What do you all think of this compressor

[ls1jay]

First of all I want to say Hi, this is my first post but have been directed to this
site via google many times and appreciate everybodys help.
Anyways I have a chance to buy an ingersoll rand Charge air pro 5hp 60 gallon air compressor off craigslist here locally. The seller received many emails and said i beat everybody out and had first dibs, but am not able to go look at it till sunday because they are heading out of town. Just wanting to know if everyone thinks this might be a good deal or not. Seller wants $250 and the model # is 1R5L6VA. I cant find any info on it such as year. So what do you guys think? Ill post a link to the ad.
http://wenatchee.craigslist.org/tls/3192960647.html
Thanks alot

 

[Davefr]

It looks identical to my IR T21 which used an aluminum pump. The pump is a ABP-446 which is a POS. The valves self destruct and most parts are unobtanium. You can still get the valve assembly for a mere $317 but the gaskets are not available and you'll need to make your own!!

http://www.mastertoolrepair.com/devilbiss-parts-abp-446-abp-446-pump-p-44156.html

I've had nothing but problems with mine. Apparently it was made by one of Devillbiss's suppliers in Italy and used in many other brands. (even Sears)

That's a decent price but unless it's a cast iron pump then run from the deal. Ask the seller to put a magnet on the pump. If it doesn't stick I'd just say no unless you're willing to budget in a replacement pump in the future.

I've also read that these low end IR compressors also had motors problems but I haven't experienced that.

 

[signcrafter]

Seems like an "average" compressor with the CFM listed. Won't be great for sandblasting but is decent for a home garage. If they have all the problems listed above and parts aren't available I would stay away.

 

[pipsters]

That isn't a true 5 hp more like a 3hp or less looking at the specs. A 5hp compressor paired with the correct pump will put out 15-20 CFM @ 90 psi not 11.

Having an aluminum pump with iron sleeves isn't bad per se (think of how car engines are made these days) but I would bet they used the same pump as the 120v units and just upped the RPM by two to get the output. That is what will wear out the pump.

I have a 120v Craftsman unit and the pump used on it is the same used on the 220v model that puts out twice as much air. Hmmmm....

Also those pumps looked to be the same as the ones in the Charge Air units as well as Coleman powermate units.

If that were a true 5hp motor on it and the tank was in good shape I would buy it and plan to replace the pump with another unit down the road. But since that is only a 3hp motor (most likely) I would skip it. You can get similar units new with factory warranty from HD and Lowes for around $450 after your 10% discount movers coupon.