Compressor slow to fill

[el_stig]

Hi all, I was wondering if I could get a hand with one of my compressors, I currently have 2 3hp belt drives linked together (one 150 tank, one 50 tank).

Both work but the 150 litre takes 11 odd minutes to fill up, I thought this was reasonable, but having read people's times on here I feel less so. Can anyone suggest what the cause of slow filling could be? It does need an oil change, but I doubt that alone would cause such a slow fill time.

Any help would be massively appreciated!

Stu

 

[GeorgiePorgie]

Brushes on the motor might need changing?

 

[el_stig]

Is there any way of checking them?

 

[GeorgiePorgie]

Depends if they're easily accessible? then again the motor might be brushless?

Only by taking them out will give an indication if they need changing?

I got a compressor given to me,it worked but it was dead slow build up of pressure,it would reach 10psi then started rising very slowly,turned out to be the brushes were right down to about 2mm length opposed to 15mm correct length.

 

[piman]

Hello Georgie,

how old was you compressor, you don't get many brush motors about these days?
It's always worth checking that the drive belt is in good condition and tight? After that see how good the valve plates are?

Alec

 

[MonsterLandrover]

The old universal (sparking as they were fired called due to the sparks from the commutator) haven't been used on machinery since the 50s. Their mainly squirrel cage motors now with accap start. But some also use a cap to run. This helps improve power factor. If your motor is running slow and it is a cap start cap run, that would be worth checking. But my guess is bad valves or seats!

 

[rtbcomp]

Blocked air filter? Remove it and see if the tank fills more quickly.

 

[el_stig]

Thanks for all the replies so far guys!

The belt is in good nick and tight, checked last week. Filter I cleaned last week as well, I'll run it up with it off tomorrow though.

Is checking the valve plates in depth? I'm still learning on compressors!

Comp is from 2006

 

[shenion]

Might also check if the head bolts are loose. Mine came loose due to all the heat cycles and vibration.

Is it shutting off at the right pressure? The cutoff pressure on mine slowly drifted up over the years.

 

[the snooper]

the valves are usually reed valves and they can break or simply become clogged with dirt stopping them closing properly, take the head off and give them a clean

 

[el_stig]

Without sounding too green, is that as simple as removing the 4 allen bolts pulling the head off the gasket, cleaning everything and refitting?

 

[the snooper]

yes not a hard job at all, make sure the gaskets are in good condition before you put it back together

 

[el_stig]

What should i expect to see (not to see), Jesus, i wish i knew more sometimes! Gota learn somewhere!

 

[the snooper]

could be something as simple as this although there are many variations

 

[aametalmaster]

Mine had a clogged (with paint overspray) filter that was a metal screen in the head under the regular air filter. While i had it down i removed the head and replaced the reed valves because they too were crusty looking. The thing ran for 25 years that i owned it and prob 20 before i got it. I might add it was a pump from a freezer unit that prob why it had the metal cone shaped screen in the intake hole. The air cleaner was added by me when i changed it over to an air pump...Bob

 

[el_stig]

Thanks for your on going help guys! I appreciate all the help so far!

Had the filter off....doesn't fill quicker, so I bit the bullet and whipped the head off. Think I've found the cause of my problems. The gaskets were half thick with oil....also the reed valves were covered in a mix of oil and paint residue from spraying!

I've cleaned the lot BUT...the gaskets are goosed! So I need new gaskets before I can put the whole thing back together!

Where in God's name does one procure such items? The compressor is a Rand 150litre jobby.

These are the 3 require gaskets

You can see the gasket around the valves is covered in oil. They also appear to have metal running through the gasket paper....or I could be imagining things!

Any help once again guys would be great, thanks, Stu

 

[GeorgiePorgie]

You are better off making new gaskets yourself,you can buy gasket material on ebay but see how thick the old gaskets are and add a few thou to the thickness due to them being compressed.
Use the old gaskets as a template to draw round and then cut the piecs out with a sharp scalpel/craft knife.

 

[rtbcomp]

Make sure you get a material that will stand the heat and pressure.

 

[GeorgiePorgie]

The important thing is before shelling out is to make sure the heads and base are flat? especially where the paint has been seeping through.

Prolly need a straight edge like a steel rulers edge.

 

[GeorgiePorgie]

http://www.ecompressedair.com/compressor-parts/ingersoll-rand-compressor-parts.aspx

Ebay in the us has the kits.

Dunno if this is the right kit?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Ingersoll-R..._Automotive_Tools&vxp=mtr&hash=item2c682a1e8e

here's the ebay listings.
http://www.ebay.com/sch/sis.html?_n...36 Gasket Ingersoll Rand&_itemId=250410567969