I have a new Campbell Hausfeld 60 gal. compressor that doesn't want to
maintain any pressure over a period of time. If I run the compressor
and bring it up to pressure, then turn off the motor, within 48 hours
the pressure is down below 20 psi. Obviously, there is a leak
somewhere in one of the connections, or in the tank itself.
I've talked to a contractor buddy that uses several small portable
compressors often, and he tells me that this is normal - not to worry
about it. To me, it seems wrong. I can see if the pressure dropped
down a bit over time, but to completely empty in 2 days?
So, what is a reasonable expectation for a 60 gal compressor holding
pressure?
The tank has a big sticker claiming that it includes on site warranty
service from the manufacturer, should I try to take them up on their
offer?
On 10 June, 01:34, Mike <[email protected]> wrote:
> With the ball valve coming straight off of the tank, I think I've
> pretty much ruled out any of my connections,
There's a non-return from the compressor to the tank. If that leaks,
you can empty backwards through the compressor. Hard to spot, as
bubble fluid on the connector threads just isn't going to find it. I
once spotted this because the compressor oil sump was pressurising and
oil was weeping out of the filler hole!
If that's the remaining choice, try sticking a temporary ball valve in
there, then shutting it off and leaving it overnight (powered off).
"Steve Turner" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
>
> The first thing coming out of my compressor is a ball and socket cutoff
> valve, with the oil/water extractor hanging off of that, followed by the
> quick release hose fitting. If I throw the cutoff value to the "off"
> position (which I always do when I'm not using it) my compressor will hold
> that tank of air until hell freezes over. If not, it will fire up about
> once a day (usually at 2:00am in the morning), particularly if a hose is
> connected. Those quick-release fittings are not the most air-tight
> contraptions on the planet...
>
Good connectors are much - much better than the cheap stuff you find at Home
Depot (CH), or Harbor Freight. Don't scrimp on connectors, and expect to
have to replace even the good ones every couple/few years, depending on the
amount of use.
--
-Mike-
[email protected]
"Mike Marlow" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
>
> "Steve Turner" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> news:[email protected]...
>
>>
>> The first thing coming out of my compressor is a ball and socket cutoff
>> valve, with the oil/water extractor hanging off of that, followed by the
>> quick release hose fitting. If I throw the cutoff value to the "off"
>> position (which I always do when I'm not using it) my compressor will
>> hold that tank of air until hell freezes over. If not, it will fire up
>> about once a day (usually at 2:00am in the morning), particularly if a
>> hose is connected. Those quick-release fittings are not the most
>> air-tight contraptions on the planet...
>>
>
> Good connectors are much - much better than the cheap stuff you find at
> Home Depot (CH), or Harbor Freight. Don't scrimp on connectors, and
> expect to have to replace even the good ones every couple/few years,
> depending on the amount of use.
Yes! Try to find Milton fittings, I prefer the brass.
"Steve Turner" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> Mike Marlow wrote:
>> "Steve Turner" <[email protected]> wrote in message
>> news:[email protected]...
>>
>>> The first thing coming out of my compressor is a ball and socket cutoff
>>> valve, with the oil/water extractor hanging off of that, followed by the
>>> quick release hose fitting. If I throw the cutoff value to the "off"
>>> position (which I always do when I'm not using it) my compressor will
>>> hold that tank of air until hell freezes over. If not, it will fire up
>>> about once a day (usually at 2:00am in the morning), particularly if a
>>> hose is connected. Those quick-release fittings are not the most
>>> air-tight contraptions on the planet...
>>>
>>
>> Good connectors are much - much better than the cheap stuff you find at
>> Home Depot (CH), or Harbor Freight. Don't scrimp on connectors, and
>> expect to have to replace even the good ones every couple/few years,
>> depending on the amount of use.
>
> I'm sure, but since I'm not constantly relying on my compressor all day
> every day I just throw the cutoff valve and don't much worry about it.
>
Sorry - I was trying to add to your comment and not point out a deficiency.
--
-Mike-
[email protected]
I guess I should have given more information about my setup... Like a
previous poster, I have a ball valve shutoff coming straight out of
the outlet from the tank. I keep that closed unless I'm using the air.
