V twin compressor seized up !

[martinez]

Was using my 3hp vtwin with 50lt tank for about 15 minutes when it started making a strange metallic sound. So I shut it off n started it again. Same sound so turned it off. Let it cool down a bit and tried again, this time motor just hummed. Oil level good so no problem there So took screws out to access fan and it’s stuck fast and won’t move in either direction.
Anyone had experience of these compressors ? They all look the same apart from the colour, mine is black
Or is it just a case of Chinese Junk ?

 

[gaz1]

there built on a generick design betwern them

are they worth repairing depends if aldi are doing any special offers or you can faff and change the pump

 

[WorkshopChris]

Not a lot to go wrong, well worth a strip then clean and inspect.

 

[brightspark]

if its direct drive don't bother

 

[martinez]

It’s direct drive. So, what’s the issue with these Brightspark ?
It worked great until yesterday

 

[earthman]

I'm looking to upgrade to that size compressor so I'll be keeping an eye on this thread, which one not to buy.

 

[WorkshopChris]

It worked great until yesterday

I purchased a few of the smaller direct drive compressors as customer returns, i built a few up form salvaging parts from damaged units.
I kept one it ran daily for a year then seized and burnt the motor windings out, so i pulled it apart cleaned everything found lots of metal contamination in the oil swarf and bits from manufacturing, polished the end of the crank fettled everything and rebuilt with a salvaged set of windings, that compressor has gone on to do 5+ years running a blow gun and nail gun in a production environment on a daily basis, so worth a look to see what you can do.

 

[frank horton]

The cheapo direct drive compressors spin so fast, so if anything does go wrong it's usually a disaster....they are all made DOWN to a price...
I always look out for compressor pump units on car boots etc....the old fashioned belt driven sort....then build a comp outta parts....works for me...
Especially when u see the price of new pump units in MacineMart, Clarke etc etc...

After run in times, I always change the oil for synthetic motor oil 5-40...

Biggest probs with comps is nobody remembers to check the oil level....

 

[brightspark]

It’s direct drive. So, what’s the issue with these Brightspark ?
It worked great until yesterday

there made to a budget and with direct drive . if anything happens to the motor or pump your pretty much screwed and not worth fixing another point is they overheat quicker than a separate unit. pump and motor belt drive are the best as you can easily either for not a lot of cash and are more reliable

 

[earthman]

https://www.machinemart.co.uk/p/clarke-racer-950p-2hp-50-litre-belt-driven-ai-2/

Just been looking at the one above, they certainly cost more than a direct drive equivalent.

This one is more my budget: https://www.machinemart.co.uk/p/clarke-tiger-11510-2-5hp-50-litre-air-compres/

 

[martinez]

I’ll have to investigate. Too busy fixing up my Motorhome at moment. And I’ve got 4 other compressors anyway !

 

[martinez]

Well, the news isn’t good. Total failure

 

[slim_boy_fat]

Ahhhhh, that's fairly terminal.

 

[Morrisman]

Wow, a busted rod on an air compressor.

Any sign of seizure or fouling, or could it just be metal fatigue on a cheaply made casting?

 

[martinez]

Well, it’s hard to say. I still can’t move anything. What a crap design. There’s nothing on the end of the crank, no bearing not even a circling to stop the rods from walking along and falling off. It’ll have to wait for now as the welding on my camper van has turned into a nightmare. Chassis is cracked both sides
Think I’ll leave the van for now, weathers looking good and I haven’t ridden my bike yet this year

 

[chris pruteanu]

Thats a lovely bike ! Love the look on the indians...

 

[brightspark]

Thats a lovely bike ! Love the look on the indians...

the old ones are the best on the wall of death well worth going to see there unreal