Undrained compressor...would you buy?

[bmwpower]

The scenario:
IR Compressor is 5 years old. Hardly used and is in excellent condition. The compressor was never drained of condensate. Price is about half what it is to buy new today.

The question:
Would you buy it?

 

[Uncle Buck]

Thats easy, bring up the pressure, crack the drain and see how much comes out! I would probably want to peck around on the bottom and check for weak spots. If I found none, I would take a chance. You did say half of new? Yup, I would take that chance.

 

[bmwpower]

Thats easy, bring up the pressure, crack the drain and see how much comes out! I would probably want to peck around on the bottom and check for weak spots. If I found none, I would take a chance. You did say half of new? Yup, I would take that chance.

Yea, the only problem is, now that I asked him about draining it, the owner may have done that by the time I get there to check it out. But, I guess unless he wants to move the compressor and/or catch the condensate in a pan, I would still see signs that he drained it before I got there.

BTW, the compressor looks brand new. I've never seen an old one look this good.

 

[Uncle Buck]

If you can hear it run, crank up the pressure and close the valve at the tank, bring the pressure up to the max the regulator will allow. Once the limit switch shuts off, make sure the tank will hold the pressure for 15-30 minutes, (prolly overkill) as long as the tank will hold the pressure I would take a chance on it if it is as good a deal as you say. Keep in mind, you could always replace the tank down the road if need be. Like as not, there is no real problem with the tank.

 

[kartracer55]

ACCESS PORTS!! You know, those big plugs on the side.

Worst comes to worst you can buy a new tank from grainger.

Jim

 

[jerryW]

If you can pull the big plug form the tank. Use a light and a mirror to inspect the inside of the tank. When those tanks explode they do make one hell of a mess.


jerry

 

[motorheadjohn]

As Kart and JerryW have said, remove the port/plug/adapter. You'll probably need a pipe wrench. Then check out the inside with a flashlight. Surface rust on the inside is no biggie. When I drain mine, the water has a rusty tint to it. Major rust scale could be a long-term problem. Maybe also remove the drain petcock and see what kind of hard crud has accumulated.

 

[bmwpower]

Dang it. They outbid me. Oh well, take a look at how clean it was. Hopefully someone will get some good use out of it.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=7607490860

 

[automotive stud]

Well it's over now, but I'd have gone for it. My dad worked at a dealer where there were 3 main compressors, probably at least 30 years old at the time. He told me one day he heard the one keep running. It had blown out at the bottom. They shut it off, patched and welded it up, and it was fine until they were eventually replaced with more economical newer ones a few years later.

 

[l_bilyk]

I wouldn't worry THAT much
My air tools guy never drains his... it's hard to reach and he is far too lazy