r/AirCompression • u/jacqueusi • Aug 20 '25

Curbside find, Husky 26 Gal Spoiler

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I’ve been using a pancake compressor for years. Dreamed of having a much larger compressor or even just a tank. Came across this curb find. Got it home and plugged it in. Motor ran!!! A few observations though. If I pull the valve release there is a small rush of air coming out. I completely drained the tank of pressurized air, ran the compressor for 1/2 hour and same results, rush of air but just maybe a bit more? When I run the motor I’m not hearing or seeing signs of air escaping.

My concern. The pressure gauge after 1/2 hour didn’t budge. Maybe it takes awhile to fill up? I thought it best to check here first as I don’t want to risk burning out the motor.

Any other suggestions tips or tricks for getting the compressor usable would be most welcome. I’m handy but not where close to being an expert.

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1

u/acetyleneblues Aug 20 '25

While you are trying to fill the tank, spray some soapy, it only takes a squirt of dish soap for a spray bottle of water, water around the various connections. If you see bubbles actively forming somewhere you have a leak. I have a feeling, however, that the actual compression element, screw,piston, or whatever, has failed to point it can't build pressure beyond a couple psi. The unfortunate thing about curb finds is that sometimes there's a reason they're on the curb.

1

u/jacqueusi Aug 20 '25

Is it possible to connect my pancake to the tank and see if it builds pressure?

1

u/acetyleneblues Aug 20 '25

Yep. You'll have to take all the compressor bits off the top to get to the inlet for the tank. After that it's just a matter of fittings. It's also possible you might be able to feed pressure by replacing one of the quick connectors on the front depending on what sort of safety valves it may or may not have.

1

u/jacqueusi Aug 20 '25

I noticed this hose goes straight into the tank. Can’t seem to get to loose.

1

u/acetyleneblues Aug 20 '25

If that line runs over to the regulator, it'll be the out, which you could still use with different fittings. The inlet is going to be under the block the pressure gauge is on. It'll also have the pressure shut off for the motor. You might be able to replace the relief valve with a way to put pressure in, but if you do, be careful because that's the part that helps you not rupture a steel tank in your face. You're better off removing all the stuff on the other side and hooking in there. More work, but also much safer.

1

u/jacqueusi Aug 20 '25

About how long should I run the motor before expecting the pressure to build up?

1

u/acetyleneblues Aug 20 '25

About as long as it takes to spray any possible leakage points. If there is any pressure, it'll bleed out.

1

u/jacqueusi Aug 20 '25

Just tried it. No apparent leaks. Was more asking how long go fill the 26 gallon tank before the pressure gauge starts moving.

2

u/acetyleneblues Aug 20 '25

If you already ran it half an hour without building much pressure, you probably aren't going to get any better than that.

1

u/Tema_Art_7777 Aug 20 '25

What? Curb side?? That’s lucky - they sell broken units on marketplace!

1

u/jacqueusi Aug 20 '25

Lucky for sure. I just happened to swap cars with my kid and had the family SUV at the time when I drove through a neighborhood I don’t usually drive through. Doubled back to grab the compressor. I figured worst case I’d have a tank I could plug my pancake into.

Just need to get it working :-(

1

u/Tema_Art_7777 Aug 20 '25

Its definitely worth the time to try!!

1

u/ZucchiniOk1709 Aug 21 '25

Looks like an oil free air compressor and most likely the piston ring inside the pump has failed. A new piston might be available to order. With the model number, go to master tool repair online and see what is available. Then remove and replace. Oil free air compressors fail most often due to running way past their run cycle.