US General Replacement Pump

[VTwin Farriers]

After 8 years, the pump on my US General 560V from Harbor Freight has crapped out.

I googled around and it seems this pump is a T29S / B4900. The cheapest I've been able to find it for is about $500, which seems pretty excessive for a repair cost, given I paid a couple hundred more for the entire compressor originally.

Considering a whole new compressor from HF would run me a few hundred more (and it appears their current Central Pneumatic 5HP model @ $850 uses the same pump I currently have on my US General), I would likely just go in that direction and plumb the tanks in series.

However, I'd like to save myself $800 if I can.

I see HF sells two replacement pumps, a 3HP pump which "looks" like the one I have on my compressor (e.g. looks like a single cylinder head) and another 5HP unit which looks like a vtwin engine. I assume I cannot use the 3HP w/o changing my motor as well, or changing the pulley and belt, and I am not sure if the 5HP would even fit, given its size.

I'm curious if anyone who owns this compressor has had the pump fail and what do you replace it with.

Thanks,
Vinny

 

[Crabman]

Vinny,

I don't know about the pumps, but:

Not sure how quick you need a fix, but HF does their 15% off anything coupons occasionally (not sure how often), which would bring the new one down to $725 plus tax.

Good liuck with your fix.

Bruce

 

[Davefr]

The T29S / B4900 is a pretty popular pump with a good reputation. I'd find out what failed and consider a rebuild kit.

 

[VTwin Farriers]

I haven't had time to pull the pump off yet, but it feels like I may have a blown gasket (I can feel high-pressure air near the flywheel when the pump is running.)

 

[Davefr]

I haven't had time to pull the pump off yet, but it feels like I may have a blown gasket (I can feel high-pressure air near the flywheel when the pump is running.)

A head gasket kit is around $100. (or around $200+ with valve body)

I'd certainly attempt a rebuild it if it's just a top end problem. Approx. how much use has the unit had?

If you change it out with a Chinese HF pump you'll have to modify mounting, plumbing, possible pulley/speed, belt guard, etc. Changing to a different non OEM pump can be a royal PIA and money pit.

 

[VTwin Farriers]

Its in my home garage, so light usage.

I'll try to pull the pump off on Sunday (booked solid until then) and see if I can see anything apparent then

 

[bastage]

I had the same pump on my Air America.. Recently sold that & put together a Champion R15a compressor & it made me realize how much I hated the old one. The noise it creates was crazy compared to a solid slow RPM pump.

I will say that the T29s I had was 24 years old & running strong. The champion I replaced it with is 41 years old & I couldn't be happier with the upgrade.

If it was me you have a solid reason to upgrade to a higher quality us made compressor. Assuming your tank is still good that should make it really easy for you to find something old & move the Pump & maybe motor over to have something that would cost thousands new to match for a fairly low cost.

 

[redmondjp]

This website sells parts for that ABAC/American IMC pump (which is made in Italy):

http://www.i90enter.com/