Kellogg American Compressor

[Dwellonroof]

I’m going to look at a old compressor but it’s 3 phase and not hooked up so what should I be looking for? Anything particular?
I know I would need a single phase motor to replace the existing.

 

[mrmikey]

First thing I'd be concerned with is the tank. It's hard to tell in the pic, any water drain on it? Without it actually going it's hard to tell anything else......Mike

 

[workinonit]

If you can turn the compressor, see if it has good compression. Other than that, not much you can do without power. As far as the 3 phase, you can get AC frequency drives that will connect single phase and has 3 phase output. I have 2 of them I'm running on a drill press and a belt sander. Mine work perfectly. They are cheaper than replacing the motor as well.

 

[5030]

All the above. It's basically a pig in a poke if it's not under power.

 

[Dwellonroof]

I did look at it this morning and it is still installed and heard it run which was a plus but the copper line going to the unloader is split and the drain plug removed.
It comes with what the fellow hooked up to convert to 3 phase which is a frequency converter set up, the fellow that owned it passed away and had a few degrees in engineering.
Hopefully it's a good one since I purchased it and will pick it up in a few days.

 

[5030]

Curious as to how much you gave for it? Secondly, if it's not already, I'd back the pressure switch down to 135 psi. They last a lot longer t reduced pressure and get less carbon buildup on the reed petals.

Unless you are using a very high volume tool like a 3/4 drive impact. 135 psi is plenty. Where I have my Sullaire screw compressor set at as well as my backup Quincy QP reciprocation compressor.

 

[rontaki]

The main thing I'd want to know is if the tank is in good condition. If it has a weak spot or two, it could explode when pressurized. That never ends well, especially if a person catches shrapnel. I've seen pictures of this that make me rather leery.

I don't know how to check the tank, other than disassembly of the compressor as needed for a visual. Nor do I know if a visual is sufficient to determine safety.

Before I was aware of this, an old compressor of mine developed a leak in the tank. turns out it was rusted through. I got quite lucky it leaked before it grenaded. Due to the compressor's age, I took it part to recycle what I could. Discovered the electrical wires going into the motor had missing and cracked insulation, so the leak saved me from possible electrocution. It was time...

 

[Dwellonroof]

I have a cheap borescope and hopefully I can remove one of the plugs and at least look inside.

 

[5030]

If it develops a pin hole in will be in the bottom where the condensation collects.

Unless there is a access plug towards the bottom your cheap borescope will be useless. One of those endoscopes I presume from Amazon.

In the past, I've welded more then one but yo have to know what you are doing and prep is everything.

Both of mine have auto drains on them and even so, I'll blow them off every so often just because.

Only ones I've ever seen grenade was on You Tube and I have to presume from over pressurization.

Cut the head to 135 psi and be happy. Besides, it will suck less electricity.

 

[Rebeldad1]

open the drain somehow and see what comes out. should be a milky white(ish) color. If its rusty than it still could be ok but not serviced as it should. Had a new 5hp Devillbiss that 25 years later still looked milky.
Used it everyday a lot till I started using battery tools. after that all it was used for was chicking tires.
Now after i moved i just have a little 3hp Dewalt. tires and cleaning off the chainsaw is about all its used for.

 

[Dwellonroof]

I picked it up today.
What do you think caused this line to split

 

[Dwellonroof]

Also I did remove the large plug towards the bottom and flushed it out with a garden hose and got maybe a gallon of rust. I’m looking for a newer tank but first want to power it up to make sure it would be worth putting money into it.
I paid $350 for it and the vfd along with a relay for the cooler and the 50’ or so of wiring.

View attachment 727275

 

[mrmikey]

What do you think caused this line to split

Could be fatigue as copper work hardens.

.......got maybe a gallon of rust.

Ouch, that's scary, When you do start it, I wouldn't run it up to full pressure, any way you can get hold of a scope and look inside?

I paid $350 for it and the vfd along with a relay for the cooler and the 50’ or so of wiring.

Even if it turns out to be a boat anchor, I don't believe you lost money...............Mike

 

[5030]

Probably frozen condensation in the unloader line... Oil looks nasty too. Think I'd be changing that pretty quick. Just don't use motor oil, use specific compressor oil. I happen to use Rarus VG 42 reciprocating compressor oil in my Quincy and Sullaire screw compressor oil in the screw compressor. Rarus is available at MSC in gallons online.

I might add you need to check the air filter and clean it too. I bet it's filthy.

 

[Dwellonroof]

I hooked it up and pumped it to about 135 lbs it did great but I’m still not liking the tank so I purchased a tank from a newer compressor that went bad. It’s a 2008 build and real clean inside and probably 20 gallons larger being 100 gallons.
I’ll have some work to do changing things over though.
Btw I soldered the small split in the copper line.

 

[Rebeldad1]

personally i would have replaced the line.... maybe replaced both lines while at it.

 

[ljjhouser]

I guess at this point, there is not much to say. You already have it, so you can probably tell us more than we can tell you.

I always think when I buy a compressor you are buying 4 basic parts. Tank, Motor, Compressor, and control box.
I am guessing the tank is in poor condition, at best. Then the motor is of no use to you, replace the tank and motor. About the compressor - what is the operating pressure and operating cfm. Does it have good compression?

I think I would pass. But lucky finding a tank. I am not sure solder will hold. It is pretty soft and it is a split, not a crack. But, maybe it will fit your needs and be a value. I hope so. Sounds like you are on the way to making it work.

 

[Dwellonroof]

I guess at this point, there is not much to say. You already have it, so you can probably tell us more than we can tell you.

I always think when I buy a compressor you are buying 4 basic parts. Tank, Motor, Compressor, and control box.
I am guessing the tank is in poor condition, at best. Then the motor is of no use to you, replace the tank and motor. About the compressor - what is the operating pressure and operating cfm. Does it have good compression?

I think I would pass. But lucky finding a tank. I am not sure solder will hold. It is pretty soft and it is a split, not a crack. But, maybe it will fit your needs and be a value. I hope so. Sounds like you are on the way to making it work.

I have the motor hooked up and running so it is useful, the solder is temporary just to get started as for me to know if I wanted to throw a little more money in it.
I think it’s going to be a good one.