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Air Compressor Question

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Skytown Mark

05-22-2002 01:10:40

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I purchased a 175psi Craftsmen compressor a month ago. When I unplug it, it holds pressure like I would expect it to. My question is: Should I drain the air/pressure when it's going to be idle for a few day's or a week. I am thinking mositure will get in easier if I drain it but then again maybe I am putting undue stress on the seals if I leave it pressurized.

What do you think?

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LC in Bama

05-23-2002 10:30:25

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Re: Air Compressor Question in reply to Skytown Mark, 05-22-2002 01:10:40

I drain my compressor daily. The more you drain it the less water you will get in your lines. I leave the drain open when not in use. The amount of water a compressor can make in a week will surprise you, especially if it's in a non climate controlled atmosphere. High humidity will cause mass quantities of water to collect in the tank. I am going to install an automatic drain valve, I already purchased the little jewel, it will drain the tank every twenty minutes for about 5 seconds.

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Roger

05-22-2002 12:18:43

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Re: Air Compressor Question in reply to Skytown Mark, 05-22-2002 01:10:40

Mark;
The only thing I would add to the other guys'
comments is to unload the pressure regulator after
you're done using the compressor.
Keeping the adjustment at your normal operating
pressure may, in time, weaken and or damage the
regulator. That's been my experience...
Roger

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Mark Kw

05-22-2002 05:13:47

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Re: Air Compressor Question in reply to Skytown Mark, 05-22-2002 01:10:40

Leaving the pressure in the tank should not have any effect on seals or the unit. What will kill it quickly is moisture/water in the tank. When done using for the day, drain the collected water from the tank then drain it again a day or two later to remove any remaining condensation that has settled out after cooling. Drain again before use and repeat the above when done. You should have no problems with it.

One gripe I have always had is why companies do not line air tanks with teflon or something similar to prevent rusting. No matter what you do, even installing a high dollar air dryer, you are going to get some moisture in the tank that will cause rusting.

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Greg AZ

05-22-2002 08:13:59

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Re: Re: Air Compressor Question in reply to Mark Kw, 05-22-2002 05:13:47

The comment about draining the air receiver often is a good one. Air tanks made for high working pressure are made of steel sometimes 1/4 inch or more thick. My experience has been that when the compressor runs, a small amount of oil is exhausted with the air and coats the tank with a thin film of oil. I have cut old air tanks apart, and the amount of oil in the tanks is sometimes dramatic! We have all seen ill advised use of compressors that sit outside with no protection from the elements and are covered with rust with no obvious adverse effects. My practice is to keep the tank well drained, keep the unit inside and to touch up paint on the tank as necessary. As to your question of leaving a tank sitting unused with pressure, there is a check valve and unloader that removes air pressure from the compressor when it shuts off. This keeps pressure from rupturing compressor seals and makes the compressor start easier. The only compressor tanks that I have seen rusted through are the small portable, cheap compressors for home use. The tanks are quite thin and do rust. Extra caution in their use and maintenance is in order. Hope this helps. All the best..... .Greg

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VaTom

05-22-2002 09:24:28

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Re: Re: Re: Air Compressor Question in reply to Greg AZ, 05-22-2002 08:13:59

Like Greg says, the oil from the head does a pretty good job coating the tank. My IR compressor gets drained maybe weekly unless I'm using a lot of air. There's always a little oil that comes out.

I once serviced a farm compressor that had been at least 10 years since anybody had touched it, other than to get air. Never turned off. LOT of water in that tank and the oil was the dirtiest I've seen. Drive shaft was bent but that thing kept on chugging. Not much makeup air but worked fine for airing tractor tires, especially after I got the water out and got back to the original capacity. Two years later they called me to replace the motor. Kind of wondered about making any further investment, but it's still going.

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Don

05-25-2002 08:16:28

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Re: Re: Re: Re: Air Compressor Question in reply to VaTom, 05-22-2002 09:24:28

I have a large compressure in my shop....I have copper lines run around three of the walls.I have a water trap in the line just after the compresser and another filter/regulator at my outlet for painting. The tank has a small ball valve in the bottom that I open about twice a week...I turn a ball valve off,juat after the tank when I leave the shop....the compresser has been left on 365 days a year now for about 26 years....no problems,leave the compresser on ....I think it is better for it and you have air when you need it...

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Greaseman

05-22-2002 16:53:39

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Re: Re: Re: Re: Air Compressor Question in reply to VaTom, 05-22-2002 09:24:28

I agree. Make certain to DRAIN THE TANK. My Buddy never did for about 5 years and then when he did it was plugged and we had a bear of a time getting plug turned off again.

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Skytown Mark

05-22-2002 18:55:54

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Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Air Compressor Question in reply to Greaseman, 05-22-2002 16:53:39

Thanks for all the feedback. I'll drain the tank at least once a week, keep it inside unless I have to bring it to a job and last but not least, read the operators manual.

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