Air compressor s**t the bed today UPDATE

[ARAMP1]

It finally happened...I've had this craftsman professional 7 hp/60 gal compressor since 2005 and it finally died on me. Wouldn't build up past 90 PSI and was spitting oil all over the place. I was cutting some metal and took a piss break. When I came back out to the garage, I was IMC...walking through a thick cloud of oily smoke.

There was a bit of a knock, like a rod was loose on the crank. Sure enough, here's what I see when I tear into it.

Sides of the cylinders/pistons are scored a bit.

Head gasket was trashed and there was A LOT of gunk.

I'm guessing one doesn't rebuild these. Now the decision is to just buy a new pump or a whole new air compressor. I was thinking about replacing the just the pump. The tank and the electric motor seem to be in fairly good shape. And I was wondering what I was going to spend my tax return on.

 

[CGT80]

Craftsman may still have parts for that. I don't know if it is worth the price they may want. I rebuilt an oil less 60 gal craftsman compressor a couple years ago. It was worth it for that one, but I don't remember if I did both pistons and rods.

 

[ARAMP1]

Well, I replaced the compressor with a harbor freight unit and had good luck with it for a while. I don't ever remember the tank filling so quickly.

Okay, so its working fine for a bit then just quit. It was getting power to the motor, so I decided to replace the start and run capacitors. It started up okay and ran for about a minute then started shooting sparks. I replaced the capacitors with identical ones.

Any ideas on the next place to look? I'm guessing its getting t9 be about motor replacement time.

 

[Highpsi]

Man, what a PITA huh? Hate to see the hassle you're going through trying to repair this thing now. How much use, and what duty of use does your compressor see usually? I only ask because if you use air a lot, and heavy duty at times then an upgrade to a heavy duty compressor might be the answer in the long run. If you've got a 60 gal. to begin with, I'd just guess you are using it a lot and saw a reason to buy one that big to start with.

BTW, did you do oil changes on the old compressor?

 

[ARAMP1]

Man, what a PITA huh? Hate to see the hassle you're going through trying to repair this thing now. How much use, and what duty of use does your compressor see usually? I only ask because if you use air a lot, and heavy duty at times then an upgrade to a heavy duty compressor might be the answer in the long run. If you've got a 60 gal. to begin with, I'd just guess you are using it a lot and saw a reason to buy one that big to start with.

BTW, did you do oil changes on the old compressor?

Yeah, that's what I'm thinking as of late. Didn't think I used it a whole lot. Though I did go through periods of metal cutting where it was constantly being cycled. Probably would have been not too much more money and especially less hassle if I would have just broke down and bought a new one.

Changed the oil about once a year or so.

 

[ARAMP1]

Welp, I feel like an idiot.

I went out and checked all my connections again and noticed A LOT of dust and what not inside of the motor. Decided WTH and drenched it with electrical cleaner. Fired right up and ran without a hitch. Guess I'm good to go...for now.

 

[Highpsi]

Welp, I feel like an idiot.

I went out and checked all my connections again and noticed A LOT of dust and what not inside of the motor. Decided WTH and drenched it with electrical cleaner. Fired right up and ran without a hitch. Guess I'm good to go...for now.

Shaaaawing! Awesome, assume the position and back to work now!

Hmm... Now you got me worried about the filth that has likely built up in mine too...