Storing compressor outside, need some ideas/suggestions

[Com_VC]

Well today I fininally decided to put the compressor outside the garage as I got sick of it being in the way all the time. It's sitting under a tarp at the moment.

I'm thinking of making up a box to cover it up, it will have some grills on the sides for ventilation and possibly a fan if need be. I will also be putting in a small hindged door for maintainance and adjusting the regulator if need be. Would also like some sound deadening to keep the noise level down.

I fitting a auto drain valve to the bottom of it awhile back so don't need to worry about that.

Also one thing i'm not 100% sure about, should the compressor be installed level or should it have a slight lean towards the drain?

It's a horozontal tank based compressor not vertical.

Wouldn't mind seeing some pics of what you's have done for some ideas.

Thanks

 

[hetkind]

they do better if they have some weather cover, but remember, it needs air not only to compress, but to cool the compressor...so don't skimp on the ventilation. Mine is in an 6x10 mechanical room off the shop, sharing space with electrical panels.

 

[A29]

Built a box outside with sloped roof and small door. Put a return air type grill on one side . With that and all the air gaps should have plenty of ventalitation. Can't hardly hear it running in the shop and no sound deadner at all.

 

[dfndr]

I'm building one for my compressor. Since it sits against the outside garage wall under the eves I, going ot make it with just three sides and no enclosed back so I can slide it out to work on the compressor when needed. Rick

 

[R6 Racer]

Are there any problems with having a compressor outside like that (in a small shed type of thing) during the winter months?
My specific concern is exposing it to prolonged, well below freezing temps?
Maybe this is a dumb question I just don't know.

Steve

 

[Gary S]

Are there any problems with having a compressor outside like that (in a small shed type of thing) during the winter months?
My specific concern is exposing it to prolonged, well below freezing temps?
Maybe this is a dumb question I just don't know.

Steve

I wouldn't put it outside if the temps get very far below freezing. Any condensation the compressor creates will freeze in the tank and in the compressor itself when it shuts off. Also, your oil will condense moisture in it and fail to lubricate properly. If you get enough moisture in your lines and tank, a good freeze will split the metal and you get to buy a new compressor.

 

[Ram]

Lots of folks keep lawn mowers out in sheds 365 and some don't even ever change the oil in them much less use fuel stabilizer over the winter. I've seen old cars in a jy taken out and almost start right up with several year old oil in them. Sure it may have been 1/2 condensate by a couple years but over all the compressor should be fine in a shed. If really concerned, just add an outlet for a 60 Watt bulb. It will keep some heat in the shed as well as dry out some of the moisture. I'd be more concerned with hornets nesting then anything else. I really H8 those buggers.

 

[trbomax]

I had one of mine outside ,in a 3 sided shed when we were in ohio. Actually it was 2 sides,the back wall was the outside wall of the shop.But anyway,it was a 5hp quincy.I had a lot of issues. First of all,the drain would freeze,so I couldnt drain it 2-3 months in winter. By feb,the 1" pipe line comming off the end of the 60gal tank would be iced up inside and restrict the air delivery.I fixed that with a heat tape that I wrapped it with,then took it down to the bottom and wrapped it around the drain ball valve . Then there was the issue of shoveling snow to get to it TO drain it.It started pretty slow at 10 above,and the second year puked a motor. So after a new motor ,I put an oil heater on it too,no more slow starts.All in all,I'd rather just listen to it inside than be messing with it outside in the winter,so the next year it was moved back inside.Just my 02

 

[Eddieb794]

I have mine outside next to my house. It is on a pad I poured. It is inclosed and I have vents for cooling. i have had no issues with it. I drain the tank every month and change oil every year. I have seen no signs of misture in the oil.