air compressor problem

Dutch445 · Apr 11, 2012

got the kobalt 17gallon air compressor 2 years ago. i gets used
every once in a while, pump up tires, impact gun to change tires
or do a brake job etc. sits around most of the time doing nothing.

i always liked to back down the regulator to take any pressure out
of the lines, which always leaked, and that way i always had air
in the tank for a quick tire pump.

went to use the compressor sunday nite, and as i turned that
regulator valve it came off in my hand, and has stripped the
threads from the regulator.

i would imagine the part can be purchased for $40 or so, but
is there any reason not to tap it out to a larger size thread
and use a bolt in the regulator? i might be able to find a
knob with stud on it if i look around.

looks like white metal that stripped out.

Western · Apr 12, 2012

Dutch445 · Apr 12, 2012

how do you think a helicoil will work on something that's
adjusted often? it isn't like a bolt that gets tightened down
and stays in place...

kensnelling · Apr 12, 2012

A properly installed helicoil will work just fine. However, instead of cranking the regulator down to totally restrict all air flow why not install a ball valve at the regulator to shut off the air to your lines. When you say lines I am presuming you mean hard lines instead of flexible hoses. Either way I would go back and reseal the connections on those so as to not waste my compressed air on leaks when I was using compressed air.

Of course, an infrequently used (by your description) compressor is better stored by draining the tank to get rid of the moisture which will corrode the tank. Then when you need air pump it up which should take less than 5 minutes to refill the tank to full pressure.

Ken

Western · Apr 13, 2012

It may not work if your using it for a "shut off". All the AC's I have and most I have seen have a ball valve as Ken mentioned for the shutoff. the regulator is usually used for just that, regulating air psi between different app's. A helicoil was just a quick thought since it would be a quick easy fix, probably not the best fix. Replacement of the regulator and installation of an actual shutoff would be best.

Dutch445 · Apr 16, 2012

This is just a small portable compressor. it has a hose,
not hooked to any air lines.

i am using the regulator as a shut off i guess you would say,
but maybe that isn't the right thing to do. when the compressor
runs, it is very loud and to have to plug it in to fill the tank
just to fill a car tire seems to be a pain to me.

i will take it apart and see what it looks like to tap that
regulator out and use a bolt or threaded handle to
adjust pressure. maybe i can make room to install a valve
between the regulator and hose also.

Western · Apr 17, 2012

OH one of those. Can you disconnect the hose and add a piece of like sized pipe with new regulator fitting and a small shut off? thats what I'd look at so you dont have to deal with it again, may have to use an elbow at some point so it doesn't protrude to awkwardly. You could probably get it less than 6" if you use the 1-2" pipe nipples.

Dutch445 · Apr 17, 2012

Good idea,
i still have to deal with this regulator, at least get it
opened up to allow pressure thru.
that might be a good route to go, but, i need to
open up that regulator.
maybe i can bypass the original one and go with
a new one in it's place with a shut off valve?
but that means $$ and i'm a cheap sob.

hehe

Western · Apr 18, 2012

If this is the same unit you have, this guy went through the same ordeal, (seams to be a common problem with Kobalts)

Sounds like your on the right track by tapping it out (as done in this read)

Kobalt 17 Gallon 1.5HP Compressor Review | ToolGuyd

pacerron · Apr 18, 2012

Dutch445 said:
Good idea,
i still have to deal with this regulator, at least get it
opened up to allow pressure thru.
that might be a good route to go, but, i need to
open up that regulator.
maybe i can bypass the original one and go with
a new one in it's place with a shut off valve?
but that means $$ and i'm a cheap sob.

hehe

If your that cheap, eliminate the regulator and put on a ball valve. The compressor must have a high pressure shut off switch to shut off the motor.
If all your doing is filling tires, a tire gauge can be your regulator. Should be anyway, as the gauges on cheap regulators are usually not too accurate.