tt

19/01/2005 6:26 AM

Can this air compressor be repaired?

As I was firing up my very old air compressor the other day I hear a
little pop and the hissssssss of escaping air. Turns out a pin sized
hole popped open in the bottom of the tank. Is there a way to repair
this kind of damage or is it shot?


This topic has 18 replies

RS

"Roger Shoaf"

in reply to "[email protected]" on 19/01/2005 6:26 AM

19/01/2005 11:42 PM


<[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> As I was firing up my very old air compressor the other day I hear a
> little pop and the hissssssss of escaping air. Turns out a pin sized
> hole popped open in the bottom of the tank. Is there a way to repair
> this kind of damage or is it shot?
>


Can the tank now!

Your tank holds pressure but the fact that you have a breach is indicative
that the structural integrity of the tank is well beyond it's safety margin.
When an air tank blows it is like a bomb going off, complete with shrapnel.

--

Roger Shoaf

About the time I had mastered getting the toothpaste back in the tube, then
they come up with this striped stuff.

DH

Dave Hinz

in reply to "[email protected]" on 19/01/2005 6:26 AM

19/01/2005 3:23 PM

On 19 Jan 2005 06:26:03 -0800, [email protected] <[email protected]> wrote:
> As I was firing up my very old air compressor the other day I hear a
> little pop and the hissssssss of escaping air. Turns out a pin sized
> hole popped open in the bottom of the tank. Is there a way to repair
> this kind of damage or is it shot?

I think that's nature's way of telling you to buy a new compressor.
Usually there are tanks around with dead compressors on them, maybe you
can find one and make a 2-for-1 kind of fix.

DH

Dave Hinz

in reply to "[email protected]" on 19/01/2005 6:26 AM

19/01/2005 6:44 PM

On 19 Jan 2005 13:38:55 -0500, DJ Delorie <[email protected]> wrote:
>
> My neighbor, who sells industrial air compressors for a living, has a
> rule: Never repair tanks. Any tank in need of repair is too dangerous
> to keep around.

I agree, but feel compelled to note that asking a salesman if you should
buy something new, is like asking your barber if you need a haircut.

Pressure tanks should _never_ be repaired. Even low pressure tanks like
a compressor uses - there is way too much energy stored in there to risk
anything with it.

DH

Dave Hinz

in reply to "[email protected]" on 19/01/2005 6:26 AM

19/01/2005 10:58 PM

On Wed, 19 Jan 2005 22:48:17 GMT, patrick conroy <[email protected]> wrote:
>
> "Dave Hinz" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> news:[email protected]...
>>
>>
>> I agree, but feel compelled to note that asking a salesman if you should
>> buy something new, is like asking your barber if you need a haircut.
>
> I also agree but feel compelled to note that often the Pharmaceutical Sales
> Rep knows more about the new drugs than the Pharmacist.

...and the EMTs know more about how to remove a motorcycle helmet than
the ER docs. Yup.

BE

Brian Elfert

in reply to "[email protected]" on 19/01/2005 6:26 AM

24/01/2005 3:23 PM

Phisherman <[email protected]> writes:

>that air compressors have an easy and efficient way to remove moisture
>and prevent rusting. My portable 5-gallon tank is date stamped not

What is so hard about opening the little vale on the bottom of the tank?

They also make automatic drains if you want to spend a few bucks.

Brian Elfert

Tt

"TBone"

in reply to "[email protected]" on 19/01/2005 6:26 AM

25/01/2005 5:42 PM

You really shouldn't offer this kind of advice. Just because you claim that
it is hazardous does not make you any less libel if someone follows it and
gets hurt. That tank is dangerous and should be discarded and the same goes
for the one you repaired.

--
If at first you don't succeed, you're not cut out for skydiving


"Sweet Sawdust" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> Warning!!! this can be hazardous!!!! If you want to do it clean the hole
to
> new metal NO RUST AT ALL. Hole can be no larger then 1/4 inch maximum.
> Force the J B weld into the hole, more inside then outside and a goodly
> amount outside. Allow J B weld to dry for at least 24 hours. I have a
> serous of five holes along a seam in a tank that I repaired this way and
> they have held for 3 years now. I use the compressor and then allow it to
> drain of air. I have another compressor that I use full time. I don't
> think I would use the repaired tank full time with this type of repair
> though, it is at best a stop gap until you can find a new tank. Air
tanks
> can do a lot of damage when they give way.
> "Phisherman" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> news:[email protected]...
> > On 19 Jan 2005 06:26:03 -0800, "[email protected]"
> > <[email protected]> wrote:
> >
> > >As I was firing up my very old air compressor the other day I hear a
> > >little pop and the hissssssss of escaping air. Turns out a pin sized
> > >hole popped open in the bottom of the tank. Is there a way to repair
> > >this kind of damage or is it shot?
> >
> > The tank is most likely rusted out. If it's more than 10-15 years
> > old, time to replace it. If you'd rather attempt a repair, sand/clean
> > the hole area down to the metal (about the size of a quarter) and mix
> > up a small batch of the epoxy JB Weld. I've been waiting for the day
> > that air compressors have an easy and efficient way to remove moisture
> > and prevent rusting. My portable 5-gallon tank is date stamped not
> > to be used past 2007.
>
>

