What to do....compressor swap question

[fred d]

I currently have a 60 gallon compressor that belong to my father. It is over 50 years old. I had to replace the tank approximately 15 years ago. My father replace the electric motor approximately 40 years ago. It is a 5hp 220v motor.

A couple of years ago when I got a 80gal IR compressor in a storage unit I bought. I have no idea what (if anything) is wrong with. It looks brand new. I have not tried to fire it up, or checked it out at all because I have a good compressor.

I was going to use the IR tank on the set up that I currently have. 5hp motor that my father bought 40 years ago is probably twice the size of the 5hp that came on the IR unit.

A couple of weeks ago I unbolted the compressor and motor from the IR tank and unbolted the compressor and motor from my current setup. When I bolted them on the IR tank the pressure control switch was in the way of where the belt runs so I could not use it that way, so I just re-assembled both units.

There really is nothing wrong with my current setup, I just would like to have the newer tank and the larger capacity


The way I see it I have two options.
Sell IR unit and probably make a couple hundred bucks.
Or cut the mounting plate off the IR tank, rotate it 180 degrees and re-weld it.
I would not be welding on the tank, just on the mounting plate.

When I replaced the tank15 years ago, I paid more for the used tank than the whole IR unit

Thoughts? Suggestions?

 

[Zrexxer]

Newer motor, newer pump, newer tank. Hook the Ingersoll up and run it, and get rid of your old one.

 

[nine4gmc]

Run the IR and keep the old one as backup.

 

[72Anthony]

I would spend a little time troubleshooting the new compressor, then figure out what to do.

 

[fred d]

I would spend a little time troubleshooting the new compressor, then figure out what to do.

In google searching model number I found some folks had issues with pump, some with motor.
The problem with the pump seemed to be that it didn't have big enough cooling fins and would overheat
The motor would sometimes be the issue, some folks said out of alignment with pump pulley and bearing would go out

Either way
I know mine is time tested, and will probably be around long after the IR is in scrap heap.

Just need to figure out what way I'm going to go with it

 

[joe_padavano]

You can't just plumb the pressure switch to a different location with some pipe fittings? I just built a franken-compressor from unrelated tank, motor, and pump that I had. It did take a couple of trips to the hardware store to get all the right pipe fittings, but it works great. There is nothing magic about the pressure switch location. For that matter, there's nothing magic about the mounting plate on the tank, either. Just drill new holes in it. I had to do that for my pump.

 

[larry_g]

You can't just plumb the pressure switch to a different location with some pipe fittings? I just built a franken-compressor from unrelated tank, motor, and pump that I had. It did take a couple of trips to the hardware store to get all the right pipe fittings, but it works great. There is nothing magic about the pressure switch location. For that matter, there's nothing magic about the mounting plate on the tank, either. Just drill new holes in it. I had to do that for my pump.

X2 here, move the pressure switch. Maybe a 45* or 90* fitting or if you have to a pipe 'tween the tank and PS. As long as the PS sees the tank pressure it is good to go.

lg
no neat sig line

 

[fred d]

DUH
Guess I hadn't thought about changing the direction of the switch mounting.

Will take a look at that this weekend

 

[PT Doc]

you are comfortable welding on a pressure vessel?

 

[Cyberbear]

All the suggestions are well founded. Since you know the old compressor is in working condition, I'd get the IR unit running before making any decisions about selling one of them. If, as you say, the IR unit appears to be new, you may wish to check the oil level before running it free air for 30 minutes to be sure it's been properly broken in.
Then decide which is the best for your use, or keep one as a back-up unit since nothing lasts forever and can break down unexpectedly. Personally, I have four compressors in various sizes acquired over time, some free standing static units and others that are portable for remote usage.

 

[joe_padavano]

you are comfortable welding on a pressure vessel?

Go back and read the first post:

I would not be welding on the tank, just on the mounting plate.

 

[XxToolAholicxX]

Just keep runing the old mans compressor if you have no issues.. Sell the IR and buy some tools you need or want... If all is well with no issues why create issues.. Besides one day you can pass it on to your son..
-------------------------------------------------------
I am a ToolAholic, Sometimes I regret it, Especially when the Toolman won't give me no credit

 

[Leaflessshadetree]

So you don't even know if there is anything wrong with the IR unit? I'd try it (per Cyberbear's instructions above). Most buyer's willing to pay fair price will want to know that before anyway.
Why not hook up both units? I'd love to have 140 gallons of air. With the CFM of both units combined I'd probably never need it.

 

[Flathead4]

fred d,

Motor vs motor. Check the amp draw, roughly 22 amp running is 5 HP 220 volt. Lots of compressor mfg'r like to play the "Peak" HP game, meaning measuring the amps at start up, not running.

Good luck,

B