value of IR t30

[gixxerfreak]

I'm trying to decide what to do with a compressor i got a great deal on. I have an IR T30 model number 242-5n compressor. The pump and tank are both in good shape. A bearing has gone bad in the motor and it makes a loud squealing noise when the motor runs. From what i understand to run this thing i would be looking at a 5hp motor with a magnetic starter. I was doing some shopping around and it looks like it will take some $$$ to get this compressor going. If the pump and tank would be worth enough to offset the cost of a smaller stand up 60 gallon compressor i might go that way but i'm not sure what it would be worth. Do any of you guys know what a fair price would even be for it? thanks!

 

[Unmarked Bill]

Hard to get rid of as a project. I think the 242 is really fantastic, been great for me. I also have a newer t30 that is probably adequate but I don't have as much faith in it.

I have no idea what your situation is but I'm pretty sure you're going to be best off replacing your electric motor and running the compressor you have. Motors are cheap and easy to find on the List, easy to swap out.

 

[RCStocker]

Before scrap prices went through the roof because of high demand motors were a dime a dozen. So many used ones were scrapped.

You have several options. There are many companies that rebuild motors. They can turn the shaft if need be and put in new bearings. 30 years ago motor rebuilding companies were everywhere. It is much cheaper than buying a new one. You can even have them re-wound.

Many tanks look great on the outside but you don't know how much has rusted on the inside and a replacement tank can cost $500 or more.

I would look for a used machinery dealer or look on line or Craigslist. You should be able to get a good motor for under $200. If you have 3 phase those motors sell very cheap.

Grainger and McMaster Carr are very expensive. For good customers you can get 30% or more off. I get a 30% discount. I do a lot of commercial construction work and they are handy. It saves me driving 65 miles one way into LA and taking the entire day up getting supplies. They are still not the cheapest.

A vertical 60 gallon 2 stage compressor made by IR will cost you about $1200 If the tank is good I would go with the motor. Just remember that tools cost. A motor is still less than a set of Snappies off of the truck. When you play with big boy toys you got to pay. If the bearings are out on the motor then I would say it has had hard use and the tank might be bad and blow anytime. The compressor head can be rebuilt. It is a tough call. I have bought and sold dozens of compressors. I never repair one unless I can get parts from one I am scrapping for parts. I can never make money buying parts to rebuild them. They are so cheap used. More expensive compressors are worth rebuilding.
You did not mention the age or where it came form. I have a IR 60 gallon 2 stage 175 psi in my garage at home. I have 2 80 gallon ones in my farm shops. I have been buying up used motors cheap for 30 years. I have dozens of them.

I would replace the motor with a used one. Yes, it cost money but that is the price you pay for air.

 

[gixxerfreak]

the motor on it is a 3 phase motor now but at home i don't have access to 3 phase power at home. what size motor would i be looking at for single phase to run this thing?

 

[b-body-bob]

5 hp is 5 hp no matter how many phases so you'd need a replacement 5hp single phase motor. You can find new Baldor and Leeson motors on e-bay at reasonable prices.

 

[C96]

The pump and tank are both in good shape. A bearing has gone bad in the motor and it makes a loud squealing noise when the motor runs.

Unless I’m missing something here, why not just replace the bearings?

It’s not that difficult to do, seems like a no-brainer

 

[gixxerfreak]

i got the compressor from my work which has 3 phase power but i don't have 3 phase at home where i'll be using the compressor

 

[C96]

i got the compressor from my work which has 3 phase power but i don't have 3 phase at home where i'll be using the compressor

Ok then, missed that. Go with what b-body-bob recommends. He has recently been through the compressor motor replacement possess and might even be able to help recommend a reputable e-bay seller.

 

[scw1991]

I recommend a 5HP 230v/1ph/60hz 1725 RPM, ODP, capacitor start, 184T frame motor manufactured either by Baldor or Leeson. Either can be had for less than $350 if you shop around.

Baldor model L1410 or L1430T

Leeson model 131537
http://www.ptjindustrial.com/Leeson_Electric_131537_p/131537.htm

Either motor will need a dedicated mag starter. Most economical is the Siemens 5HP starter model WS5-2301P for $100
http://www.ebay.com/itm/WS5-2301P-S...045?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2c775c2715

 

[Unmarked Bill]

If you can get a motor with the same diameter shaft as your 3phase motor and the same key, you can use your old pulley and save yourself a little grief. Like I said at the start, there's always motors on Craigslist.

Where are you located?

 

[scw1991]

Just to add to Bill's posting above, even if your 3ph motor had a different shaft size than a 184T frame motor, you can always purchase a QD style taper bushing (if your existing pulley has it) for less than $15.

Got any pics to post?

 

[gixxerfreak]

i'm pretty positive its a 184t motor. I gotta get all the parts together and snap a couple pics. the tank and pump were filthy from being in a shop for a long time with a serious lack of cleaning