tend to embellish their numbers at all like everyone did with HP. It's a 220v 10.5a general electric motor.

I've yet to do any maintenance besides draining the tank. When I first got the compressor there was some water in it, nothing crazy, but there was also some oil and sludge in the bottom (just a little). Not I don't get much besides a little water.

I know very little about air compressors but I'd like to invest in this one if it's worth it. I need to change the oil and I'd like to test the tank by filling it with water and renting a hand pressure tester. I read something on here about someone having an issue with their switch not shutting off after a certain pressure like they should. Is that a potential replacement item? Also I read the blow off valve is security for over pressurising the tank, should I replace that as well?

I realize this is a 80s air compressor and it won't last forever. I'm 25 years old so I know it won't last my lifetime. But if it's a good compressor I'd like to take advantage of it and use it as long as possible. I just don't want to risk the chance of a failure that could result in injury.

I see that the flywheel was welded, not sure if that's something I could replace. I have a plastic cover for everything that I took off for the photos. Not sure if that poses any risks.

I'd appreciate any insight, thanks!

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Edit: also since I'm planning on spraying finishes, does it make sense to clean the tank out? Does anyone ever do that? Open the plugs on either end and flush it out good with soapy water? Also can I pull those plugs off to look inside the tank for rust?

 

[johnyg]

i have the 3 hp version and still runs great.got it new and painted cars with it. i also have the older cast iron pump unit i got free. capacitor,head gasket and regulator manifold made from brass ftgs. runs great and the price was rite. this was when they really made stuff and will outlast the stuff they make today. good luck with yours.

 

[theoldwizard1]

I have that exact same compressor ! Works great !!

Forget trying to pressure test it. Too many openings to try an block off. I know there is that big pipe plug on the end. IF you can get it off (and that is a big IF) you can buy a cheap USB bore scope with light to check the inside of the tank. And rust /debris will be on the bottom.

Personally, I would not worry about it. Just take a hammer and tap along the bottom to see if you get a consistent sound.

If you are going to spray paint you need to plumb in an inline filter/water separator.

If you can find a flywheel, I would replace it. Then it might last your lifetime. Mine has !

 

[bower4311]

I have that exact same compressor ! Works great !!

Forget trying to pressure test it. Too many openings to try an block off. I know there is that big pipe plug on the end. IF you can get it off (and that is a big IF) you can buy a cheap USB bore scope with light to check the inside of the tank. And rust /debris will be on the bottom.

Personally, I would not worry about it. Just take a hammer and tap along the bottom to see if you get a consistent sound.

If you are going to spray paint you need to plumb in an inline filter/water separator.

If you can find a flywheel, I would replace it. Then it might last your lifetime. Mine has !

Yeah I drained the water today which had accumulated from the last few times I used the compressor. It was as clean as drinking water so that has to be a good sign. A little oil seen in the water but a drop would cause that and it didn't seem to be of an oily consistency.

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[redmondjp]

I wouldn't worry about the tank. If it does fail, it will likely be tiny pinholes on the bottom. At that point, you know it's time for a different tank. My grandfather had this exact same compressor and my dad still has one in his garage.

 

[bonneyman]

Dang, all these glowing reviews has made this compressor the one for me to be on the lookout for!

 

[redmondjp]

Dang, all these glowing reviews has made this compressor the one for me to be on the lookout for!

There's nothing special about them and they don't flow very much. For me, it's more nostalgia than anything as to why I like them. My grandfather purchased one of these brand new when I was little and used it to paint his garage.

For basic low-duty-cycle use, it's a fine unit, and they aren't very loud either.

 

[bonneyman]

There's nothing special about them and they don't flow very much. For me, it's more nostalgia than anything as to why I like them. My grandfather purchased one of these brand new when I was little and used it to paint his garage.

For basic low-duty-cycle use, it's a fine unit, and they aren't very loud either.

I'd just like something reliable to keep the car tires full and occasionally blow out electric motors and other equipment. And that won't break the bank. I don't have any air tools at the house.

 

[EOC_Jason]

It's your typical Sanborn pump on there. You might want to get a new felt filter on the intake, you can get them on eBay pretty cheap IIRC that's where I got some once.

I've never seen a flywheel break like that, crazy... Maybe keep an eye out on CL for a cheap or dead pump that you could salvage...

Be sure to use air compressor oil (aka non-detergent). If you want to just fill it once and not worry about it for years and years get a synthetic or synthetic blend compressor oil.

I would tap the bottom with a hammer to check the tank. I wouldn't try to remove the plugs on the side, usually the combination of whatever sealant they used + rusting shut makes it more trouble than its worth.

Anything in the bottom of the tank is going to stay there, it's not going to magically fly up and into your air line (well, very small particles maybe). You do need a filter on the end though near whatever tool / sprayer you are using. But you would need that regardless of flushing the tank or not.

When you remove the felt filter, take a flashlight and peer inside to make sure its all clean in there.

Here's a PDF spec sheet for ya: https://www.mastertoolrepair.com/images/Sanborn 500B Portable Specs.pdf

 

[theoldwizard1]

Dang, all these glowing reviews has made this compressor the one for me to be on the lookout for!

They came in 1hp, 2hp and 3hp, 12, 20 and 30 gallon tanks. The early ones were painted green and did NOT have the regulator built into a center "console". The later ones were paints more of a deep copper color. (I sold these at Sears "back in the day".)

I was at an auction about 2 years ago and what looked like a brand new green 1 hp sold for $125. Still a decent price.

 

[theoldwizard1]

I've never seen a flywheel break like that, crazy...

It got knocked over once. Not the prettiest weld, but it is holding !

 

[bower4311]

It's your typical Sanborn pump on there. You might want to get a new felt filter on the intake, you can get them on eBay pretty cheap IIRC that's where I got some once.

I've never seen a flywheel break like that, crazy... Maybe keep an eye out on CL for a cheap or dead pump that you could salvage...

Be sure to use air compressor oil (aka non-detergent). If you want to just fill it once and not worry about it for years and years get a synthetic or synthetic blend compressor oil.

I would tap the bottom with a hammer to check the tank. I wouldn't try to remove the plugs on the side, usually the combination of whatever sealant they used + rusting shut makes it more trouble than its worth.

Anything in the bottom of the tank is going to stay there, it's not going to magically fly up and into your air line (well, very small particles maybe). You do need a filter on the end though near whatever tool / sprayer you are using. But you would need that regardless of flushing the tank or not.

When you remove the felt filter, take a flashlight and peer inside to make sure its all clean in there.

Here's a PDF spec sheet for ya: https://www.mastertoolrepair.com/images/Sanborn 500B Portable Specs.pdf

Awesome thanks for the info. Of course the flywheel damage could have been the result of an accident outside of normal use. Who knows.

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[The Cobbler]

I might have a pulley if you're interested . PM me if so. I'm going thru a bunch of treasures and trying to clear out some stuff .