Share F88 Filter Regulator Question

[Pontiac787]

Hi all,

I acquired a US made Sharpe F88 Filter/Regulator with a compressor I recently bought. The unit has a yellow powder coming out of the outlet. When I pulled it apart it seems that the filter element is made of a yellow substance that is now coming apart and covering everything. Is the filter element made of desiccant material? I'm thinking the unit needs a good clearing and a new filter element. I need to pick up a replacement gauge while I'm at it so I'll be into it for about $50. Are these decent units worth spending some money on?

Thanks!

 

[The Cobbler]

manual here shows the filter as a replacement part http://www.sharpe1.com/sharpe/sharpe.nsf/Files/RN3ARN3B/$file/310603E.pdf?OpenElement

 

[Pontiac787]

Thanks. Yes, I know I can buy the filter. I'm more curious if the element is meant to self destruct or if there was something else going on causing the yellow powder.

 

[plinker]

Hard to say about the filter element, they will deteriorate with age and use, not sure to what extent. I had picked up a used F88 somewhere and replaced the element and "reconditioned" it (no regulator with it). No issues since then that I'm aware of (about 7-8 years or so). I would venture there is a service life on the filter elements, not sure what it is, but should be a long time with a home shop. May be worth an email to Sharpe.

I had also picked up another larger filter from the local junkyard (Parker coalescing unit) and the element in that was crumbly (lot of goo & gunk in the housing) Found a new one on ebay. Came from an industrial setting from the look/size of it, 3/4"npt inlet/outlet.