Compressor Issues

[Gizmo.Y]

So i noticed today that my compressor was running for a very unusual long time. I don't really notice it chugging away, but after about 15 minutes of it running after putting the tools down...I had to stop and think - This isn't right...Usually takes 2-3 minutes after putting tools down before its full and cuts out,.

upon inspection i noticed on my regulator on the wall, the compressor hovering at around 8bar (it usually cuts off at 10bar). So i baby sat it for a further 5 minutes and it didn't budge.

So i drained the air from the tank and drained water from the tank, there was some, but if i had to measure it i would say around 500ml of rusty water came out.

I turned the compressor on, and after about 5 minutes it again sat at 8 bar and didnt budge, Didnt reach 10 bar as usual.

I tried running an air-tool, and dispite the reg showing 8 bar, it certainly didnt seem like it.

Its an SIP AirSteam. 3hp 13cfm jobby.

Have had it for about 7 years with Zero fuss until now. Typical it breaks when i need it most...

Any thoughts?

 

[rtbcomp]

Favourite would be a sticking valve or a leak. If you switch it off when it gets to 8 bar does it hold its pressure?

 

[Gizmo.Y]

yes - Forgot to add That. When i manually turn it off at 8bar, it holds its pressure. I even pulled the compressor out of its hole to have a proper close listen.

I left it overnight at 8 bar, went in the garage this afternoon, reg still shows 8 bar. Its then i drained the tank this afternoon etc.

 

[eil]

How hot does the head get, could well be a leak starting on the gasket between the head and valve plate.

 

[Gizmo.Y]

Didnt think to check for that! Had the gasket replaced a few years ago IIRC. I had "Lent" it to some family members for a few months, they claimed the head gasket went, but as a gesture they replaced it for me as a thankyou...

Will check for leaks tomorrow.

The head gets boiling to the touch....

 

[MoreWellie]

or even just loose head bolts as it was on mine when it had the same symptoms

 

[Gizmo.Y]

Been and checked this morning. using some good old WD40, I can see the head is leaking some air. best place for a new gasket?

 

[the snooper]

Been and checked this morning. using some good old WD40, I can see the head is leaking some air. best place for a new gasket?

Bofore you order the gasket I would remove the head and just make sure the reed valves are all OK

 

[Wallace]

I bought a couple of sheets of Klingersil C4324 gastet material off Ebay and knocked up new gaskets for my Clarke SE16C, the originals had failed through age and many heat cycles.

 

[Gizmo.Y]

Well ive just taken the head off. the Headbolts were finger tight....Well, Finger Loose! There is a break in the gasket between the rear cylinder with no sign of the bit of the missing bit of gasket, presumably its inside the tank now.

Ive taken the Reed valves off, But i have no idea what im looking for to check if they are "OK". could you point me in the right direction?

 

[Gizmo.Y]

 

[the snooper]

The reeds should all be the same shape and size no bits missing or in half

 

[Wallace]

As a temporary fix cereal box cardboard will do to replace that broken gasket, Klingersil gasket material or similar will be a more permanent fix as it is designed to withstand the heat and pressure.

 

[Gizmo.Y]

Another quick question. The brass drain valve is FUBAR, is it just a standard 1/4 thread? didnt want to rip it out if no replacement was available.

 

[Gizmo.Y]

Curtesy of some Frosties shreddies. She's back together and after 4-5 minutes from fully drained she cut off at the usual point! Happy with that. Just the drain plug to sort now.

 

[rtbcomp]

Nice one.

The drain plug will be a standard BSP size (99.99% sure), the one on my compressor was 3/8 BSP IIRC.

Whilst you're at it, why not replace it with a hose tail and connect a short length of air hose from that to a lever operated ball valve - then you won't have to grovel on the floor to drain the tank.

 

[Gizmo.Y]

Thats exactly what i was thinking! but to be fair, the current one is so mangelled and warped its a 10 minute job with some Mole grips! Just to have it back to single finger operation would be nice

 

[Gizmo.Y]

Shes ran right as rain all evening. Cant fault it now! Just need to replace the Nestle Gasket though!

 

[normspanners]

Make a new gasket out of a sheet of copper like a piece of an old hot water tank and anneal it before fitting, Also the big of the ' bridge' piece where it has blown let the gasket overhang ie make that part wider BUT ONLT into the inlet side of the port this makes the gasket stronger there but also helps cools the gasket and the head at that point where it has difficulty cooling that portion of the head and gasket.

 

[Bill Edwards]

Just an ordinary paper gasket will be fine I'd say, that's what they are made to use and generally speaking last quite well. I think it's a little more forgiving of surfaces which aren't perfect than copper.

As to which to use, you can buy gasket paper but folder dividers work a treat.