Replies

1. 
   Guest_ | Jul 23, 1999 10:43pm | #1

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   If it leaks air and there is no sign of an external cause, then internal rust damage is probable. I suppose you could have it hydro tested, x-rayed or magnafluxed, but those would be relatively expensive tests. You could soap it up to test for pin hole leaks. If there is a lot of rust coming out of the drain I would be suspicious.

   Are you thinking about buying a used compressor by any chance?

1. 
   Guest_ | Jul 24, 1999 05:08am | #2

   *Alex,Compressors don't last forever.It may be time to buy a new one.Ed. Williams

2. 
   Alex_Clark | Jul 26, 1999 07:15pm | #3

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   What would be a typical lifetime to critical failure for an air compressor? Or when do you when do scrap it & buy a new one?

3. 
   Guest_ | Jul 27, 1999 08:08am | #4

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   Alex, you're asking specifics, and giving none in return. How old is the unit, how well was it maintained, and what environment was it used in?
   Who made it, what type of tank(s) is on it, of what size, and are those tanks DOT or ASME certified?

1. 
   Guest_ | Jul 27, 1999 10:29am | #5

   *If the tank is old enough to concern you either scrap it and buy a new one or find some place to have it pressure tested. Don't waste your worry quotient on something like this.

1. 
   Guest_ | Jul 27, 1999 11:14am | #6

   *I just rebuilt a used compressor that I had given to me. They're pretty simple things. After talking to the guys at the shop, I learned that most failures are the pump or the plumbing (check valves, pressure switch and pipe connections). Soap up the plumbing and start it up. If there are no bubbles take the head off and have a look inside the pump. There are two main kinds of valves in the pump... feather valves and channel valves. Has the pump been fitted with a good air filter? This is often the problem... all kinds of crap can get sucked in and damage the valves and rings. The guys told me stories of so much sawdust inside the cylinder that the piston was banging against the valves. Not a pretty sight.Most good quality manufacturers sell valve/head replacements. It might be worth your while to get some price quotes. In my case I just cleaned everything out real well, applied some gasket goop and put it all back together. I changed the pump oil using non-detergent oil and replaced all the plumbing. It was a bit of work, but what the heck, the compressor was free and now it's as good as new.Cheers,Scott.

1. 
   Guest_ | Jul 28, 1999 08:28am | #7

   *If your tank leaks enough so that the compressor must run full time to keep up with the leak, then it is time for a new tank.

1. 
   Guest_ | Aug 01, 1999 02:06am | #9

   *I have some friends who where using a poorly maintained emglo wheelbarrow in a shop on Main Street, when one tank blew out. Luckily no one was hurt, but the Bomb squad showed up. Big time reprimand.If you've got a question, get it checked, BB

4. 
   Alex_Clark | Aug 01, 1999 02:06am | #8

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   is there a way to test air compressor tanks for rust failure?