Vintage Air Compressor - Calls for 10W-40?

[ecotourist]

Was there water in the tank? If so I'd be doubly worried about corrosion.

I'd suggest running it up the first time outside and well away from buildings. If it suddenly developed a big leak while under pressure it would be dangerous.

Once you've run it up, I'd suggest backing off the pressure a little.

 

[ctechbob]

FWIW I've been running my Hammer Freight compressor on 5W30 Havoline for ages now. It wouldn't start in the cold with the oil that came with it. If it lasts another 5-10 years I will have gotten my money's worth.

 

[AdmiralYoda]

As promised.. and I noticed "E2376" stamped into the side of the motor. The electric motor also says it draws 17.8A @ 120V but it has a 15A plug. Was the 20A plug/socket a standard size back then?

I turned the pulley by hand and it spun. Compressor made pufffft-pufffft sounds, so thats good!

 

[Mainia]

No issues with 30 years of boutique car oil with detergents, with a couple years of very high use and the rest very little use and changed it often when in heavy use. Now....10 year old Redline 5w-30 is still in there. When I retire in 2-3 years I will change it.

 

[CleanSump]

Its says detergent oil right on it! So I have learned something today.

 

[meep]

Such a pretty piece of equipment! Love the 2 lung side by side pump.

Yeah I’d be nervous about the tank too. I’d probably be too nervous to run it.

 

[AdmiralYoda]

New plan. You guys have got me a bit concerned about the tank. On one hand I wonder how many people or shops for that matter are using 10, 20, 30 year old or older tanks out there and are doing okay. 99.5% chance this tank would work fine indefinitely...until it doesn't.

On the other hand... I got this for free and the compressor pump and electrical motor are USA made and probably built better than 95% of the products out there today.

I believe my grandpa's compressor has a 7 gallon tank on it. I'm going to upgrade the tank to a new 20 gallon tank and mount the old motor/pump onto it. Cheap? Not exactly as the new tank is about $385 shipped. But...it is a 175 psi tank that I would feel comfortable running at 125-150psi and regulating down to 90-100psi for my tools.

A new name brand 20 gallon portable horizontal compressor that pushes 5.5-ish CFM at 90 psi runs in the $800-$1000+ range. Would a new one be better built that this one? Probably not.

Here is a replacement 20 gallon tank with the mounting plates, wheels and handle included. $385 shipped. Campbell Hausfeld AR2088.

 

[Lubener]

Did it require 10w-40 non-detergent by chance?

I never heard of a N.D. 10w-40.

 

[Propflux01]

It's used in pumps.

 

[anderson]

It was a skinny 4 rib belt. I looked
For one for about 20 years for one. I ended up modifying it to use a tensioner then the tank rusted out

a&i products (which is owned by john deere and most dealers can access) sells those belts , j series , they come in various ribs and sizes.

 

[AdmiralYoda]

a&i products (which is owned by john deere and most dealers can access) sells those belts , j series , they come in various ribs and sizes.

McMaster also has a variety of serpentine belts as well. I haven't measured the one that is on there but I suspect it is a standard size...
McMaster - Banded V-Belts (Serpentine)

 

[Tempest1]

If it is a standard V belt you can get link style belts that can be made to any size. They don't really take a "set" over time which is also nice. I've had one on my compressor for years and they are smooth.

 

[AdmiralYoda]

If it is a standard V belt you can get link style belts that can be made to any size. They don't really take a "set" over time which is also nice. I've had one on my compressor for years and they are smooth.

It is a "banded v-belt", aka...a serpentine belt. I think it was 4-ribs if I recall. I was surprised actually considering it is from the 70's.