I don't know much if anything about air compressors. I have a 60 gallon Speedaire single phase 220V vertical tank compressor without an operator or parts manual. Its been acting up and running poorly. I believe it is a single stage low buck compressor I bought used a few years ago. It does produce air - but the mechanics of it are worrying me.
The on-off switch has what looks like a small brass pressure release or check valve. This past winter, when the tank was full, that switch with valve just started blowing continuous air or releasing a constant loud hiss. Then the belt started squealing bad, and it now smells like it is really hot. And the compressor cylinder or piston clanks. It seems that the compressor then runs full time when this valve begins to hiss away. I suspect this is causing the overheating issue or belt slip because of time and wear.. or is the issue deeper than that and in the compressor itself? I should add that it takes a fair amount of effort and time for the unit to get up to full speed - to gain momentum - it seems to be bogging down and working very hard to get up to normal.
Oil level is full.
I need a tutorial about these issues - and about compressors in general. Can you help point me in the right direction to do some further research?
1. Is this brass item a pressure release? and is that part replaceable or, do I need to replace the entire switch?
2. I have found that I cannot use a random orbital disc sander without it over-taxing the compressor - meaning I don't think it is supplying the air I need for bodywork. It works fine for an air nailer or intermittent pneumatic air fastener tools, and for using my HVLP spray gun. But I want to acquire a sandblaster someday soon and run an inline sander or an orbital sander.
What would you recommend? Would an 80 gallon compressor be better suited? and how what type of compressor would be and more efficient?
For a guy that has several truck projects going, and moving into retirement - what investment would you make into a compressor? Type? brand? etc.
I'm open to learning more, as I said, help point me in the right direction and I can do further research...your opinions are welcomed.
Thanks. Tom
Last edited by tom moore; 09/06/2019 2:05 PM.
