I have a craftsman 80 gal 5 hp oil bath compressor in my shop for 2 years now, light use. Smelled smoke the other day so I opened up my compressor closet and see smoke (wisps, no tons) comming out of the top where air goes in. Took off the air filter and cover thing and found the felt do-dad next to the air intake ports for the cylinders full of oil. This has never happened before.
I assume that there are seals that are bad. I’m a former mechanic, so have the tools BUT haven’t seen this before so thought I’d ask you guys before I pulled the head and started to fiddle. Anyone see this before? My emglow has never done this so it’s a new prob to me …
thanks in advance.
Replies
Got a parts Book?
A lot of compressors use valve that looks like about a .015 feeler gauge.
(Sorry I know there a name for that style of valve but I cannot bring it to mind. Reed Valve maybe?)
If you can manually turn the compressor check for blow back on the intake valve port. Just like a car .
The valve breaks off and you essentially have no compression on the compression stroke. I have had it happen and when it does one indicator (besides long run times and slow pressure build) is oil on the air filter.
Easy to fix if that is the problem. Pull the head and turn it over , you will see the valves and a couple of small set screws that lock it in place.
Ding ding ding ding...reed valve it is!
describes the behavior perfectly ... pulling the head in 3..2...1........
FWIW I was able to obtain the parts for mine (Speedaire) at my local NAPA parts outlet.
They can't get your Goat if you don't tell them where it is hidden.
Update:
pulled the head, reeds look fine, went online and found this about my compressor:
""This product from Craftsman is flawed. I purchased this compressor in August of 2005. The first pump started blowing oil and was replaced under warranty in May 2006. Now the second pump is blowing oil and will have to be replaced again."
Ther are about 10 reviews that say the same.
I bought this used off of Craigs list, and the guy had an extended warranty - time to find it to see if it is still in effect. If not, I may just buy a new pump assembly only... thoughts?
for everyone else, here is the model number to AVOID:
Craftsman Professional 60 gal. Air Compressor, 3.2 hp, Vertical Tank, oillube Pump
Sears item# 00918419000
Mfr. model# 18419
Maybe get new rings, or a new piston assembly first.
Darn, Thought it was a cheap fix. What do the articles or reviews say is the mechanical problem?
They can't get your Goat if you don't tell them where it is hidden.
Put in slik50 then drain all the oil out like they do at the county fairs. No more oil problem.
Another thought, maybe there is a oil breather that is clogged.
going to check oil breather first, rings second. I refuse to let a tool with 6 moving parts kick my butt!! I'll let you know what happens ...