Starting a compressor that's been sitting idle

[SprintCC]

Finally getting a house with a garage & 220v! I had one 13 years ago, moved, never got 220 back until now (or soon).

My compressor has been sitting since 2004, it's a Craftsman 60 Gal. upright oil-free model 919.165600 (or very close). Looks very similar to/same as:

Before I fire it up, is there anything I should check out/worry about (rust inside the tank, dried out seals, etc)?

Thanks!

Chris

 

[toplessHO]

sorry to wish you ill but its probably best to blow up
I hate those weedeater powered air compressors
get some marvel mystery oil and put it in the air intake
turn over by hand and let it soak a few days then turn over
again by hand until its cleared out

 

[469 runner]

Nothing to worry about. Just run it. Get earplugs.

 

[Farmall450]

Nothing to worry about. Just run it. Get earplugs.

Drain the water once it's pressurized.

 

[Citation]

sorry to wish you ill but its probably best to blow up
I hate those weedeater powered air compressors
get some marvel mystery oil and put it in the air intake
turn over by hand and let it soak a few days then turn over
again by hand until its cleared out

Do not add oil! This compressor is designed to operate dry. It's quite likely the unit will fire right up. If not, the cylinders and pistons can be replaced for a reasonable price.

 

[Mr_B]

If it been sitting that long I would be inclined fire a little light oil in it and turn over by hand then run it with drain open for minute and review all seems well .
If don't turn over or feels tight then partially stripping for inspection/cleaning may be way go .

 

[brianh]

Just turn it on, do not put oil in it it is an oil free unit the piston ring is plastic.

 

[jayoldschool]

Buy a new oiled pump. lol...

Just plug it in and start it up.

 

[469 runner]

I saw one of these apart one time. Unbelievable how it is put together. As mentioned a plastic ring to seal the piston. No wrist pin, the piston actually rocks in the bore at TDC and BDC. No bearing inserts on the crank... They do work OK for light work where they are not running for long periods. But do run wide open to make pressure.

 

[Infinia]

Double check the air filter DO NOT add any lubes. Just run it and watch it close at least filling the 1st tankful.
As mentioned observe the manuals spec'd duty cycle limits. Usually 50% or 30 minutes max runtime for every hour.

 

[rsanter]

Those are stupid simple, plug it in and let it go

Bob

 

[gungatim]

yeah, no oil. bearing is sealed (just an eccentric rod clamped to the motor output shaft), and the piston ring is Teflon coated nylon. put oil in it and you'll wreck it.

I'm in the get rid of it and get a real compressor camp. they are loud, vibrate, limited life, poor CFM, etc.

the "professional" label is a complete joke.

 

[Infinia]

I'm in the get rid of it and get a real compressor camp. they are loud, vibrate, limited life, poor CFM, etc.

the "professional" label is a complete joke.

sheesh
I failed to see where the OP was asking for opinioned judgement on his choice of tools. You don't have a clue what the OP air usage or needs are, It might be perfect or even overkill for his garage.
BTW last time I checked, all compressors are loud, and have a finite lifetime. CFM performance is not necessarily poor for a direct drive oil less, actually some are quite good, that's one reason why they vibrate and are louder. Lifetime can be really good, take care to drain the thing and observe duty cycle limits. Plus knowing the pump can be fully replaced to brand new performance with a simple low cost kit. P.S. Most folks know a "professional" user would NOT be shopping at Sears to be taken in by the advertising label on a large tank, so they dont need your "help" after the fact.

 

[toplessHO]

sorry for misinfo I find it hard to believe that the cylinder wont have any surface rust after sitting that long

 

[Citation]

sorry for misinfo I find it hard to believe that the cylinder wont have any surface rust after sitting that long

The cylinders may be aluminum in that compressor.

 

[gungatim]

The cylinders may be aluminum in that compressor.

and they are coated. I have rebuilt several of them.


OP, sorry if I came off harsh. you asked what to do, nothing more and I did go off a bit with my opinion...

It will compress air, and is easy to rebuild when you need to. I've had a couple like that (pancake and hot dog) and they did what I needed when I had them.

plug it in and go just ignore my oil less compressor hate!