quick compressor question for the experts

[coby65]

My company was going to scrap a Curtis Challenge Air compressor because it stopped working suddenly! So they said if I wanted it to haul it off....GLADLY!

I am taking the motor down to an armature shop to get checked out but I was wondering with a pump of unknown condition what else should I replace besides oil, belts and filters on an older compressor.

I think it is a 1985ish E50 pump with a Baldor motor and 80 gal.

This is going to replace my 80 gal CH

 

[chrommagman]

Sounds like you are one lucky pup! But You may just want to replace the motor instead of paying up the *** just to find out that it is shot

 

[SGKent]

does it have a thermal overload button on the motor?

 

[bsaint]

It might have seized up.

 

[Kevin54]

I'd check to see if anything turns over by hand before tearing anything off of it. Like SGKent stated, it may just be a thermal overload button. An air compressor like that from 1985 with a Baldor motor....that is not really that old of a compressor. Heck, my dad and I painted cars with a compressor that came out of a Gulf Bulk station and that compressor was probably made in the 40's.

Check to see if everything rotates first before tearing it apart.

 

[coby65]

yep everything rotated by hand before I removed the motor. Could not find an overload button on the Baldor, first thing I check because I have had that happen with my CH.

Armature shop just has $45 diagnostic fee, so I will go that route first.

 

[RECox286]

Generally speaking the older the machine, the better built.

I would do what it takes to get the motor back to life, then

think about changing the valves in the compressor head.

It will probably be well worth your time to rehab this item.

My shop compressor came off the side of the road. The motor

bearings were seized, and the compressor valves were toast.

However, a bit of TLC on the motor, new valves and some

plumbing and new drive belts (all for under $100) got me a

very usable American Brake 40g compressor that works like

it was brand new. I'm sure that in the late 40's it must have cost

over $1000 even then. My other compressor is an old walk in box

unit that must have been of the same era, as it has a leather main

shaft seal. I would recommend you restore it, especially if you can

get the parts you need.

Uncle Bob

 

[Davefr]

yep everything rotated by hand before I removed the motor. Could not find an overload button on the Baldor, first thing I check because I have had that happen with my CH.

Armature shop just has $45 diagnostic fee, so I will go that route first.

Test (or replace) the start and/or run capacitors before you pay the diagnostic fee.

If a motor turns easily by hand you can generally rule out bearings and it's very rare that windings burn out.

Motors are actually pretty easy to fix.

 

[larry_g]

Is this a single or three phase motor? Makes a difference in troubleshooting and if you have the facilities to run it.

lg
no neat sig line

 

[RECox286]

If the motor needs 3 phase, your motor shop should be able to set you

up with a (cobbled) neat-o device that will run the motor on 220.

Uncle Bob

 

[GarageEnvy]

You might want to get the tank pressure tested before you spend a bunch of money elsewhere on it. I love old machinery and old compressors can be great but better to be safe than sorry.

 

[930dreamer]

Any pics of the compressor?

 

[coby65]

Armature shop found both capacitors and a switch in the motor were bad. They are going to replace and repair all for $250. Sounds like good seal to me.

 

[coby65]

I think I am going to clean her up a little this weekend and take some pictures.

 

[RECox286]

Holding my breath for the pics ! Don't make me turn blue...

Uncle Bob

 

[coby65]

Breath easy Uncle Bob. I have a busy couple of days but will get back on it this weekend.

Thanks for the advise!