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Portable air compressor unloader line replacement

Joined
Oct 12, 2023
Messages
9
I’m sure a question of similar confusion has been asked before but I’m new to this site and still learning how to navigate threw and where things are so I figured I’d just try my luck and
Make my own thread asking my question directly. I own a harbor freight fortress 10 gallon ultra quiet compressor whose duty cycle is 135psi-175psi(the latter being max psi). I had to replace the pressure switch on it and during the process ended up reading several forums and articles of others recommending replacing the unloader line while you’re at it just to be sure everything is good. Basically I read they people say once you start moving it around and bending it this way or that way while doing the pressure switch typically they end up leaking if not right off eventually, so they just suggest replacing it while at it. Unfortunately this is all new to me or was all new to me as I had never owned my own legitimate compressor(now own the 26gallon fortress ultra quiet) I also have never replaced a pressure switch on one or knew what a unloader valve was or unloader tube. Also when buying a pressure switch I had no clue originally what was meant by 90deg unloader or when it said quick attach unloader or straight unloader(ultimately what I needed although plumbing the new line any would work). Obviously now i know what what all this is but I’m unsure the size and type of tubing I need to replace what’s no longer there for a unloader line. I know I’d like it back to being copper I need roughly 10in which is the distance from the unloader/check valve to the pressure switch. I know I need compression fittings and a flange tool which I have the tool. I’m unsure what size the copper tube needs to be and the fittings. For some reason I’m thinking 1/4 In but idk. Im trying to get the compressor which is practically new back to being brand new to sell to a friend who doesn’t have the funds to go out and buy brand new from the store. It’s actually my aunt who helps me out a lot is always there for me like a second mother. I just want it fixed and fixed right so I can gift it. I only say “sell” because I’m going to have no choice she will make me take something for it if not it pretty much is taken offensively which will lead to me still possessing the compressor. Any help would be greatly appreciated. I posted a picture of the model it is if it helps. I’ve contacted harbor they are absolutely no help I’ve looked online asked multiple forums and can’t seem to find anyone willing to answer a question I know most people are going to know. Thanks again for your time I seriously appreciate it.
Sincerely,
Allen
 

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OP
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Joined
Oct 12, 2023
Messages
9
unloader line is probably 1/4" OD . I've replaced many pressure switches & never had to worry about the line.
Yeah I believe it is that’s what I got when I measured the old end I found. I’m sure you don’t have to replace it swapping a pressure switch but you’re carful. I just read some people suggest you do but then again they also could have been talking about a different style compressor. I know a lot more know than I did 8 months ago. I’ve never owned a compressor of my own. Im just new to the figuring **** out and fixing it yourself way. Do you know what compression fittings I’ll need like the ferrield and type of brass/copper line/tubing I’ll need
 
OP
O
Joined
Oct 12, 2023
Messages
9
unloader line is probably 1/4" OD . I've replaced many pressure switches & never had to worry about the line.
Thank you for help I appreciate it and sorry for the beginner question. I just don’t want to waste money and get the wrong things is all like I did with the first two pressure switches I bought lol. Again this all happened months ago. I asked it in a question but I’m more or less hoping someone who knows way more about compressors than I did/do gives me the answer or ends up sending me a link of what to get. I emailed harbor but it was useless.Thank you again for your time it’s appreciated more than you realize,
Sincerely,
Al
 

mm08822

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Jan 13, 2012
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6,247
Location
NJ
First see if you can re-use the old fitting from the pressure switch. The tubing will retain the the nuts and ferrules so re-use the tubing.
You may need to tweak the bend(s) to make it reach point-point.

If the tubing can't reach, go to Orange or Blue big box and look for 1/4" tubing fittings and smallest length box of tubing.
 

Snapped-off

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Feb 22, 2012
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4,860
Location
Indiana
Hey thanks man I appreciate this. You think this line works better than copper?
"Better" is relative. If you can find it sold by the foot you can probably get the 2 fittings you need as well and be back up for a couple bucks.

Copper would be the overkill solution. It's just a HF compressor. Didn't it come with the nylon air line from the factory?
 
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OP
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Joined
Oct 12, 2023
Messages
9
"Better" is relative. If you can find it sold by the foot you can probably get the 2 fittings you need as well and be back up for a couple bucks.

Copper would be the overkill solution. It's just a HF compressor. Didn't it come with the nylon air line from the factory?
No it came with copper
 

redmondjp

Well-known member
Joined
Nov 25, 2014
Messages
2,318
Location
Redmond, WA
In some cases of heavy compressor use, the heat at the supply end of this tube can cause the plastic line to soften and come out of the fitting. For this reason I prefer to use the copper or aluminum tubing in this application, and like others have said, most of the time I can reuse the fittings - new copper crush sealing rings can be found at your local hardware store.
 
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