Air Compressor Repair

[gsganzer]

I have a single stage Ingersoll air compressor in my home shop. It developed a problem that prevents it from charging to greater then 80 psig. The deadband on the switch is set at 90psi (decreasing) and 120psi (increasing). Therefore the motor tries to run continuously until the thermal overload kicks it off. Obviously the compressor should (and used to) be able to charge to >125 psi.

Anyone run into this yet. Before I pull the head off and inspect the internals, is there a quick way to tell if it's the rings, checkvalves, internal relief etc?

The compressor is only about 4 years old and really doesn't have that many hours on it. I've also changed the oil at least annually if not more frequently. I'd be surprised if it needs rings already. Any help would be appreciated.

 

[Bird]

I'm not familiar with the internals of an Ingersoll compressor, but for a wild guess, it sounds as if a valve is stuck or broken. Does that compressor have reed valves? I've had the same thing happen with an oilless compressor; i.e., just keep running but couldn't get up its normal pressure when a reed valve was broken. And if that's the problem, it's easily fixed. At least I'd start by removing the head and checking the valves.

 

[wushaw]

A valve or reed is dirty, stuck. If you still have your owners manual it should tell you what parts you need. IR has a web site with a list of owners manuals and parts for ordering.

 

[gsganzer]

Thanks guys. That's what I'm thinking, stuck valve. I get some blowback out the air filter, which helps me think it's a stuck or dirty reed valve or the like. I'll tear into it tomorrow and report back with the ailment/fix.

 

[Larstan]

I have a big 2 stage 25 CFM and when I first got it and fired it up it took a long time to build pressure. Nothing obviously wrong and sounded good. I pulled the head and it had broken the reed valve mounting plate and the piece had wedged open one of the reeds. I found a replacement (whole valve plate assembly) at grainger. good luck....

 

[gsganzer]

Found the problem. I was using the compressor real hard the other week, when I was staining and laquering my kitchen cabinets. Apparently the head became hot enough to melt the cheap plastic inlet filter/silencer (why would IR use a cheap plastic intake filter on an otherwise quality compressor?). Some of the melted plastic got under the intake reed valve and hardened.

It'll cost me a new set of gaskets, I couldn't salvage the grafoil one when I pulled the head apart. I aslo ordered a good Solberg intake filter/silencer made of metal.

 

[Bird]

Congratulations. Always nice when it isn't anything too serious. And I've noticed that a lot of compressors and shop vacs come with less than optimal filters.

 

[Farwell]

Larry,
I have tried several times to purchase items from Grainger but they will not sell to me because I am not a business. Any suggestion on how to get around the business requirement. Before I retired I was working in California and used my employer as the business reference.
Farwell

 

[Soundguy]

How about farm/business?

In my county, a Farm does not even need an occupational license... items produced and sold on the farm that do not incorporate outside taxed items can be sold tax free. Animal feeds can be purchased tax free, and ag equipment can be purchased at 2.5% sales tax vs 7% sales tax.

Perhaps you coud become a farm?

Soundguy

 

[kennyd]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( I have tried several times to purchase items from Grainger but they will not sell to me because I am not a business. Any suggestion on how to get around the business requirement. )</font>


I work for Verizon, when I go into Grainger, or another place like that, I just tell them who I work for and say it will be a "Cash Ticket" It has always worked for me...

 

[AntrimMan]

Ah, remember the good old days? When metal was metal, men were men and sheep were scared.
When this sucker melts I will be filing a claim and looking for somewhere to sleep.
BTW this was a gift, I'm a lucky boy.
Martin

 

[Farwell]

SoundGuy
Thanks, never thought of the farm business thing. Many of my friends get the tax break when they shop at TSC. They have to fill out some type of form and I think they have to use some type of number on that form. I will talk to them and after I get the information I will contact Grainger. I could possibly do walk in business but our Grainger is around 90 minutes away and I have tried to purchase using their web site and get a polite e-mail back from a secretary telling me that I do not qualify.
Farwell

 

[Farwell]

Kenny,
I did the same thing when I worked in broadcasting and all of my Grainger buying was walk in buying. I do not have any business connections other than possibly farming ( I planted two rhubarb plants this year and that should qualify me as a business) I may have to break down get a resale license.
Thanks.
Farwell

 

[Larstan]

Farwell, I had forgotten about that. I have my own business with a Tax ID # that's what they are looking for. It does'nt cost anything to set up an account so maybe a neighbor or friend with a business. Once you get the account setup you can order and pay online so the business does not have to carry a credit line with them. Just pay as you buy......

 

[Farwell]

Larstan,
I am going to explore the Tax Id# thing because of all of the things I do, the amount of things I purchase and the many vendors that I deal with, I need to use every angle I can get.
Farwell

 

[Soundguy]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( Many of my friends get the tax break when they shop at TSC. They have to fill out some type of form and I think they have to use some type of number on that form )</font>

You know.. I hadn't even thought about the tax break issue with TSC.. i need to take advantage of that myself when i buy an implement next time.

Normally I am buying feed stuffs from one of two local feed co-ops. That's all tax free.. unless I pick up some 'taxed' stuff like dog treats.. etc.

As for tractors / implements.. i do recall having to fill out a 'farm use' form to get the 2.5% tax on tractors and implements when I have bought from the local tractor dealers.... etc.

Soundguy