I have a bunch of commercial leak detect stuff at work, think it's
called 'snoop' - I'll bring a bottle home and give it a try.
With the ball valve coming straight off of the tank, I think I've
pretty much ruled out any of my connections, except of course the one
from the tank into the valve. I've used teflon pipe dope on the
connections and cranked them down really tight, so they should be
solid.
Use some soapy water in a squirt bottle. Pump up to top pressure.
Start spraying on all threaded conections into tank. Then work your
way down stream on any thing like the regulater connections, etc. You
should see small bubbles wherever you have a leak. Then dissasemble
and add teflon tape or even better plumbers pipe dope and try to fix
it like that.
Mine holds forever unless I leave a gun on the end of a connected
hose.
On Jun 9, 9:56=A0am, Mike <[email protected]> wrote:
> I have a new Campbell Hausfeld 60 gal. compressor that doesn't want to
> maintain any pressure over a period of time. If I run the compressor
> and bring it up to pressure, then turn off the motor, within 48 hours
> the pressure is down below 20 psi. Obviously, there is a leak
> somewhere in one of the connections, or in the tank itself.
>
> I've talked to a contractor buddy that uses several small portable
> compressors often, and he tells me that this is normal - not to worry
> about it. To me, it seems wrong. I can see if the pressure dropped
> down a bit over time, but to completely empty in 2 days?
>
> So, what is a reasonable expectation for a 60 gal compressor holding
> pressure?
>
> The tank has a big sticker claiming that it includes on site warranty
> service from the manufacturer, should I try to take them up on their
> offer?
On Tue, 9 Jun 2009 09:56:43 -0700 (PDT), Mike <[email protected]> wrote:
>within 48 hours
>the pressure is down below 20 psi. Obviously, there is a leak
>somewhere in one of the connections, or in the tank itself.
Obviously.
I notice zero leakage on my 60 gal compressor so I'll come down on the
side of your situation being abnormal. Before getting onsite warranty
service, I'd first try to identify the source of the leak. Use some
leak test fluid, either commercial or a homemade solution of soapy
water in a spray bottle, and check each joint in the system, both on
and around the compressor tank and any piping runs.
Unless you had the system commercially installed, and the warranty is
from the installer, I doubt the compressor/tank warranty will cover
leaks in the piping.
Tom Veatch
Wichita, KS
USA
As many have said, a bottle of Windex or other soapy water in a
spray bottle should make short work of finding a leak. One
possibility that has not been discussed is the check valve that
keeps back pressure out of the piston heads. Your check valve
might be holding enough to allow the compressor to start back up,
but leaking enough to loose the air. Soap the fittings first.
Soap the whole tank (it probably could stand a wash job anyway)
especially where feet or brackets are welded on and the bottom
which may have rusted. If no bubbles, I would suspect the check
valve. They are often where the metal tube comes off the
compressor head and enters the tank. There is an intake port on
the compressor head where it gets air, if the check valve is
leaking back it may show bubbles there.
--
______________________________
Keep the whole world singing . . . .
DanG (remove the sevens)
[email protected]
"Mike" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
>I have a new Campbell Hausfeld 60 gal. compressor that doesn't
>want to
> maintain any pressure over a period of time. If I run the
> compressor
> and bring it up to pressure, then turn off the motor, within 48
> hours
> the pressure is down below 20 psi. Obviously, there is a leak
> somewhere in one of the connections, or in the tank itself.
>
> I've talked to a contractor buddy that uses several small
> portable
> compressors often, and he tells me that this is normal - not to
> worry
> about it. To me, it seems wrong. I can see if the pressure
> dropped
> down a bit over time, but to completely empty in 2 days?
>
> So, what is a reasonable expectation for a 60 gal compressor
> holding
> pressure?
>
> The tank has a big sticker claiming that it includes on site
> warranty
> service from the manufacturer, should I try to take them up on
> their
> offer?
"Mike" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
>I have a new Campbell Hausfeld 60 gal. compressor that doesn't want to
> maintain any pressure over a period of time. If I run the compressor
> and bring it up to pressure, then turn off the motor, within 48 hours
> the pressure is down below 20 psi. Obviously, there is a leak
> somewhere in one of the connections, or in the tank itself.
