Compressor issue & question

[soonermajic]

Our 80 gal 30 yr old Curtis compressor started tripping the breaker. My guys didn't tell me. Then, it burned up the motor. We put a new motor on, discovered it is actually the compressor pump!
?? Can i just put air in it w/ a 15 gal Craftsman, & be good?
Should i just replace it, or have the pump rebuilt? I think that would be $1000...

I have another 80 gal OLD Champion, but it's 3 phase. We do haveb3 ph there, but would have to run new wires & get new breakers..i guess that would be all needed to do?

 

[cantbreak80]

Change the oil in the Champion and temporarily connect it to an existing 3ph circuit to prove it's operation.
If you have space available in the load center...new conduit, wiring, and breaker will likely cost less than the $1,000 pump for the Curtis.

 

[soonermajic]

That's good smart advice. But these dang compressors are HEAVY, & ain't easy doing all that. Champion is in the storage shed(old IBA room) beside pumphouse.

 

[cantbreak80]

Sounds like the perfect "Team Building Opportunity"

 

[soonermajic]

Yeh, what fun!
What type oil do you giys use for your big compressors? Does anyone use special "Compressor Oil"?

 

[cantbreak80]

Quincy Quin-Cip Air Compressor Oil - D 30W, Synthetic Oil
or
Royal Purple Synfilm Recip. 100

I like both. Spendy, but longer change intervals and they seem to run quieter. (could be psychological?)

 

[soonermajic]

Just bought the Royal Purple. Eill here on Friday. Pricey, but maybe 3 oil changes per year? Shoot, I knownguys who don't ever change it!

 

[Bricks]

Just bought the Royal Purple. Eill here on Friday. Pricey, but maybe 3 oil changes per year? Shoot, I knownguys who don't ever change it!

Mine was never changed prior, it couldn’t have been. I pulled the plug and put my finger in the fill hole (minds out of gutter please lol) and fingered out coagulated lumps through the drain hole.