Sears 5HP 30gal Compressor Find

[nafterclifen]

Looking for some feedback on an air compressor that I found for sale. Seller is willing to sell it for $150. Haven't been able to find any info about it other than the fact that most parts are obsolete, which is concerning. I plan to go see it, listen to it run, check for leaks and then drain the tank to see what comes out. Anything else I should be looking for? Or just stay away?

Sears 5HP 30 Gallon horizontal
Model 919.170250
125psi MAX
11.3 SCFM @ 40 psi
9.3 SCFM @ 90 psi
Century 3450rpm, 240v 15a motor

 

[mike93lx]

That's a lot of power usage for not a lot of output

 

[tarbellb]

Likely a big pass for me, whats the vintage on it? They've been relabeling a bunch of **** brands since the 90s.

5hp I have to assume it oiled, but if not.... run far and fast.

 

[Infinia]

I'd never buy a anything lower than 140 psi max for impact tools. For painting id never buy a homeowner grade unit E.g. low duty cycle. Otherwise you got a (needlessly?) over rated tire filling machine.

 

[bsaint]

I know a guy who just blew one up.

 

[deberly12]

I think that is basically the Craftsman non professional version of my Craftsman pro. I got mine for $30. Mine is oil-less I believe. It works... especially for $30. It is really loud never comes close to the 150 psi max lol....it shuts off at 120. It also does not have a regulator so plan on adding one if you need it. I mostly use it for inflation and some other impact type use so it just runs at full pressure.

Sent from my XT1635-01 using Tapatalk

 

[The Cobbler]

IMO, that's a bit steep for an older compressor. keep in mind ( as you said) most parts are obsolete.
I think you should be able to do better , even if you have to add a bit to the budget

 

[danscobra6]

I used that exact compressor in my shop for 22 years. I retired it when the tank developed a small leak. The pump and motor are still fine. I painted a few race cars and ran every possible air tool with zero problems. I tried CL to find the same unit with no luck. I would buy it for that price in a heartbeat.

 

[johnnyradiant]

I had one a lifetime ago. It was no great shakes but it did do its thing reliably. If parts are obsolete I'd be concerned about its age vis-a-vis the tank stability.

 

[bsaint]

A lot of the parts are no longer available like pistons and rings.

 

[nafterclifen]

Added a pic. I estimate this unit was made in either the 70's or 80's.

 

[ducksface]

I wouldn't be too worried about obsolete parts on a 150 buck compressor. Use it until you can't find a part, salvage the tank as a fill tank and **** can the head. Then Buy new compressor if you still need one.

 

[bsaint]

Yea but who wants to deal with down time? Id rather just buy something that will last.

 

[theoldwizard1]

Likely a big pass for me, whats the vintage on it? They've been relabeling a bunch of **** brands since the 90s.

It is from the 70s. Either Campbell Hausfeld or DeVilbiss. They are VERY GOOD units as long as the previous owner kept oil in it and drain the water out of the tank.

5hp I have to assume it oiled, but if not.... run far and fast.

OP - unless the previous owner swap the motor, it is a 3HP. I have the little brother 2HP. Still runs strong.

I seen ones in better shape go for less money.

 

[Citation]

That's a Sanborn pump. I suspect later 80s only because I've been looking to inhereit (but probably will never have the space for) an earlier green Sears that is otherwise similar save for a CH pump. It seems to me this thing is basically about the same flow rate as the typical big box, 3hp, 60 gallon. No doubt the 5hp is inflated. If all is in good shape $150 would be good value. However, at this age the tank could be bad as could the pump.

 

[bczygan]

$50-75.

 

[Cope]

I have a similar Craftsman with the identical pump. The regulator broke and was NLA, but I went to Home Depot and rigged up a replacement. It is my spare compressor, and lives in my shed. Ive had it for several years, and didn't pay anywhere near $150 for it, but it is a nice unit and I have used an HVLP gun with it several times.

 

[American Locomotive]

I see compressors like that go for $50-100 on Craigslist very often. That's an old compressor with a cheap aluminum pump. I'd probably be at $100 max for it.

 

[Kenskip1]

For what the asking price is you could go to Harbor Freight and get something new.Ken

 

[nh_yota]

It was probably made by DeVilbiss - you should be able to tell based on the name stamped on the tank plate (not the decal). I have a DeVilbiss ProAir from 1989 that I picked up for $40 a few years ago. It's the same model sold by Sears with the Craftsman name on it. It works fine but the tank is questionable so I don't use it often.

 

[Citation]

Guys please note this is basically one of the current "3hp" 60 gallon compressors with a 30 gallon tank. It should basically have the same cfm as one of those compressors. The pump is about 2x what a 120 volt compressor could provide. You have to speed $400+ to get a new compressor with similar cfm.

That's not to say the hardware is in good shape. In my area this would be a decent deal if the parts are in good shape.