Vintage Kelvinator Air Compressor

[DJF123]

Just wondering if someone can shed some light on an old compressor that I was given many years ago. It has been stored in the back of the garage for many years. A project I was hoping top one day restore. The compressor is a Kelvinator model and is stamped ...for what I can make out E1 122695 on one side and the cylinder housing is stamped -4 5237-P. The electric motor attached is made by Wagner Electric Type RA, Frame 63. 1/2hp Model # Y30BF3351N. The compressor is a pulley type and is complete with cast iron frame. Missing is the original air tank (probably rotted out). The compressor works very well after all these years. I tried to search online but searches didn't reveal anything. If someone can shed some info on this, It would be appreciated. Thank you.

 

[Zeke]

Isn't that a refrigeration compressor? Never had a tank if it is. You will need some parts to convert it.

 

[Bondo]

Ayuh,.... Post some pictures of it,....

 

[Charles (in GA)]

I have one made into a refrigeration vacuum pump. It was a refrigeration compressor to start with, mine was a Sulfur Dioxide compressor from an old drink box. Don't think they ever made any air compressors.

Charles

 

[DJF123]

Thanks for responding guys, I just uploaded a couple of photos. I have scoured the internet and cannot find anything relating to air compressors made by this company. I know they made fridges/freezers etc. It definitely looks like the base for an air compressor. Just wondering if anyone knows about these. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks

 

[redmondjp]

As was stated above, this appears to be a refrigeration compressor for a commercial refrigerator or freezer. It probably flows less than 2cfm. Essentially useless as an air compressor unless you 1) add a tank, and 2) only want to fill up a tire or use a blow gun occasionally. It's too small to run most air tools.

Here's a thread on another forum with a similar unit:

http://www.smokstak.com/forum/showthread.php?t=82016

 

[DJF123]

Thanks for responding. Makes sense now as to why I was only able to find info on refrigeration etc. The link was interesting and the pics similar. Thanks again.

 

[LS6 Tommy]

Definitely a reefer unit. Air compressors would never have a service valve on the discharge port. Nice vintage unit!

Tommy

 

[DJF123]

Thanks. Now the dilemma, what to do with it? Already have a great air compressor. Do I fix it up? Or part with it to someone who has time to do it. I'd hate to see it forgotten about again and pushed to back of garage. I love to see antiques restored to working condition and used for what they were intended for. So many restoration projects on the go. Thoughts? Is there any market for something like this?

 

[Zeke]

Why not restore it? You're the one with the interest. I'll bet it's very quiet. Would be nice for a conversation piece and light duty work. Or get the rest of the set and build a beer cooler with that on top.

 

[DJF123]

I like the idea of the beer cooler...brilliant. Thats a really good idea. She is a very quiet compressor. Now I just have to figure out how to get the rest of the parts. Love it!

 

[G_P]

Dont forget to add some oil to the oil cups on the motor. Some SAE 30 non detergent should work for a motor that old.

 

[DJF123]

Thanks G_P will do