What's this compressor worth?

[pcl]

Hi all, first time post but I've been lurking here for a while and have been learning a lot. I'm looking for a large air compressor to replace my 27 gallon so I can do some sandblasting and painting. I found this used DelVilbiss locally and I was wondering what you guys think it is worth?

Thanks in advance.

http://burlington.craigslist.org/pts/3921580837.html

 

[Lightfoot]

hard to say. ad says it needs a new gasket, leaks a little oil. That oil leak could also be ring blow-by or a crank bearing seal which would mean a complete teardown (plus parts). I guess it depends on where it's leaking. Kinda hard to see anything with all that wrapping. It may be there to hide problems, may not. If it were me, i'd wanna see and hear it run and build pressure, but then again, i'm more cautious than most. I guess i've been stung one too many times and just don't trust people i don't know, especially when he's already saying there's problems with it. It may be fine, but he may also be trying to unload a basket full of problems. My opinion, if it just needed a new gasket, he would have already fixed it for a couple bucks, so he could say "works great". I guess if you got it cheap enough, it would be worth spending some money on, but i'd still want to plug it up before taking it home. But that's just me. My wife says i think too much.

 

[zkling]

Agree 1000% with Lightfoot. "Needs a gasket, leaks a little oil". That would be like me selling a car and saying "Needs a switch" but not saying which one. Compressors aren't common for blowing head gaskets or the like, so I am curious as to what gasket is leaking If it was just a side plate gasket that is leaking oil, like on a quincy then that would be nothing to worry about.

Without seeing the exact pump it is kinda hard to tell. From the ad, I would treat it as a compressor that doesn't run and is as it sits, a pile of parts. Price it accordingly. I wouldn't go over ~$150 and that is IF the motor is good, runs fine and I can SEE it run. Without seeing that, $100 max as it sits in the picture. They are decent compressors, but definitely not anything to write home about. Just my 2¢

Just a note, one thing that irks me about craigslist, is when sellers say "no emails" yet include a email address. Doesn't give me much faith in the intelligence of the seller. If you don't want emails, don't include a email address.

But that's just me. My wife says i think too much.

I think you are a wise shopper.

 

[Curmudgeon]

In my area a working one of that size/hp can be had for $300 to $600.

 

[softailgarage]

No more than $100.00 max.

 

[FriendOfYours]

Dunno without know what is leaking, but I have that compressor. It has been fantastic for many years now

 

[TAMPAGT07]

Geez, the last time I saw a plastic bag wrapped around the top of something like that, was after my senior prom...(Hey, she did have a hell of a body, and she did put out a few CFM's) I say go for it....

 

[Davefr]

It looks like it has an ABP-459 pump. (not exactly a high end pump!). Plug that number into google and see how much a valve plate assembly and gasket set costs. Compressor parts can be very expensive/unobtanium.

The oil leak is troubling. If it's the drain plug or site glass then it's no big deal but it could be a cracked block.

I'd say the tank and motor are worth $150-200. Add a 5HP HF pump for about $175 and you have a usable unit for $<400.

 

[p0lar]

Just a note, one thing that irks me about craigslist, is when sellers say "no emails" yet include a email address. Doesn't give me much faith in the intelligence of the seller. If you don't want emails, don't include a email address.

My personal favourite is when the ad has a 'Please, no spammers." As if, when a spammer sees such a moniker, is going to think, "Oh, my, that person doesn't want my spam. I better not send it to them, that would simply be impolite."

I'd say the tank and motor are worth $150-200. Add a 5HP HF pump for about $175 and you have a usable unit for $<400.

[cringe]

x2

 

[4x4gearhead]

Id start by offering $200-300 for it considering its obviously in a state of disrepair.

 

[pcl]

Thanks for the input. I just spoke to the seller who provided several key details that he neglected to list in the cl ad. The compressor saw frequent use in an automotive repair shop, the compressor not only starting leaking oil but also no longer runs. He was firm on a $300 price and stated "thats cheap for a compressor." Needless to say I'll pass on this one.

 

[Jason280]

Yeah, $300 is a stretch for a non-working compressor.

 

[Davefr]

Thanks for the input. I just spoke to the seller who provided several key details that he neglected to list in the cl ad. The compressor saw frequent use in an automotive repair shop, the compressor not only starting leaking oil but also no longer runs. He was firm on a $300 price and stated "thats cheap for a compressor." Needless to say I'll pass on this one.

Good decision. I bet you'd be into it for $500-600+ when all is said and done.

For that price you're approaching good/used compressor prices.

That unit wasn't even a quality industrial/commercial unit.

 

[TAMPAGT07]

I'm sure he stores it outside...That's probably why he's got the plastic garbage bag on it...(Geez, at least take off the bag for the CL posting pic..)