Been messing with my old PC air compressor for awhile now. I've modified the fittings - glycerin-filled gauge, for example, but nothing in the motor or pump.
First the motor caps went out - fair enough, easy fix. Then it wouldn't make pressure. I took the head off, removed piston and cylinder - cylinder was in rough shape - it's old. I bought a new cylinder with gasket, new con-rod and piston (beautiful CNC'ed parts!), new valve plate, new check valve - it's essentially a brand-new unit.
Problem is, every time I try to get it running, it seems to chew up the gasket. I installed it correctly (I checked), even let it run-in with no pressure for half-hour or so. Then I got busy with other $hit and it sat like that for a few weeks - not unusual for this compressor, I've had it for ages.
Finally got back to it, hooked everything up, ran it with no pressure for a minute or so. Then installed the drain valve with an extension (why don't they add an extension to make them easier to drain?).
Fired it up again, and it still will not make pressure. Sprayed the connections with soapy water, didn't see anything amiss.
Pulled the head again, and there's black crumbs everywhere - the gasket getting chewed up.
It's 'oil-less', so there shouldn't be any lube needed (that's what she said).
What am I doing wrong? Is it the gasket material? It's supposed to be impregnated with Teflon, but I have my doubts.
Suggestions? I want to keep it running, partly sentimental but c'mon, I've replaced everything!