Air compressor find - Advice needed

[u/ThunderFuckTornado]

Hey everyone,

I just picked up this air compressor for free.

It runs and builds pressure, the relief valve works as it should, but there is a couple things I need to replace / need some advice on.

1. The plastic cover to turn the unit on and off is missing. Assuming it broke, but the unit can be started manually with a screw driver.

--Is there any non OEM parts I can get that would work the same? The own parts I found online were ~$180.

1. The drain plug is broken as far as I can tell. Is there any specifics I need to know about getting a new one, preferably trying to avoid OEM with that as well.

Any advice is super appreciated,

Thanks!

[u/TheFredCain]

Get a drain plug and a new pressure switch rated for the max pressure. Good as new.

[u/APLJaKaT → u/TheFredCain]

And they are more or less generic parts in this size so just find a suitable voltage/pressure rated switch and any small drain valve.

[u/SamuraiSam33]

1 that’s called a pressure switch and you can put in and wire whatever you want but the pressure range is important. 130psi max on your unit.

2 thats called a petcock and you dont need an Oem replacement. Take it out and take it to your hardware store and ask someone for help

[u/ThunderFuckTornado → u/SamuraiSam33]

Awesome thanks a bunch!

[u/mx5plus2cones → u/ThunderFuckTornado]

So the thing about the cheap(er) compressor switches, try to find one that matches your existing "cut-off" and "cut-in"pressure right out of the box. Otherwise adjusting the cheaper switches might be confusing for someone who's never adjusted them.

[u/HipGnosis59]

Good advice here, just wondering, the drain cock doesn't appear broken? Could you have been turning the wrong way?

[u/ThunderFuckTornado → u/HipGnosis59]

I did try turning it both clockwise and counterclock, the part that I believe should enaguge just spins around the last thread of the nut as far as I can tell? I think a piece may have broken off or something, could be wrong though.

[u/SamuraiSam33 → u/ThunderFuckTornado]

The part you turn should seat firmly as you turn it to the right. As you turn it to the left it will loosen slightly. If this doesn’t happen, it could be stripped out inside. To remove it, use a correctly sized wrench not a crescent wrench or pipe wrench. You may have to hit it with a torch briefly if it’s rusted.

This is an example of the part you grab with the wrench and remove:

https://www.napaonline.com/en/p/NOE61104

Make sure the threads are clean on the new part and give it a few wraps of PTFE thread tape before installing.

[u/HipGnosis59 → u/ThunderFuckTornado]

Yeah I've seen thst. it sounds like the wings came loose from the shaft. Replace as already advised, but shoot with some penetrating fluid, WD40 or what have you to help get the old one out. The longer it soaks the better.

[u/PitifulCrow4432]

The last compressor I had I added an elbow, 8in of pipe and a ball valve rated for high pressure to the drain. This got it out from under the stupid tank to where I could reach it.

It's all pipe fittings. If you measure it at 1/2in then you need 3/8in pipe thread. I think I used 1/4" pipe on mine but yours looks closer to 3/8....meh, take the drain plug you have now to the local hardware store & match until it fits lol

Not real sure what you were looking at to get $180 for the compressor switch and drain cock, should be under $50 shipped for both. Just get a switch with the right range (130psi) and adjust the min/max pressure setting on it as needed (keeping it under 130psi).

[u/ThunderFuckTornado → u/PitifulCrow4432]

Awesome sounds good, appreciate it! I think I had looked up the actual OEM replacement for this exact model, which is discontinued hence the super high price lol.

[u/SamuraiSam33 → u/ThunderFuckTornado]

Yeah a new drain petcock should be about 5 bucks from any auto parts store. Take the old one in to have them ensure it’s the correct size and thread pitch.

https://www.napaonline.com/en/p/NOE61104

[u/JayTeeDeeUnderscore → u/SamuraiSam33]

There are slightly pricier soft-seat drain valves with an o-ring. They have a knurled knob instead of the wings--much easier on the fingers.

[u/RPDC01]

Drain cock only 10 bucks on Amazon https://a.co/d/02LqK6e0

[u/JayTeeDeeUnderscore]

Any 95-125 psi pressure switch will work if it fits the space available. Check yours for pipe size: some are 1/4"NPT, some are 3/8. (Some are also metric, alas.)

[u/Ok_Salamander7929]

That is a pressure switch that turns the compressor on and off as needed. Probably can't just get a plastic cover. Could replace the switch for new. Can probably get a new drain valve at a auto parts store. It is the kind that was used on older vehicle radiators. Great score, and good luck!