>
> I've talked to a contractor buddy that uses several small portable
> compressors often, and he tells me that this is normal - not to worry
> about it. To me, it seems wrong. I can see if the pressure dropped
> down a bit over time, but to completely empty in 2 days?
>
> So, what is a reasonable expectation for a 60 gal compressor holding
> pressure?
>
> The tank has a big sticker claiming that it includes on site warranty
> service from the manufacturer, should I try to take them up on their
> offer?
Can you not hear the leak????? I have a 20 gallon compressor that I
purposely leave the drain valve open far enough that it will bleed down to
nothing in 2 days, like yours is doing. I have no problem hearing the leak.
Being new I would recommend turning the hose pressure down to "zero" and
disconnecting the hose to begin eliminating possibilities.
Spray a soapy water mix on all connections and look for bubbles.
"Mike" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:4b1739cc-beb6-46be-a4ce-06430cdcc948@s28g2000vbp.googlegroups.com...
>I guess I should have given more information about my setup... Like a
> previous poster, I have a ball valve shutoff coming straight out of
> the outlet from the tank. I keep that closed unless I'm using the air.
> I have a bunch of commercial leak detect stuff at work, think it's
> called 'snoop' - I'll bring a bottle home and give it a try.
>
> With the ball valve coming straight off of the tank, I think I've
> pretty much ruled out any of my connections, except of course the one
> from the tank into the valve. I've used teflon pipe dope on the
> connections and cranked them down really tight, so they should be
> solid.
If you can shut down the ball valve, and you are certain that your joint to
the valve is proper, and you are equally certain that the valve itself is
not leaking, then call in a warranty claim. Use a little soap and water to
double check the valve and its connection to the tank first.
--
-Mike-
[email protected]
"Mike" <[email protected]> wrote in message ..
> I have a new Campbell Hausfeld 60 gal. compressor that doesn't want to
> maintain any pressure over a period of time. If I run the compressor
> and bring it up to pressure, then turn off the motor, within 48 hours
> the pressure is down below 20 psi. Obviously, there is a leak
> somewhere in one of the connections, or in the tank itself.
Can't comment on your compressor setup, but I do know that rubber tires leak
air over a period of time. For a start, you might want to disconnect all
hoses and fittings to see if there's still leakage. If there isn't, then
you'll have a specific area to examine.
"Mike" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
>I have a new Campbell Hausfeld 60 gal. compressor that doesn't want to
> maintain any pressure over a period of time. If I run the compressor
> and bring it up to pressure, then turn off the motor, within 48 hours
> the pressure is down below 20 psi. Obviously, there is a leak
> somewhere in one of the connections, or in the tank itself.
>
> I've talked to a contractor buddy that uses several small portable
> compressors often, and he tells me that this is normal - not to worry
> about it. To me, it seems wrong. I can see if the pressure dropped
> down a bit over time, but to completely empty in 2 days?
>
> So, what is a reasonable expectation for a 60 gal compressor holding
> pressure?
>
> The tank has a big sticker claiming that it includes on site warranty
> service from the manufacturer, should I try to take them up on their
> offer?
Mine does not lead at all - ever. I would bet it's in your fittings.
Should be easy to find at that rate of leakage.
--
-Mike-
[email protected]
Mike wrote:
> I have a new Campbell Hausfeld 60 gal. compressor that doesn't want to
> maintain any pressure over a period of time. If I run the compressor
> and bring it up to pressure, then turn off the motor, within 48 hours
> the pressure is down below 20 psi. Obviously, there is a leak
> somewhere in one of the connections, or in the tank itself.
>
> I've talked to a contractor buddy that uses several small portable
> compressors often, and he tells me that this is normal - not to worry
> about it. To me, it seems wrong. I can see if the pressure dropped
> down a bit over time, but to completely empty in 2 days?
>
> So, what is a reasonable expectation for a 60 gal compressor holding
> pressure?
>
> The tank has a big sticker claiming that it includes on site warranty
> service from the manufacturer, should I try to take them up on their
> offer?
