Need New Compressor Help!

[Tom M King]

Years ago, when the only teflon tape available, or at least that was for sale around here, was the white tape, I had to use pipe dope on both threads, and the white teflon tape between, to ever get all the leaks out of a 175 psi compressor system. That particular setup is still holding leak free today. The compound probably would have held fine by itself, but I used the tape anyway. My later systems just use the sealant, and are working fine.

I've had better luck with the gray teflon tape lately, on other things, but still use tread sealant when I'm rigging up some new fittings on a compressor.

[Derek Arita]

So...just went take a close look at the compressor. I'm thinking of making up a bracket to hold the filter/regulator and attaching and attaching it to the main motor mounting bracket. If I have to move the compressor, everything will move solidly with it. I'll use pipe dope for the connections.
I've read it's a good idea to install a ball valve at the main drain, under the tank. Taking a look at the pic, how do I do that? Thanks for your patience with a real compressor dummy.

[Tom M King]

I use a galvanized street elbow, and some length nipple to put the ball valve out where you can reach it, but still underneath enough to protect it, and feet.

A street elbow has male threads on one side, so it can stay tucked up close under the tank. They have that stuff back in the plumbing section.

[Derek Arita]

Any idea on size of the elbow? 1/2...3/8...?

[Tom M King]

No idea. It's the same as that valve is where the red sealant is on it. You should be able to tell while it's in the store. You can surely tell by screwing that thing out.

[Bill Dufour]

I bought a similar compressor and it rocked a little on startup. I stopped on the side of the highway and picked up some tire treads thrown by big rigs. Put one under each foot and it stays in place now. I really should chain it to the wall so it can not fall over.
No idea where you live but if it is North America you live in a earthquake zone or a huricane area that could knock over the tank and shear off pressure lines.
Bil lD.

[Derek Arita]

Yeah...NorCal...and I def plan on strapping it, once in place. Yes It's going to be on a mobile base, but I'll only be moving it when I have to.

[Mike Cutler]

Derek
It looks like a 1/4" NPT drain valve on the bottom of the tank. It is more than likely operated with an allen wrench.
If you want change it out switch it to a 1/4" male NPT to 1/4" female NPT street elbow. Put about a10"-12", 1/4" NPT pipe nipple, and it should locate the new 1/4" NPT ball valve just outside the circumference of the tank.

[Derek Arita]

Thanks Mike. All great information and just what I need. I don't know why, but I have such a block about all this stuff. I guess I've always gone 1/4 NPT on everything and never gave it another thought, not even knowing it was 1/4 NPT. Funny...

[Mike Cutler]

Derek

Be careful when you take that fitting out, that the bung doesn't rotate with it. That fitting looks to have a red "thread locker" on it. The bung is most likely sealed with a o-ring type seal, so it's not gorilla torqued into place. If that fitting is really glued in there, you might have to heat it with a heat gun first.

I always have trouble in home centers because I am looking for the parts I would use at work, an industrial environment, and have to find the "non-industrial"equivalent.

[Derek Arita]

If I run hose off of the tank, what 3/4" hose should I look for?

[Jerome Stanek]

I would change out the drain valve on the bottom with an auto drain

[Mike Cutler]

If I run hose off of the tank, what 3/4" hose should I look for?

I used a section of hydraulic hose from Tractor supply. I Think it's rated for 1500+psi. Basically though, any semi sttiff hose with a working pressure that exceeds your compressor discharge pressure would be fine. I think GoodYear makes some hose rated for 300psi.
I thought you were transitioning to 3/8" off the isolation ball valve?

[Derek Arita]

I used a section of hydraulic hose from Tractor supply. I Think it's rated for 1500+psi. Basically though, any semi sttiff hose with a working pressure that exceeds your compressor discharge pressure would be fine. I think GoodYear makes some hose rated for 300psi.
I thought you were transitioning to 3/8" off the isolation ball valve?

Ya...that's likely what I'll do. What I have to do is, sit down with paper and pencil and diagram it out, simple as it may seem. Wish there was shop close by that has the parts and the knowledge. Oh well...that's the drawback of online shopping.

[Bill Dufour]

I replaced the tank drain on mine with a street elbow into PEX then about 16" of pex to an auto drain valve. I ran some old rubber air hose from the drain to outside the shop to reduce noise on blowoff.
Bil lD