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New compressor question

S

slash007

Well-known member
My 80 gallon compressor developed a small hole in tank. I ready that if you get one hole, you are likely to get more soon, so better to replace instead of trying to patch it. As I shopped for new compressors, I noticed that some have a box on the front that have a contactor/motor starter inside and a reset button on the outside. Some do not. Mine did, and I'm wondering if I need one that has the same setup. or can I get a cheaper version that doesn't? Here is what I'm talking about:

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After seeing a YouTube video where the guy talked about the aftermath of his compressor that had rusted the bottom and exploded I would probably make replacement a really high priority.
 
I have replaced too many pressure switches on my Ingersoll compressor. {1-2 a year} I now and future will always buy a compressor with the true "motor starter" type like you show. I plan to replace the one I have with a 3 phase unit
 
5 bay SS and 2 IBA with air doors, so lots of air. I'm hoping to have it replaced in the next 2 days, I have been having nightmares about it exploding. Am I looking for single stage or 2 stage?
 
That box on the side of Air Compressor is called a Magnetic starter. High end air compressors use them. It would be a good idea to replace it ASAP! We use a pretty good size Champion Air compressor at the wash that has 4 automatics and it has been working fine. After you replace the air compressor destroy the leaking tank so no one else tries to use it. It a ticking time bomb.
 
If it has a box with motor starter it is more than likely a three phase compressor. The one you listed at tractor supply is a single phase compressor. If your current compressor motor has two "humps" on it is single phase and that's where the capacitors are located. Three phase motors are actually simpler than a single phase motor and you are less likely to have issues with the motor in the future. I've got two Quincy compressors and I've had to work on the single phase compressor motor several times (just replaced the pressure switch a couple months ago)but only once on the older three phase at the much busier wash. The QT-5 three phase has been a good compressor for ten years at a very busy 4/2 and is lower RPM which makes it relatively quiet compared to the QT-54 single phase.

No idea who really makes the DeWalt and if it's any good. I stick with compressor builders and not brands that are just outsourcing. They may be great but I wonder about parts availability in the future, etc. Check Northern tool in your area if you're in a rush to replace.
 
Greg Pack said:
If it has a box with motor starter it is more than likely a three phase compressor. The one you listed at tractor supply is a single phase compressor. If your current compressor motor has two "humps" on it is single phase and that's where the capacitors are located. Three phase motors are actually simpler than a single phase motor and you are less likely to have issues with the motor in the future. I've got two Quincy compressors and I've had to work on the single phase compressor motor several times (just replaced the pressure switch a couple months ago)but only once on the older three phase at the much busier wash. The QT-5 three phase has been a good compressor for ten years and is lower RPM which makes it relatively quiet compared to the QT-54 single phase.

Check Northern tool in your area if you're in a rush to replace
Click to expand...
Good catch, I am looking for 3 phase.
 
ACS Air Compressor Service is who I always used. They are in Elizabethtown. Only They only do compressors and were usually pretty available if I was in a bind. Emergency service, too. Give Eric a shout.

www.aircompressorserviceky.com

Home | ACS Air Compressor Service

We offer air compressor sales, service, repair, emergency service and parts. Free consultations and estimates. Speedy serving. Manufacturer warranties.
www.aircompressorserviceky.com www.aircompressorserviceky.com
 
You don't want the Dewalt. I needed a compressor in a hurry and tractor supply was the only place in town that had compressors. Bought a dewalt and it was doing fine for a month or so. Had a customer that needed a compressor quickly and got him one. Both have had to have new motors and of course tractor supply couldn't do anything to help. The one I got uses a flat belt and trying to get it running straight was the biggest pain in the rear.
 
No idea if mentioned but most high end compressors have a drain at the bottom of the tank. If you install an auto drain valve it will blow out any water in the tank. We set ours to trigger every 20 min for 5 seconds so no water accumulates. Helps keep tanks from rusting in the bottom.
 
I have an auto drain on all of mine, but either don't have it set to drain enough, or it doesn't work. After I discovered the leak I started thinking about how I always hear the auto drain at my other locations, but can't remember the last time I heard this one. I'm sure the stupid hole could have been prevented. I actually just recently bought a seal kit as it was slowly leaking oil, but never got around to installing it. Guess its too late now lol.
 
We have our compressors inspected by a state authorized person (per our insurance company at their cost). Inspector is primarily for our boilers but does the compressor too. He tests the pressure relief valve and occasionally makes us replace one that is working but that he does not trust 100%. The value costs less than $10 so we keep a spare or two on hand all the times.
 
All my washes except one have three phase compressors. Three is better for sure but single phase will work. The one wash that has a single phase is a $800 kobalt I bought around 10 years ago in a pinch. Other then replacing the pressure switch which takes about 10 minutes every 3 years or so it has worked flawlessly. If you can spend the money for three phase I would do that but if you are tight then a single phase from Lowes or HD will work. If you do choose single phase you will just need to disconnect one wire from the breaker box and install a double pole breaker. In a pinch a few times at customers wash ive even used the 3 phase breaker but cut the bar connecting to third phase. Not exactly code lol but gets you by until you get a breaker. Wire size is the same. Good luck!
 
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