Rebuilt air compressor

[Eric Gourieux]

I found a rebuilt air compressor on Craigslist:

"I have 60 gal. compressor for sale. The compressor has been rebuilt. It has a brand new pump (15.8cfm@90psi), a brand new 5hp dual cap. motor and a new check valve. I was currently rebuilding this but received a new one for xmas. It needs to be finished, putting the supply tube in and guard for the belts. If you are handy with tools this would make a great compressor."

Any help on whether this could be a good deal or not is appreciated.

[Jim Andrew]

In my experience, when things start falling apart on your compressor, the tank is about ready to give up.

[John Lifer]

I wouldn't say tank was shot. But clearly, there was a problem to have both motor and pump being replaced. I'd not give him many $ but I'd expect more use than a pancake. I have a cheep HF that compressor died on. tank was fine, motor ok.

[Ronald Blue]

From what I can see in the photo I would steer clear. It appears the base is redone to accommodate a different mounting for the compressor or motor or both. No telling what you would really be getting. then there is the tank. The scariest thing of all. They usually don't suffer catastrophic failures but if they do it can be very bad. My old compressor began to leak out of a pin hole on the tank. So i picked up a like new tank for cheap from a compressor that locked up. Got everything setup and then the motor failed. So I just bought a new stationary and moved on. I now have a large portable storage tank. New replacement tanks are prohibitively expensive so I wouldn't spend much on it if you decide to proceed. Just my .02 worth.

[Steve Campbell]

Eric I have a feeling if it were an easy fix he would have done it before putting it up for sale. I would run away from that one.

Steve

[Matt Meiser]

Its impossible to say whether its a good deal since no price is listed. I say it depends on components he used but I'm thinking that pump says US General which is Harbor Freight and it looks just like this one. (http://www.harborfreight.com/145-psi-5-hp-twin-cylinder-air-compressor-pump-67698.html) That means he probably also bought the motor at HF. Now you've got a HF compressor with a used tank of unknown quality/condition that needs a guard fabricated.

[Scott T Smith]

Its impossible to say whether its a good deal since no price is listed. I say it depends on components he used but I'm thinking that pump says US General which is Harbor Freight and it looks just like this one. (http://www.harborfreight.com/145-psi-5-hp-twin-cylinder-air-compressor-pump-67698.html) That means he probably also bought the motor at HF. Now you've got a HF compressor with a used tank of unknown quality/condition that needs a guard fabricated.


I concur with Matt. If the compressor were a well respected brand, such as Dayton, IR, CH, Quincy, etc, then by all means it could be a worthwhile project. But if it's HF components, save your $ and buy a good compressor.

BTW, where in Newburgh do you live? I used to live downtown on Main Street and then later on Melody Lane.

[Jeff Monson]

It would have to be dirt cheap before I would even consider it. I think you would be better off to continue shopping, cobbled together compressors with inferior parts, sounds like a major headache to me.

[Joe Hillmann]

I would find out what type of pump it has. A quality pump can cost more than an entire 60 gallon compressor at Menards.

[Jim Neeley]

Be sure to look at how he has attached the new compressor bracket to the tank. IF it is welded, run away very quickly. Air compressor tanks are ASME rated vessels, meaning they have gone through hydrostatic pressure testing to a higher pressure than it will ever see (generally pressurized with water, in a water bath to minimize energy in case the tank fails) to check for weak points.

Welding to an ASME rated tank voids its safety rating and may greatly weaken the tank, depending upon the qualifications of the welder. A rust-through pinhold leak is a PITA.. a tank rupture due to welding can easily be deadly.

Just an additional consideration to those above.

Jim