oil for air compressor

[nancyk]

O.K., next step is to get some oil. Then I will get the workclothes on and see what happens when the drain valve is opened. I will post update in a few days. Thanx.

 

[WranglerX]

Got manual on how to do maintenance?

 

[5030]

Do keep in mind that if you don't drain it, the tank (receiver) will rust inside and eventually fail as in BOMB.

 

[nancyk]

I do not have the manual. My husband installed this compressor years ago and he is not with us to do maintenance. The ball is in my court.

 

[alexpops]

see if your model no is listed here

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www.campbellhausfeld.com

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www.campbellhausfeld.com

Or do a search on CH manuals & see what comes up

 

[etpm]

It is common for a lot of crud to collect on the tank bottom. This crud can clog the drain valve. It is tempting to use air pressure in the tank to blow this crud out. Doing this can lead to all sorts of crud being blown all over the place and under your skin. If the tank has not been drained for a long time then the safest thing to do is vent all the air from the tank, then remove completely the old drain valve. After removal poke a stiff wire into the hole to loosen the crud. And instead of putting back in the cruddy stock drain valve install an elbow, and an extension about a foot long, and a ball valve. After doing this the tank will be much easier to drain. Also, if air pressure is needed to blow crud out, the ball valve is the much safer option. The drain valves that come stock in virtually all consumer grade air compressors rely on a tapered valve seat and valve. This seat is easily prevented from closing completely by the tiniest of particles, particles which are common in consumer grade air compressors, which is what you have.
Eric

 

[nancyk]

When sort-of looking at the drain valve, I could see potential problems if I managed to break the valve, as I doubt it has ever been opened. So I wil attempt to open it this afternoon, assume the valve will not go back into place correctly, then take the valve somewhere(Harbor Freight, Lowes?) What exactly should I be asking for? The compressor does not get used much but does come in handy when air is needed. If I get a valve and valve seat how do I attach the extension to it? Is the extension pvc?

 

[KennyG]

If that drain valve has never been opened, there is probably a huge amount of water in the tank. Spray it with penetrating fluid before you try to open it. With a little persuasion it will probably open. Although these valves are meant to be operated by hand, you may need to put a wrench on it the first time. A compressor that is only used occasionally should be blown down and left depressurized until you need to use it again.

 

[alexpops]

^^ What KennyG said. Don't force the valve, spray with PB Blaster or some other penetrating oil & let it set for a while to let it creep up into the corrosion. Work progressively, as if you break the valve, it will be a bear to remove the stub piece left behind. A little back & forth with leverage as needed to remove the old valve. Can't remember if mine (elbow/ extension/ball valve) was steel or brass ... whatever home depot had in stock at the time. I think mine was 3/8 npt thread on the male end of the elbow when I replaced mine.

 

[5030]

The condensate drain valves on mine are all brass and will unscrew from the bung underneath and a local auto parts store will have a replacement.