I had my compressor on the other day and went out to do some yard work. Came back in and the shop had burnt rubber smoke. The compressor belt was broken and burnt. Thought it broke and jammed on the cover and motor pulley. I got replacement belt and installed it. The compressor cuts off at 135. The unloader valve started leaking at the switch connection. Thought the switch might be bad so installed a new switch that came with a new unloader connection. Ran it up to 135 to see if it would cut out and it did, but it was really blowing back from the unloader connection on the switch. And it seemed to take longer than usual to load up to 135, but that may be because it was absolutely empty. Not only that, but the pump seized when I went to restart it.
Hit me with a 2X4.... Obviously the pump seized and that was the reason for the belt burning and breaking. The glass window on the pump showed I had plenty of oil. I went to drain it and very little came out. ???? I ordered a new pump because it was under $250US. I am taking the old pump apart to see if there is any noticeable damage. So far I don't see anything, but I don't know what the specs would be for cylinder, just looking for pieces.
I forgot to mention that the oil filler cap with the vent holes was blowing out air when it was running. I don't know the mechanics of a compressor, but would that have something to do with the reed valves in the head?
The compressor is a single stage, 5HP 60 gallon compressor.
A day without laughter is a day wasted- Charlie Chaplin When wrestling a grizzly bear, you have to keep at it until the bear gets tired, not when you get tired. 1948 Chevy 2-Ton
If it was blowing air out thru the crankcase oil fill, it might have cracked a ring or the piston has a crack in it. You'll see when you get it pulled apart. A compressor is very similar to an engine.
Kevin 1951 Chevy 3100 work truck Follow this saga in Project Journal Photos 1929 Ford pickup restored from the ground up. | 1929 Ford Special Coupe (First car) Busting rust since the mid-60's If you're smart enough to take it apart, you darn well better be smart enough to put it back together.
If it was blowing air out thru the crankcase oil fill, it might have cracked a ring or the piston has a crack in it. You'll see when you get it pulled apart. A compressor is very similar to an engine.
Thanks I'll look for that. I thought the price of a new pump was pretty good. I ordered it from Master Tool and with shipping it's only $287 US/ $396 Canadian and whatever they want to ding me at the border. A new compressor up here in Canada, same make similar model is $2,300 Canadian.
A day without laughter is a day wasted- Charlie Chaplin When wrestling a grizzly bear, you have to keep at it until the bear gets tired, not when you get tired. 1948 Chevy 2-Ton
Taking the compressor apart, I found a broken reed in the valve plate. Not sure if that's all the damage. A replacement plate is $80, but I would rather start with a new pump for $287. There may be more damage that I can easily see.
A day without laughter is a day wasted- Charlie Chaplin When wrestling a grizzly bear, you have to keep at it until the bear gets tired, not when you get tired. 1948 Chevy 2-Ton
Hy Super55, at least you have the whole broken piece, quite often they shatter and the pieces disappear inside making a mess of everything. I won't advise you which way to fix it, I will ask how many hours of use you have on the machine, if the cost of a new machine doesn't scare you, then buy a new one.
The entire replacement pump is a great dear at $287. A new entire compressor is from $1,500 to $2,000. By the time I get it home it will be over $400. I am going to fix the old one and see if I can get it working. I made a replacement reed with a piece of stainless shim material that was the same thickness. I just have to grab a 1/8" diameter rivet to secure it with. It can't hurt to try it I forgot to tell you I don't know the hours but it's a lot, and there is a lot of sandblasting.
Last edited by Super55; 12/24/20256:33 AM.
A day without laughter is a day wasted- Charlie Chaplin When wrestling a grizzly bear, you have to keep at it until the bear gets tired, not when you get tired. 1948 Chevy 2-Ton
Yeah, compressor prices went thru the roof after the tariffs. I bought a 60 gallon IR this past fall and paid over $1,800 with shipping and taxes, so I would be fixing it too!
Last edited by Phak1; 12/24/20252:04 PM. Reason: Typo
Phil Moderator, The Engine Shop, Interiors and Project Journals
1952 Chevrolet 3100, Three on the Tree, 4:11 torque tube Updated to: ‘59 235 w/hydraulic lifters, 12v w/alternator, HEI, PCV and Power front Disc Brakes Project Journals Stovebolt Gallery Forum
That reed valve is spring steel- - - - -a piece of flat stock, even stainless, is not likely to last more than a few minutes before it breaks from metal fatigue. I'd suggest starting with a piece of hacksaw blade, and grind it thinner in the area where it covers the ports. A solid carbide drill bit will probably be needed to drill a hole in it for a rivet or a sheet metal screw to attach it. Jerry
"It is better to be silent and be thought a fool than to speak and eliminate all doubt!" - Abraham Lincoln Cringe and wail in fear, Eloi- - - - -we Morlocks are on the hunt! There is nothing noble in being superior to your fellow man; true nobility is being superior to your former self. - Ernest Hemingway Love your enemies and drive 'em nuts!
