Any air compressor guru's out there? - Page 2

jimbob200521 · #11 06-04-2014, 09:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Oak

Jimbob, I'm thinking the reed valves may be your problem. How much does the intake "suck" when the pressure in the tank gets higher? Like an engine if it were the rings I would think you would have a lot of blow by.

I'm starting to lean towards the reed valve more and more myself, as well. The more I read and search online, the more I learn

When I pumped the tank up a bit and opened the drain valve right after I got it, water with a slight oily color to it came out. So I suppose it's possible I'm getting a little blow by (who knows how long it'd been since this guy opened that) but since I haven't noticed the oil level drop since I changed the fluid, I don't think it's a problem, or at least the main one (could have been dirt in the water, I didn't look as closely at it as I should have). Anyway, looking past that (one problem at a time lol), I'm going to look more into the reed valve. I want to open it up this weekend and take a closer look so I know what I'm getting into. I'm also still having a heck of a time finding parts. I contacted the manufacturer and haven't heard back yet and can't seem to find any places online that sell Tradespro parts.

Maybe it'll be a simple reed valve and I can have a buddy cut me a new one, but I doubt I'll get that lucky

jimbob200521 · #12 06-04-2014, 11:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by J-Mech

Did you check the air filter? Are you sure the gauge works? If it's foggy, it may also be broken. Which gauge? There are two, one before and one after the regulator. I always remove the regulator. That way you can get full pressure when you want it. If you need a regulator for something (painting, or a nail gun) use a small regulator in line at the gun. That way you can adjust pressure right where you are working and don't have to walk back and forth to the compressor.

If you do decide to replace parts, it's more likely the reed valve (part #5) although the rings could be worn. I don't know how much the parts cost, but most of these compressors aren't worth the time.

Well, I hope you're right!

I called up to the company that makes my compressor (Alltrade) to find out the price of the parts for the new reed valves. I will say this; customer service was quick, very little wait time, and I was able to find out about my parts without any fuss.

Turns out the reed assembly (part #5) along with all the gaskets and parts I'd need to change things out and replace them came to a whopping total of $15 with free shipping. So, I went ahead and ordered the new parts. I'm not 100% sure this is what it is but from what I've learned, the reed valves are one of the most common failures in air compressors, especially with the symptoms I'm having. Here's to hoping this is what it is, and when I get the parts and replace them, I'll be sure to posts pics

Disclaimer: I came to the same conclusion as you (and others who suggested it here) after giving myself a crash course in air compressor diagnosis. I expected the bill to be $60+ with parts and shipping, based on other forum repairs I've checked out) but was very pleasantly surprised when the parts were so low priced. Had it been more than this, I probably wouldn't haven't pursued repairing this any farther. Anywho, I figured for $15, I can't really go wrong and if I am, I think I can live with the bill.

kostendorf · #13 06-04-2014, 02:28 PM

Very good to hear the parts are cheap. Good luck with the repair.

jimbob200521 · #14 06-04-2014, 08:03 PM

Well I got a little time tonite to turn a few wrenches on the air compressor, and I'm glad I did.

The first pic of what I found when I removed the head. A little dirty but nothing too horrible. Next up is the head removed and you can clearly see on the right a broken part of a gasket. I removed the old gaskets and reeds and cleaned things up. I even went as far as to plane the head

The last two pics are of the deck (thanks J-Mech for teaching me that term

) and the cylinder and piston.

Hopefully the parts will be here sooner rather than later and I can find out if this is a worth while investment or not!

Thanks for the advice guys, I learn so much from this forum

Yosemite Sam · #15 06-06-2014, 02:47 AM

Looks like you are well under way to getting it fixrd.

FWIW, It has been my experience that air compressor water is always oily. I always try to avoid getting it on me.

jimbob200521 · #16 06-10-2014, 02:40 AM

Finally got the parts in today! Unfortunately, I only got 2 pics, and they both compare old parts to new ones. I installed the new parts, ended up having to get new copper line and fittings, but got it all together and she's good to go. Gets to pressure just fine but doesn't want to click off when it gets there so I have to turn it off. Oh well, what do I expect for a Craigslist compressor. But for what I'll use it for, I'm happy.