Proper oil level for old compressor

[LeeG]

I have my Dad's old Cambell-Hausfeld air compressor he bought back in the early 70's. It has had very light use over it lifetime and still is in great shape. I drained the oil but I don't see any sight glass or anything to indicate how much oil I need to put in it. I inspected the tank with a bore scope and it doesn't show any signs of rusting, so he must have taken good care of it.

It is a model FL-3206, so any information anyone has would be appreciated.

Thanks
Lee

 

[gdocktor3]

I think you add oil until you see it in the fill hole. You just want to see it appear in the hole. That's how my older Craftsman is. Alternatively you add the same amount of new oil that you drained out of it.

 

[Richard Cranium]

My old craftsman said to fill until the oil reaches the bottom of the fill tube. Other than that I wouldn't know.

 

[shockwave]

Usually a white circle with red dot in center proper level with line up with red dot

 

[LeeG]

Thanks guys. I just did a bit if a refurbish on the unit. I replaced the power cord and changed out the oil.

Draining it was always a pain due to where the plug is and where I had it stored, so I was not as diligent about draining it as I should have been. This fix should help.

I brought the drain valve out to the front of the compressor and put a quarter turn valve on it. I added some clear tubing to make it easier to drain into a bucket and stuck it back in its spot in the shop.

Next project is to put some black iron pipe in with the filters I picked up this week so I can have clean air for my soon-to-be-purchased plasma cutter.

 

[gdocktor3]

I did same thing on my compressor for drain.

 

[Roberts210]

That's a great drain idea. I'm stealing that pronto!

 

[Cruzan80]

Cant tell from the picture angle, but did you put a gradual drop so no water stays in the line?

 

[dutchgray]

Cant tell from the picture angle, but did you put a gradual drop so no water stays in the line?

I don't think it would really matter, the air will blow the water out and I'm willing to bet whatever you do a few drops will remain.

 

[gdocktor3]

I did mine like this, but left it tucked under a few inches so I don't hit it with anything. Since everything is brass, I'm not concerned with the little bit of water that may sit in the pipe. I leave the valve open until next use.