The first thing coming out of my compressor is a ball and socket cutoff
valve, with the oil/water extractor hanging off of that, followed by the
quick release hose fitting. If I throw the cutoff value to the "off"
position (which I always do when I'm not using it) my compressor will
hold that tank of air until hell freezes over. If not, it will fire up
about once a day (usually at 2:00am in the morning), particularly if a
hose is connected. Those quick-release fittings are not the most
air-tight contraptions on the planet...
--
"Our beer goes through thousands of quality Czechs every day."
(From a Shiner Bock billboard I saw in Austin some years ago)
To reply, eat the taco.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/bbqboyee/
Mike Marlow wrote:
> "Steve Turner" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> news:[email protected]...
>
>> The first thing coming out of my compressor is a ball and socket cutoff
>> valve, with the oil/water extractor hanging off of that, followed by the
>> quick release hose fitting. If I throw the cutoff value to the "off"
>> position (which I always do when I'm not using it) my compressor will hold
>> that tank of air until hell freezes over. If not, it will fire up about
>> once a day (usually at 2:00am in the morning), particularly if a hose is
>> connected. Those quick-release fittings are not the most air-tight
>> contraptions on the planet...
>>
>
> Good connectors are much - much better than the cheap stuff you find at Home
> Depot (CH), or Harbor Freight. Don't scrimp on connectors, and expect to
> have to replace even the good ones every couple/few years, depending on the
> amount of use.
I'm sure, but since I'm not constantly relying on my compressor all day
every day I just throw the cutoff valve and don't much worry about it.
--
Any given amount of traffic flow, no matter how
sparse, will expand to fill all available lanes.
To reply, eat the taco.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/bbqboyee/
Mike Marlow wrote:
> "Steve Turner" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> news:[email protected]...
>> Mike Marlow wrote:
>>> Good connectors are much - much better than the cheap stuff you find at
>>> Home Depot (CH), or Harbor Freight. Don't scrimp on connectors, and
>>> expect to have to replace even the good ones every couple/few years,
>>> depending on the amount of use.
>> I'm sure, but since I'm not constantly relying on my compressor all day
>> every day I just throw the cutoff valve and don't much worry about it.
>>
>
> Sorry - I was trying to add to your comment and not point out a deficiency.
No worries. :-)
--
See Nad. See Nad go. Go Nad!
To reply, eat the taco.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/bbqboyee/
Mike Marlow wrote:
> "Mike" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> news:4b1739cc-beb6-46be-a4ce-06430cdcc948@s28g2000vbp.googlegroups.com...
>> I guess I should have given more information about my setup... Like a
>> previous poster, I have a ball valve shutoff coming straight out of
>> the outlet from the tank. I keep that closed unless I'm using the air.
>> I have a bunch of commercial leak detect stuff at work, think it's
>> called 'snoop' - I'll bring a bottle home and give it a try.
>>
>> With the ball valve coming straight off of the tank, I think I've
>> pretty much ruled out any of my connections, except of course the one
>> from the tank into the valve. I've used teflon pipe dope on the
>> connections and cranked them down really tight, so they should be
>> solid.
>
> If you can shut down the ball valve, and you are certain that your joint to
> the valve is proper, and you are equally certain that the valve itself is
> not leaking, then call in a warranty claim. Use a little soap and water to
> double check the valve and its connection to the tank first.
If this is the case, you probably have a leak in or around the pressure
regulator and/or gauge, and this would certainly be warranty territory.
--
Free bad advice available here.
To reply, eat the taco.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/bbqboyee/
Because it is so new, have you checked the drain on the bottom?
Typically these not closed tight on new tanks. Being located on the bottom,
you may have not noticed it or forgotten to tighten it down.
"Upscale" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
>
> "Mike" <[email protected]> wrote in message ..
>> I have a new Campbell Hausfeld 60 gal. compressor that doesn't want to
>> maintain any pressure over a period of time. If I run the compressor
>> and bring it up to pressure, then turn off the motor, within 48 hours
>> the pressure is down below 20 psi. Obviously, there is a leak
>> somewhere in one of the connections, or in the tank itself.
>
> Can't comment on your compressor setup, but I do know that rubber tires
> leak
> air over a period of time. For a start, you might want to disconnect all
> hoses and fittings to see if there's still leakage. If there isn't, then
> you'll have a specific area to examine.
>
>