Sorta OT: New Compressor

Hey guys...

On your advice, i decided to keep a watch out for a used, cheap, big compressor instead of making one from a water heater.

So, i picked up a 60 gallon husky air compressor off craigslist for $250.

I got it home, and looked it over. I started it up, and noticed the pressure switch assembly leaked like crazy. So, i picked up a new one, along with the regulator cuz mine was missing.

I took it back to the shop, and everything looked fine, except this little rubber line.

The line starts at the copper tube between the pump and the tank

And ends in the pressure switch.

It diddnt fit the new one, so, thinking it was probally something low pressure, i taped it to the new pressure switch (duct tape fixes everything, right??) with lots of tape, and fired it up. It went pop and started flying all over the place. looking back, that was a really stupid idea....

But oh well...

So, not thinking it was too important, i grabbed a rag and some vice grips and clamped it shut. Then i started the compressor back up.

A few minuites later

BOOM

And a cloud of smoke. Sparks started flying everywhere as the tank began to decompress...

I ran around the compressor and pulled the plug, then back around to the other side to pull the lever on the valve on the tank.

I realised what had happened as about 90 psi drained out of the 60 gallon tank, and then smoke started leaving the garage.


I got it all on video. Ive sat here and watched it a dozen times. Id post it, but its got some choice language in it.


Anyways, i learned something today. Take that as a lesson from me, and never, never ever clamp lines on a compressor closed.

But what the heck is that line?? What does it do?? Where can i find a replacement??

Any ideas?? Thanks guys...


And one more thing...

I put an add on craigslist looking for a used pressure regulator. I diddnt find one, but someonebody offered me a used compressor that the pump went bad on.

He diddnt say how big, but is there any way i could buy it, and plumb it to my compressor, like as a reserve tank??

Or is that a worse idea?? lol... Just asking...

sounds like the press. line that hooks to press. switch to tell compressor to shut off before I go BOOM. may bee next time you should ask us old timers bout duck tape and vice slips on air hose.glad you worn't hurt.

"The line starts at the copper tube between the pump and the tank

And ends in the pressure switch."

That is a pressure line to your switch. As you empty the tank, the pressure in the line drops and the compressor turns on. As the pressure builds it will trigger the switch and turn the compressor off.

Please be careful, as you have found out, dealing with high pressure is dangerous and us older fellas would like to see you hang around. We need you to pay our social security so we can retire some day. ;-)

What kind of compressor? You mgiht do a search for the manufacturer and see if you can find out how to obtain replacement parts.

Thats kinda what i was thinking, and the only reason i was out there with the compressor... To keep tabs on the gauge...


But still... If thats what that does, then why does the pressure switch attatched to the tank??

OK I could of been wrong there. that line maybe the line that drains air press from the head on the compressor, so that when the compressor restarts it has 0 p.s. i. at the compressor. not sure what line it is without seeing it.

Lanse do I need to make another road trip? Richard

Lanse, whatever happened to the Dodge Dakota problem? Ron Mn.

Lance,Maybe you should bite the bullet and buy a NEW compressor,it may just save your life!....or some oneone else's.

Thats sounding like a better idea all the time.

I was at tsc today, and i could get a brand new one for $400. Figure $450 for tax and whatever fittings, etc id need.

I bought this one for $250, and then put about $70 worth of parts into it.

If i could get out of it what i have into it, i might just buy a new one. But i doubt that will happen.

I drained the tank in it, and it seemed fine to me. There wasnt much water in there.

When it is running, it runs great, and sounds pretty awesome. Theres people out there running some pretty old units, like decades old, so im not worried about mine being 10 years old. Its even made here in the USA.

That was what I was gonna say.

Do you have a check valve between the compressor and the tank? The little line connects between the check valve and the compressor. There should also be a small valve on the pressure switch. This is the UN-LOADER valve. When the switch shut the compressor OFF this valve bleeds off the air between the compressor and the check valve which, the next time the compressor starts the starting will be easier. THERE IS NO PLACE FOR DUCT TAPE IN A COMPRESSED AIR SYSTEM.

Kent

how many ways can you try to kill yourself?

My compressor is 17 years old with high hours,but it was new,not someones cobbled peice of junk.hire a competant professional to install it right(this is a MAJOR safty issue).In the end,your goning to have more money in an old ,unsafe piece of junk than the price of a new one.take the $320 already spent and consider it "educational tutition"

If he keeps that up.He will.lou

I call it learning. How was i supposed to know what that thing was??