Wayne Air Compressor unloader valve

[bran1har]

I just bought an older Wayne (I think its 80 gallon) air compressor. Durring transport the unloader valve on the front of the pump unit got busted . I looked all over online for one but couldn't find the same one. I'm kinda screwed here until I can find a solution. The current unloader valve is like a tee fitting and has the letter "R" stamped into it. One end looks like a schrader valve, the other goes to a copper line, which goes to the tank input and the other end of the tee screws into the front of the compressor pump unit. I have no clue how something that looks like a schrader valve makes any of this work. Anyone know the correct way to install it, im not even sure it was on right to begin with.
Also, I had an idea but really didn't know if it would work. I found a few on the internet that look to be similar accept they didn't have the built in tee fitting, just one end that screws into some thing. What if I took and attached that to a generic tee fitting. Would that work? Any suggestions. Again, I can't really use this nice air compressor until I can figure this problem out. I really love the compressor. When I tested it before I bought it, it was so quite and it ran nice and slow.

Here are some numbers off of the thing:

Compressor Pump: 6148-3V, MD-8718 and also AC4209

Motor Model: General Electric 5KC215A6201A

I put some pictures of the broken valve and of the whole compressor unit if that would help at all. Sorry, I had to reduce the quality of the images in order to be able to upload them.

I would really appreciate any advice.

 

[kams1973]

Here ya go

http://www.aircomparts-air-compressors.com/valves-control-unloader/

 

[bran1har]

I actually did come across this site. Since there were no pictures and there were three different choices I didn't know which one and I kept looking. And I sure hope it isn't the one that says "Fits Wayne" and cost $70! I'll give them a call later today. Do you know if it is the one that cost $70, is there any way I can buy a cheaper one and adapt it to work? I really don't want to spend that much money on a little brass fitting, I just cant do that.

Somewhere i heard that Wayne used Kellogg style compressors. I don't know if this is true. Would the unloader valve be the same. Because it says the one that fits Kellogg would only cost $9. Any suggestions?

 

[sselander]

It looks like a centrifugal unloader valve.
Take a look at these pics:

http://www.aircompressorpartsonline...rts-centrifugal-unloader-valves-c-25_395.html

 

[bran1har]

Thanks for the reply. They look like the same selection that was on the site the other fellow gave me. None of those are in a tee configuration like the one I have. Is there any way I can adapt on of those to work with my setup?

 

[kams1973]

I noticed it was different after I posted the link. Seems like you should be able to add a tee to the one listed, but at $80, it may be a gamble.

 

[bran1har]

I called up Wayne-Vaughn equipment and I got an answer and a solution from them. They said the part is obsolete and there is nowhere that I can get it. They said to replace the pressure switch with an electronic pressure switch with an unloader built in ($50) and plumb a copper line from the check valve to the pressure switch unloader valve. And then just plug up the hole on the crankcase for the centrifugal unloader. Makes sense to me.

And thanks for all of the help from anyone that replied to my tread, I really appreciate it.

 

[5mall5nail5]

That unit looks awfully rusty - are you concerned about it rupturing?

 

[sselander]

The older check valves do not have a hole in them for the tubing for the unloader valve.
You may want to get a newer one.

For me, my unloader valve tubing went to the the compressor head and I had to put a plug in the new check valve I received.

I ordered my check valve from here:
http://www.compressor-source.com/SearchResults.asp?Search=check+valve&Search.x=0&Search.y=0

This is from compressor-source:

"This style of check valve is usually screwed directly into the air tank, then the main line coming off the compressor pump is connected to it. This valve prevents back flow or tank pressure from getting back to the air compressor pump once the compressor is shut off. Also this valve has a 1/8" female npt port in the side which usually goes to a un-loader valve on your pressure switch or air compressor pump, to un-load the pressure off the pump once the compressor shuts off. (Note: If you do not have a unloader this port can be plugged.) For more information click on technical specs.

(Tip If your air compressor unloader valve continues to leak when the compressor shuts off the check valve is what needs to be replaced."

 

[benny42]

If all you need is that 1/4" flare TEE, go to any A/C supply house in you area for it. Johnstone, United Refrigeration, Baker Distributing are a few national chains. Good luck.

 

[bran1har]

You say that there is no hole in the check valve for the unloader on the older units? I have a hole on my check valve for an unloader. Am I looking at the right hole? Look at the first and second picture, see there is an empty hole where I have removed the existing tubing that went to the current broken unloader. Maybe im not seeing the same thing you're seeing?

As for the rust, no, I'm not concerned about it rupturing. Its just some surface rust on the outside and the inside was always drained on a regular basis.

And for the person who said just buy a new one and attach a tee fitting. I asked the guy on the phone at wayne- vaughn and he said something about it and it won't work. I forgot exactly what he said, but thanks for the suggestions.

I think I'm going to go along with buying an electronic form x pressure switch with an unloader, and I will post when I get that set up.

 

[bran1har]

Ok, I got the fix in case anyone else is wondering.

Parts you'll need: 1/4 NPT plug (i think), pressure switch w/ built in unloader. Get them on ebay here. About $20,free shipping, not bad.
And also roll of 1/4 copper line with compression fittings.

1. Take out the old unloader and plug the hole. I used a brass plug and a washer and put a bit or RTV around it in case any oil were to splash around in there.
2. Remove 1/4in copper unloader line from check valve and pres. switch. Remove the old pressure switch. Thread on new pressure switch.run the new copper line from the check valve to the new pressure switch. Wire the new pressure switch.
3. Done.

Now every time the compressor shuts off, a spring will push up on that little valve on the pressure switch and unload the compressor. Much better setup. Email or PM with any questions.

Pictures are in the attachment.

 

[LS6 Tommy]

I know you say you got it up & running again, but just an FYI, that tee you show is called a Schrader swivel tee. It's made by Robinair, hence the "R" on the casting. As previously mentioned, they're about $6.00 at any good HVAC supply house...

Tommy

 

[Anthony C]

Bran1hr

You did an awesome job on your Wayne Compressor. A fellow I work with has a Wayne compressor model 6148-V. I'm trying to help him locate basic parts for it. If you know where I may be able to find the valves for the head, and the main check valve. I told him all it needs is a check valve from the tank to keep the air pressure in the tank. Whats happening is, the check valve is no longer keeping the pressure in the tank, it keeps bleeding back into the compressor. I told him to go to a truck parts warehouse, and pick up a check valve. Put that in and he shouldn't have any more trouble.

By the way, the Mrs. and I will be making a trip to Connecticut. To Fairfield, CT. next month. You did a great job with your compressor!