What to look for when looking at Used Compressor

[pmason0]

So I'm going to go look at a 80gal 5hp air compressor tomorrow, what should I look for?
Thanks,

 

[Murphy4570]

Rust on the pressure vessel, or holes = run away, far away!

Pretty much everything can be rebuilt or repaired except for that part. Only a very good welder can repair a leaking pressure vessel. Those things are ticking time bombs if repaired incorrectly.

 

[EOC_Jason]

Kind of like a car... Besides what he said above checking the tank, do the following:

Check the oil - is it at the proper level? Does it look like it's ever been changed?
Check the air filter - is it completely clogged up or decently clean?
Check the water in the tank - ask first, but if allowed open the drain and see how much water dumps out... If it has a ton of water in it and it's all rusty, you can guess how poor the tank must be in on the inside...
Check the safety valve to make sure it can release pressure.

If you can power it up that is a definite plus. Make sure it can build up to proper pressure. Make sure there are no horrible noises and the motor isn't smoking or something bad like that.

Also look for any obvious signs of damage or home-made repair that isn't right.

 

[Bob C]

Verify the power requirements of the compressor and be sure they match what you have available. Also be on the lookout for amateur patches that may have been welded to the tank in a haphazard attempt to fix holes. Look for screws with rubber washers that are screwed into the tank. Backyard amateurs try this for fixing holes in tanks too. Generally speaking, if the compressor looks good, the owner probably has taken good care of it. If it looks like ****, he probably had it buried in a corner and never paid it no mind till it broke. The latter I would be wary of.

 

[pmason0]

Thanks for all the feedback, was told its ~15 years old and they have all the service records. Will look at the oil, etc. Yes checked the power and I'm good there, while it is a 3 phase 240v I have that at my place.

 

[kams1973]

Watch out for those that try to sell the compressor by the name on the tank. I've seen many times a Harbor Freight pump on a (insert name brand here) tank.

 

[Davefr]

If it's old, have the tank hydrotested!

 

[DekeT]

If it's old, have the tank hydrotested!

If the tank is not rusted out, has a working drain, a functioning pressure release valve, and not painted over to hide any defects, why would this be necessary?

 

[EOC_Jason]

Because some people are overly paranoid. I've seen some people use tanks from like the 40's, which in that case I probably would get it tested before I used it.

 

[pmason0]

Thanks everyone for the input. So here is the compressor got it back at the shop, Champion V5-8, it was a high end woodworking shop, they had 4~5 other compressors, this was the smallers one which was replaced as some tooling they were using needed a larger one. They had a local dealer service them every year so I have all those records, it also has the auto drain. The only thing I think I need is the filter as they had it routed out side with a filter out there.

 

[930dreamer]

Do you have three phase power? Sorry missed your other post.

 

[Bob C]

I recognize that unit. You got yourself an excellent compressor. Take good care of it.

I sell those new $1900

 

[EOC_Jason]

Yeah looks like you got a nice unit... How much you pay if you don't mind me asking?

 

[pmason0]

Yes, I have 3 phase at the shop, so where is the best place to get parts? Found a few online, but not sure if one is better than another. Need to get the filter housing and I need to get service kit just to start off on the right foot.