Tt

"TBone"

in reply to "[email protected]" on 19/01/2005 6:26 AM

27/01/2005 1:39 PM



"Mike Marlow" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
>
> "TBone" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> news:[email protected]...
> > You really shouldn't offer this kind of advice. Just because you claim
> that
> > it is hazardous does not make you any less libel if someone follows it
and
> > gets hurt. That tank is dangerous and should be discarded and the same
> goes
> > for the one you repaired.
>
> I agree that the suggested repair is ill advised but I have to question
the
> liability of the poster. This comes up quite a bit in these forums but
have
> you ever heard of an individual being held liable for posting something in
a
> newsgroup? Or for giving any bad advise?

I guess that it depends on the people involved but I have seen people sue
for less an sometimes win.

>
> BTW, every time I see it, I love your sig line more and more.
>


LOL, thanks.
--
If at first you don't succeed, you're not cut out for skydiving

lL

[email protected] (Lawrence Wasserman)

in reply to "[email protected]" on 19/01/2005 6:26 AM

19/01/2005 6:24 PM

In article <[email protected]>,
[email protected] <[email protected]> wrote:
>As I was firing up my very old air compressor the other day I hear a
>little pop and the hissssssss of escaping air. Turns out a pin sized
>hole popped open in the bottom of the tank. Is there a way to repair
>this kind of damage or is it shot?
>

If you got one pinhole more are probably on the way. Think about
replacing the tank if the rest of the unit works well. For a temproary
repair you could put a blob of epoxy on a sheet metal screw and screw
it into the hole.


--

Larry Wasserman Baltimore, Maryland
[email protected]

Tt

"TBone"

in reply to "[email protected]" on 19/01/2005 6:26 AM

19/01/2005 4:05 PM

The tank is shot.

--
If at first you don't succeed, you're not cut out for skydiving


<[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> As I was firing up my very old air compressor the other day I hear a
> little pop and the hissssssss of escaping air. Turns out a pin sized
> hole popped open in the bottom of the tank. Is there a way to repair
> this kind of damage or is it shot?
>

MM

"Mike Marlow"

in reply to "[email protected]" on 19/01/2005 6:26 AM

25/01/2005 12:54 PM


"TBone" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> You really shouldn't offer this kind of advice. Just because you claim
that
> it is hazardous does not make you any less libel if someone follows it and
> gets hurt. That tank is dangerous and should be discarded and the same
goes
> for the one you repaired.

I agree that the suggested repair is ill advised but I have to question the
liability of the poster. This comes up quite a bit in these forums but have
you ever heard of an individual being held liable for posting something in a
newsgroup? Or for giving any bad advise?

BTW, every time I see it, I love your sig line more and more.

>
> --
> If at first you don't succeed, you're not cut out for skydiving

BTW, every time I see it, I love your sig line more and more.



>
>
> "Sweet Sawdust" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> news:[email protected]...
> > Warning!!! this can be hazardous!!!! If you want to do it clean the
hole
> to
> > new metal NO RUST AT ALL. Hole can be no larger then 1/4 inch
maximum.
> > Force the J B weld into the hole, more inside then outside and a goodly
> > amount outside. Allow J B weld to dry for at least 24 hours. I have a
> > serous of five holes along a seam in a tank that I repaired this way and
> > they have held for 3 years now. I use the compressor and then allow it
to
> > drain of air. I have another compressor that I use full time. I don't
> > think I would use the repaired tank full time with this type of repair
> > though, it is at best a stop gap until you can find a new tank. Air
> tanks
> > can do a lot of damage when they give way.
> > "Phisherman" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> > news:[email protected]...
> > > On 19 Jan 2005 06:26:03 -0800, "[email protected]"
> > > <[email protected]> wrote:
> > >
> > > >As I was firing up my very old air compressor the other day I hear a
> > > >little pop and the hissssssss of escaping air. Turns out a pin sized
> > > >hole popped open in the bottom of the tank. Is there a way to repair
> > > >this kind of damage or is it shot?
> > >
> > > The tank is most likely rusted out. If it's more than 10-15 years
> > > old, time to replace it. If you'd rather attempt a repair, sand/clean
> > > the hole area down to the metal (about the size of a quarter) and mix
> > > up a small batch of the epoxy JB Weld. I've been waiting for the day
> > > that air compressors have an easy and efficient way to remove moisture
> > > and prevent rusting. My portable 5-gallon tank is date stamped not
> > > to be used past 2007.
> >
> >
>
>


Pn

Phisherman

in reply to "[email protected]" on 19/01/2005 6:26 AM

25/01/2005 3:16 AM

On 24 Jan 2005 15:23:13 GMT, Brian Elfert <[email protected]> wrote:

>Phisherman <[email protected]> writes:
>
>>that air compressors have an easy and efficient way to remove moisture
>>and prevent rusting. My portable 5-gallon tank is date stamped not
>
>What is so hard about opening the little vale on the bottom of the tank?
>
>They also make automatic drains if you want to spend a few bucks.
>
>Brian Elfert

