Air compressor: rebuild or replace pump? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

pwdcougar · 10-07-2016, 09:44 PM

I have an upright Craftsman air compressor that doesn't build pressure as quickly as it used to. Thought it was the filter but swapping in a new one didn't change the recovery time. I used to be able to run my whiz tool (die grinder) or my sandblaster and it would run, build up pressure and shut off. Now the sandblaster and the whiz tool lose power and the compressor runs constantly and doesn't catch up.

I can get a complete brand new pump for about $190 or a ring and seal kit for about $90. It just doesn't seem right to spend the extra 100 bucks but considering I would get the whole pump.............

Paul

Warrens69GMC · 10-07-2016, 10:59 PM

picture of compressor, please

franken · 10-07-2016, 11:08 PM

Model number?
I'd say why not rebuild since chances are the new pump is from Asia.
My opinion after 4 compressors is if it isn't an 80 gallon Quincy or Saylor-Beall, why bother.

pwdcougar · 10-07-2016, 11:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Warrens69GMC

picture of compressor, please

Not much to see I had to mount it facing the wall for clearance. It is a 60 gallon Craftsman, oil lubricated, single stage with a 3.7hp motor. 10 cfm @ 90psi. Two cylinders. Probably about 5 years old. Research says it is a Sanborn 165

Paul

Warrens69GMC · 10-08-2016, 12:03 AM

Its what i wanted to see. Looks to be a aluminum head chinese pump

can get a replacement at harbor freight
http://www.harborfreight.com/145-psi...ump-67697.html

A quality replacement pump may cost a little more
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Kellogg-Amer...4AAOSwoydWp9pR

pwdcougar · 10-08-2016, 02:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Warrens69GMC

Its what i wanted to see. Looks to be a aluminum head chinese pump

can get a replacement at harbor freight
http://www.harborfreight.com/145-psi...ump-67697.html

A quality replacement pump may cost a little more
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Kellogg-Amer...4AAOSwoydWp9pR

Wow that's quite a difference! Thanks Warren!

_Ogre · 10-08-2016, 05:05 PM

i have a 18 yr old craftsman 10 cfm @90psi with a 7 hp motor that i never turn off unless i go on vacation
my neighbor has the same compressor as you have with the 3.7 hp motor and about the same age
it has the same problem where it won't build pressure

i think craftsman just used a cheap pump on them
i'd buy a new pump before wasting $90 on rebuilding a cheap pump
either way you'll still have a cheap pump

pwdcougar · 10-08-2016, 05:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by _Ogre

i have a 18 yr old craftsman 10 cfm @90psi with a 7 hp motor that i never turn off unless i go on vacation
my neighbor has the same compressor as you have with the 3.7 hp motor and about the same age
it has the same problem where it won't build pressure

i think craftsman just used a cheap pump on them
i'd buy a new pump before wasting $90 on rebuilding a cheap pump
either way you'll still have a cheap pump

Thanks Ogre

Think I'll spring for the new Harbor Fright pump that Warren provided a link for. At work we have a couple nice older IR compressors that run what's left of our pneumatic thermostat system. Next summer they are scheduled to be removed and the system upgraded to electric controls. I'll pick one of them up and rebuild it. The HF pump should last a year!

Thanks again guys

Paul

pwdcougar · 10-20-2016, 08:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Warrens69GMC

Its what i wanted to see. Looks to be a aluminum head chinese pump

can get a replacement at harbor freight
http://www.harborfreight.com/145-psi...ump-67697.html

A quality replacement pump may cost a little more
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Kellogg-Amer...4AAOSwoydWp9pR

Hey Warren

Looks like I won't be able to score the one from work next year after all. They took the conversion out of the budget. I did a search on Ebay for 3hp pumps and came up with this one.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/EMAX-3-HP-Si...8AAOSwSclXK6WM

Is this one better than the Harbor Freight pump?

Paul

pwdcougar · 10-20-2016, 08:51 PM

Or how about this one

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Powermate-3-...MAAOSwLqFV8hOc

Warrens69GMC · 10-21-2016, 01:11 AM

Something like this:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Champion-VP1...gAAOSwOdpX1wpK

or this

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Schulz-Singl...0AAOSwx~JWFA~V

pwdcougar · 10-21-2016, 08:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Warrens69GMC

Something like this:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Champion-VP1...gAAOSwOdpX1wpK

or this

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Schulz-Singl...0AAOSwx~JWFA~V

Thanks for the links Warren. Did you check out the ones in my links? They seem to have better CFM numbers but are they cheap sh*t?

Paul

Warrens69GMC · 10-21-2016, 09:27 PM

They seem decent enough. I linked to more widely known quality compressors.

pwdcougar · 10-21-2016, 09:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Warrens69GMC

They seem decent enough. I linked to more widely known quality compressors.

Ok great!

Thanks again Warren

pwdcougar · 10-21-2016, 09:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Warrens69GMC

Something like this:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Champion-VP1...gAAOSwOdpX1wpK

or this

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Schulz-Singl...0AAOSwx~JWFA~V

Sorry for being a pain. I've been comparing the photos in both of your links and I believe they are the same brand of pump. The Champion pump shows a picture with a Shultz data plate!

