Old Honeywell compressor questions

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I just picked up an old Honeywell air compressor off craigslist for $15. It kinda works, but is very slow to build pressure and won't build all that much. I'm trying to figure out where I should start with it... I've never worked on a compressor before, just figured for the price it was worth a shot. Click any picture for a larger version. Lincoln 175HD
Reply:Honeywell, huh?Probably part of a low-volume low-pressure air supply for  HVAC control, rather than a purpose-built shop compressor.It's a single stage pump turned by a 1/2HP motor and with cut-out set at 65 psi; with those specs you can't expect a lot of it.Still a handy utility compressor, especially for the price,  just not in the league of running tools or anything like that.But with that said,  if performance still seems poor you could start by checking condition of the valves.Good LuckLast edited by denrep; 10-20-2012 at 10:39 PM.
Reply:Yeah, it'll be good for airing up tires and cleaning things off with but not for running air tools. How do I check the valves? I've never done anything to one before other than change the oil. It's all made in the USA, so while it's low spec I'm sure it's well made.Lincoln 175HD
Reply:Originally Posted by slotard. . .How do I check the valves?
Reply:We used to build control systems for honeywell, back in the eightysThat's a single stage pump - i didn't see a check vlv in discharge line If you are going to continue to use pump - put a check vlv on it check for a drain in bottom of tank - we have used that motor on small units - pretty good if you dont start to many times an hourjust be careful with it  - it could run for a long time or the tank could hydro and split wide openThe main thing is not to panic or get excited Bobcat 250, X-Treme 12VS,  MM211Meltabo, Milwaukee,Porter Cable,Dewalt,MakitaVictor O/A, Ingersoll-RandEvolution Rage2, 40 amp PlasmaLincoln 225 AC/DC
Reply:After buying it today, I realized that of course it uses SAE fasteners everywhere. I primarily use my tools on my motorcycle, sometimes my car, both are all metric. Because of that, I left my SAE tools at my parents place - most of them I've never used anyway. So, I probably won't be able to tear this thing down until after Thanksgiving. Oh well, it's not like I really need to use it. I'll update when I take it apart.Lincoln 175HD
Reply:Correct, I don't see a check valve either. It has a drain, I drained it and got a *tiny* bit of moisture out - very little. At some point I might try to borrow a 3/4" impact gun to remove the access ports and take a look inside to see how rusty it is.Lincoln 175HD
Reply:The drain can fool you  - they will rust over inside - the drain vlv itself could be plugedbest way to make sure is to drain all air from tank - remove drain and check to see if drain hole is open - as far as getting one of the inspection plugs out - good luckwe have had to use a 36" cheater bar on a 24" pipe wrench and sometimes end up heating it to get it out - this can lead to damaged threads in port - best thing onthis unit is to make sure drain is open - and dont load tank with more than what switchis set atThe main thing is not to panic or get excited Bobcat 250, X-Treme 12VS,  MM211Meltabo, Milwaukee,Porter Cable,Dewalt,MakitaVictor O/A, Ingersoll-RandEvolution Rage2, 40 amp PlasmaLincoln 225 AC/DC
Reply:There was a small amount of rust that came out. The drain isn't plugged, air flows through it if I turn the compressor on with it open. It was a little plugged up at first but when I turned the compressor on, everything came out pretty easily.Is there any reasonable way to check for rust? I certainly want to make sure that I'm safe, don't want to risk having it blow up on me.Lincoln 175HD
Reply:try to get a plug out, find yourself a car lightbulb and socket that will fit inside, and have a good look inside for rust.. Find a bigger motor and pull the head off to check and clean the valves valves. They must be smooth so no scapeing and scratching, think rag and carbcleaner. If you can get the line off that goes into the tank check for a check valve (it could be inside a fitting). There is your start I did all this long ago. My first compreeser was built in 1961 and spent its life pumping draft in a basement of a gross bar in toronto. The heads and valves were so full of crap it couldn't make pressure at all. Better when I cleaned it and did all the rest. I ended up changeing the compresser head. And ultimatley the complete compresser. I had it for about 15 years. I had to exchange some work includeing parts. In the long run If I had it to do again I wouldnt bother. I got it to where it would do the job I wanted from a compresser, but it  never did all that well, and it was still OLD.Miller thunderbolt 250Decastar 135ERecovering tool-o-holic ESAB OAI have been interested or involved in Electrical, Fire Alarm, Auto, Marine, Welding, Electronics ETC to name a just a few. So YES you can own too many tools.
Reply:Well, I borrowed some SAE tools and it certainly appears the reeds are letting some air past. Where can I buy new ones?Lincoln 175HD
Reply:clean them and try flipping over sometimes that works (depending on the type of valve). post a pic of the valve. do you have the gasket making material? and do you know how to make a gasket yet? assuming you had to pull the head.Last edited by dumb as a stump; 10-23-2012 at 04:39 AM.Miller thunderbolt 250Decastar 135ERecovering tool-o-holic ESAB OAI have been interested or involved in Electrical, Fire Alarm, Auto, Marine, Welding, Electronics ETC to name a just a few. So YES you can own too many tools.