Tuning up 33 Gallon Craftsman Air Compressor

[Ihateclevernames]

Gents, looking over the air compressor I felt that it was about time to do a little cleaning on it and give it a good once over.

Drained all of the air out at the top and then opened the drain **** on the bottom and found a lot more moisture than I was comfortable with. Some looked rust colored, but didn't notice any metal in the small puddle of water.

The drain **** was also somewhat damaged upon removal, so i figured now was the time that I need to do some upgrades for managing the water, like some sort of catch on the bottom of the compressor or at least making it easier to drain with a ball drain valve so I can drain it partially and remove moisture that has settled.

Not to mention, preventing any further damage to the tank. Is there anything that i should put in the tank that will help sop the spread of rust? Or am I just going to have to keep an eye on it?

The compressor itself is only about 6 years old and it wasn't drained all that much. However I did drain it several times a year whenever leaving town.

Since the drain screw on the bottom appears to be damaged, are replacements pretty much universal for compressors? I have no idea where the piece is as my shop is still under construction.

Thanks in advance!

 

[bowlofturtle]

I have a 26gal c-man and same issue. I did my yearly drain and well it was more rust water then i really wanted. Mines about 8 years old.

They are kinda universal. I posted up on here when i needed to replace mines, I opened to drain on day and it never properly sealed due to rust. People here made their own drain which was cool, HF has an auto drain system.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/190755257332?_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT

I bought this and drain it without having to reach down where the spiders live. LOVE IT for the price.

 

[Ihateclevernames]

Ordered.

Thanks for the heads up on that!

Anyone have any other tips on general maintenance on newer compressors?

 

[WhiskeyTangoFox]

On the drain I always install a 1/4" npt street 90 then a 6-8" 1/4" pipe ****** to a quarter turn ball valve on my compressors. I can then use another piece of pipe with a hose slipped over it and drain it into a bucket.

Also on new compressors I'll do the same thing with the oil drain plug. I'll pipe it out to a ball valve before adding oil if the compressor is shipped dry. Makes future oil changes easier and less of a mess.

 

[dogdog]

I just used a 1/4 ball valve + a 90 deg street elbow + a hose barb to redirect the water into a bucket or somewhere else that I wanted, they sell at HF or Homedepot. It's also a 33 gallon I got 10+ yrs ago the red one.