Paul

pwdcougar · 10-23-2016, 02:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Warrens69GMC

Something like this:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Champion-VP1...gAAOSwOdpX1wpK

or this

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Schulz-Singl...0AAOSwx~JWFA~V

Warren

Made an offer on the Champion pump and will get it for $200 shipped. Thanks again.

Paul

Warrens69GMC · 10-23-2016, 11:12 PM

Awesome!! should last for many years!!

pwdcougar · 10-27-2016, 08:38 PM

The new pump came in and now I've got another problem. The original chinese pump has two things going into the pump head. One is the the supply to the tank and the other goes into the pressure shut off. The new pump doesn't have the tapped fitting for the pressure switch line. Any ideas on how to plumb this?

Thanks

Paul

**truckdude239** · 10-28-2016, 07:57 AM

My champion pumps at work the pressure cut off is pumbled to the tank

pwdcougar · 10-28-2016, 12:49 PM

Thanks David. I'm not sure the tank wall is going to be thick enough to drill and tap though. I'll have to look and see if there is a good location to do it.

Paul

Marv D · 10-28-2016, 03:07 PM

Why not just use a T fitting at the tank and read PSI off the pressure line from the compressor?????

**truckdude239** · 10-28-2016, 04:33 PM

yea you really dont wanna drill the tank ours are made that way with a place welded in

pwdcougar · 10-28-2016, 06:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Marv D

Why not just use a T fitting at the tank and read PSI off the pressure line from the compressor?????

I think the small line feeds the gauge and pressure switch. The T fitting at the tank should work.

Thanks Marv

Paul

Warrens69GMC · 10-29-2016, 12:56 AM

Some of the compressors use a t fitting at the inlet

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ynDHNO_Klr...422_094716.jpg

Rannoch · 11-04-2016, 10:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pwdcougar

The new pump came in and now I've got another problem. The original chinese pump has two things going into the pump head. One is the the supply to the tank and the other goes into the pressure shut off. The new pump doesn't have the tapped fitting for the pressure switch line. Any ideas on how to plumb this?

Thanks

Paul

Is the pressure switch also plumbed to the tank?
The 1/4" line is probably for the unloader valve, it empties the pressurized air out of the cylinders/line so the compressor starts easily and doesn't damage the motor.

10-07-2016, 09:44 PM	#1
pwdcougar Registered User Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: New Jersey Posts: 1,302	Air compressor: rebuild or replace pump? I have an upright Craftsman air compressor that doesn't build pressure as quickly as it used to. Thought it was the filter but swapping in a new one didn't change the recovery time. I used to be able to run my whiz tool (die grinder) or my sandblaster and it would run, build up pressure and shut off. Now the sandblaster and the whiz tool lose power and the compressor runs constantly and doesn't catch up. I can get a complete brand new pump for about $190 or a ring and seal kit for about $90. It just doesn't seem right to spend the extra 100 bucks but considering I would get the whole pump............. Paul __________________ "You know that little thing in your head that keeps you from saying things you shouldn't? Yeah well, I don't have one of those" 1969 Mercury Cougar Standard 4 speed 1969 Mercury Cougar XR7 convertible 1970 4WD Chevrolet Suburban 1997 4WD Chevrolet Silverado Extended Cab Short Bed (purchased new January 1997) Last edited by pwdcougar; 10-07-2016 at 09:52 PM. Reason: spelled something wrong!

10-07-2016, 10:59 PM	#2
Warrens69GMC Registered User Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Safford,AZ Posts: 3,613	Re: Air compressor: rebuild or replace pump? picture of compressor, please

10-07-2016, 11:08 PM	#3
franken Registered User Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: Somewhere Posts: 3,052	Re: Air compressor: rebuild or replace pump? Model number? I'd say why not rebuild since chances are the new pump is from Asia. My opinion after 4 compressors is if it isn't an 80 gallon Quincy or Saylor-Beall, why bother.

10-08-2016, 12:03 AM	#5
Warrens69GMC Registered User Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Safford,AZ Posts: 3,613	Re: Air compressor: rebuild or replace pump? Its what i wanted to see. Looks to be a aluminum head chinese pump can get a replacement at harbor freight http://www.harborfreight.com/145-psi...ump-67697.html A quality replacement pump may cost a little more http://www.ebay.com/itm/Kellogg-Amer...4AAOSwoydWp9pR

10-08-2016, 05:05 PM	#7
_Ogre Registered User Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Motown Posts: 7,666	Re: Air compressor: rebuild or replace pump? i have a 18 yr old craftsman 10 cfm @90psi with a 7 hp motor that i never turn off unless i go on vacation my neighbor has the same compressor as you have with the 3.7 hp motor and about the same age it has the same problem where it won't build pressure i think craftsman just used a cheap pump on them i'd buy a new pump before wasting $90 on rebuilding a cheap pump either way you'll still have a cheap pump __________________ cool, an ogre smiley Ogre's 58 Truk build how to put your truck year and build thread into your signature shop air compressor timer