Not hard, but easy to forget sometimes. I am not sure if I'm done
with air at any given time, and there are many days I don't even use
the compressor. Where can I get an automatic drain?

b

in reply to "[email protected]" on 19/01/2005 6:26 AM

24/01/2005 11:25 PM

On Tue, 25 Jan 2005 03:16:45 GMT, Phisherman <[email protected]> wrote:

>On 24 Jan 2005 15:23:13 GMT, Brian Elfert <[email protected]> wrote:
>
>>Phisherman <[email protected]> writes:
>>
>>>that air compressors have an easy and efficient way to remove moisture
>>>and prevent rusting. My portable 5-gallon tank is date stamped not
>>
>>What is so hard about opening the little vale on the bottom of the tank?
>>
>>They also make automatic drains if you want to spend a few bucks.
>>
>>Brian Elfert
>
>Not hard, but easy to forget sometimes. I am not sure if I'm done
>with air at any given time, and there are many days I don't even use
>the compressor. Where can I get an automatic drain?


<http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=46960>

Jj

John

in reply to "[email protected]" on 19/01/2005 6:26 AM

19/01/2005 1:30 PM

Replace the tank if the rest is working OK

John

On 19 Jan 2005 06:26:03 -0800, "[email protected]"
<[email protected]> wrote:

>As I was firing up my very old air compressor the other day I hear a
>little pop and the hissssssss of escaping air. Turns out a pin sized
>hole popped open in the bottom of the tank. Is there a way to repair
>this kind of damage or is it shot?

pc

"patrick conroy"

in reply to "[email protected]" on 19/01/2005 6:26 AM

19/01/2005 10:48 PM


"Dave Hinz" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
>
>
> I agree, but feel compelled to note that asking a salesman if you should
> buy something new, is like asking your barber if you need a haircut.

I also agree but feel compelled to note that often the Pharmaceutical Sales
Rep knows more about the new drugs than the Pharmacist.

Lr

"Leon"

in reply to "[email protected]" on 19/01/2005 6:26 AM

19/01/2005 2:46 PM


<[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> As I was firing up my very old air compressor the other day I hear a
> little pop and the hissssssss of escaping air. Turns out a pin sized
> hole popped open in the bottom of the tank. Is there a way to repair
> this kind of damage or is it shot?


It is probably starting to rust out at the bottom. The weakest point just
gave way and if you repair that spot it is highly likely that the next
weakest spot will show up shortly.

SS

"Sweet Sawdust"

in reply to "[email protected]" on 19/01/2005 6:26 AM

20/01/2005 8:56 AM

Warning!!! this can be hazardous!!!! If you want to do it clean the hole to
new metal NO RUST AT ALL. Hole can be no larger then 1/4 inch maximum.
Force the J B weld into the hole, more inside then outside and a goodly
amount outside. Allow J B weld to dry for at least 24 hours. I have a
serous of five holes along a seam in a tank that I repaired this way and
they have held for 3 years now. I use the compressor and then allow it to
drain of air. I have another compressor that I use full time. I don't
think I would use the repaired tank full time with this type of repair
though, it is at best a stop gap until you can find a new tank. Air tanks
can do a lot of damage when they give way.
"Phisherman" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> On 19 Jan 2005 06:26:03 -0800, "[email protected]"
> <[email protected]> wrote:
>
> >As I was firing up my very old air compressor the other day I hear a
> >little pop and the hissssssss of escaping air. Turns out a pin sized
> >hole popped open in the bottom of the tank. Is there a way to repair
> >this kind of damage or is it shot?
>
> The tank is most likely rusted out. If it's more than 10-15 years
> old, time to replace it. If you'd rather attempt a repair, sand/clean
> the hole area down to the metal (about the size of a quarter) and mix
> up a small batch of the epoxy JB Weld. I've been waiting for the day
> that air compressors have an easy and efficient way to remove moisture
> and prevent rusting. My portable 5-gallon tank is date stamped not
> to be used past 2007.

Pn

Phisherman

in reply to "[email protected]" on 19/01/2005 6:26 AM

19/01/2005 8:21 PM

On 19 Jan 2005 06:26:03 -0800, "[email protected]"
<[email protected]> wrote:

>As I was firing up my very old air compressor the other day I hear a
>little pop and the hissssssss of escaping air. Turns out a pin sized
>hole popped open in the bottom of the tank. Is there a way to repair
>this kind of damage or is it shot?

The tank is most likely rusted out. If it's more than 10-15 years
old, time to replace it. If you'd rather attempt a repair, sand/clean
the hole area down to the metal (about the size of a quarter) and mix
up a small batch of the epoxy JB Weld. I've been waiting for the day
that air compressors have an easy and efficient way to remove moisture
and prevent rusting. My portable 5-gallon tank is date stamped not
to be used past 2007.

DD

DJ Delorie

in reply to "[email protected]" on 19/01/2005 6:26 AM

19/01/2005 1:38 PM


My neighbor, who sells industrial air compressors for a living, has a
rule: Never repair tanks. Any tank in need of repair is too dangerous
to keep around.


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