10-20-2016, 08:51 PM	#10
pwdcougar Registered User Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: New Jersey Posts: 1,302	Re: Air compressor: rebuild or replace pump? Or how about this one http://www.ebay.com/itm/Powermate-3-...MAAOSwLqFV8hOc __________________ "You know that little thing in your head that keeps you from saying things you shouldn't? Yeah well, I don't have one of those" 1969 Mercury Cougar Standard 4 speed 1969 Mercury Cougar XR7 convertible 1970 4WD Chevrolet Suburban 1997 4WD Chevrolet Silverado Extended Cab Short Bed (purchased new January 1997)

10-21-2016, 01:11 AM	#11
Warrens69GMC Registered User Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Safford,AZ Posts: 3,613	Re: Air compressor: rebuild or replace pump? Something like this: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Champion-VP1...gAAOSwOdpX1wpK or this http://www.ebay.com/itm/Schulz-Singl...0AAOSwx~JWFA~V Last edited by Warrens69GMC; 10-21-2016 at 01:24 AM.

10-21-2016, 09:27 PM	#13
Warrens69GMC Registered User Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Safford,AZ Posts: 3,613	Re: Air compressor: rebuild or replace pump? They seem decent enough. I linked to more widely known quality compressors.

10-23-2016, 11:12 PM	#17
Warrens69GMC Registered User Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Safford,AZ Posts: 3,613	Re: Air compressor: rebuild or replace pump? Awesome!! should last for many years!!

10-27-2016, 08:38 PM	#18
pwdcougar Registered User Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: New Jersey Posts: 1,302	Re: Air compressor: rebuild or replace pump? The new pump came in and now I've got another problem. The original chinese pump has two things going into the pump head. One is the the supply to the tank and the other goes into the pressure shut off. The new pump doesn't have the tapped fitting for the pressure switch line. Any ideas on how to plumb this? Thanks Paul Attached Images __________________ "You know that little thing in your head that keeps you from saying things you shouldn't? Yeah well, I don't have one of those" 1969 Mercury Cougar Standard 4 speed 1969 Mercury Cougar XR7 convertible 1970 4WD Chevrolet Suburban 1997 4WD Chevrolet Silverado Extended Cab Short Bed (purchased new January 1997)

10-28-2016, 07:57 AM	#19
truckdude239 Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Lewisville, Nc Posts: 10,217	Re: Air compressor: rebuild or replace pump? My champion pumps at work the pressure cut off is pumbled to the tank __________________ David fuller Ase Certified Mechanic Click here to help support our board!! 1971 Chevy c-10 under going a 4.8l LSx swap Build Thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=421305 2007 Honda Accord my daily 145kmiles 2002 Honda Accord 4 door With 330k(sisters car) 2005 toyota Avalon 228k( brothers car) 2002 Sububran 5.3 245k 2000 Tahoe 5.3l 378 General manager for Marco's Carwash & lube

10-28-2016, 12:49 PM	#20
pwdcougar Registered User Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: New Jersey Posts: 1,302	Re: Air compressor: rebuild or replace pump? Thanks David. I'm not sure the tank wall is going to be thick enough to drill and tap though. I'll have to look and see if there is a good location to do it. Paul __________________ "You know that little thing in your head that keeps you from saying things you shouldn't? Yeah well, I don't have one of those" 1969 Mercury Cougar Standard 4 speed 1969 Mercury Cougar XR7 convertible 1970 4WD Chevrolet Suburban 1997 4WD Chevrolet Silverado Extended Cab Short Bed (purchased new January 1997)

10-28-2016, 03:07 PM	#21
Marv D Registered Truck Offender Join Date: May 2008 Location: hells training ground (aka Ariz) Posts: 3,118	Re: Air compressor: rebuild or replace pump? Why not just use a T fitting at the tank and read PSI off the pressure line from the compressor????? __________________ Still playin with trucks, even at my age! When you're dead, it's only a problem for the people around you, because you don't know you're dead. .....It's kinda the same when your STUPID. I just did my taxes and reviewed my SS statement. Thanks to the current administration it looks like I will only have to work till noon on the day of my funeral.

10-28-2016, 04:33 PM	#22
truckdude239 Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Lewisville, Nc Posts: 10,217	Re: Air compressor: rebuild or replace pump? yea you really dont wanna drill the tank ours are made that way with a place welded in __________________ David fuller Ase Certified Mechanic Click here to help support our board!! 1971 Chevy c-10 under going a 4.8l LSx swap Build Thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=421305 2007 Honda Accord my daily 145kmiles 2002 Honda Accord 4 door With 330k(sisters car) 2005 toyota Avalon 228k( brothers car) 2002 Sububran 5.3 245k 2000 Tahoe 5.3l 378 General manager for Marco's Carwash & lube

10-29-2016, 12:56 AM	#24
Warrens69GMC Registered User Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Safford,AZ Posts: 3,613	Re: Air compressor: rebuild or replace pump? Some of the compressors use a t fitting at the inlet http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ynDHNO_Klr...422_094716.jpg



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