Can it be done without buying a POS?


I have a 10 year old oilless devilbilss compressor, and it's getting louder and taking longer to fill. Just put a new pressure switch in it, and that helped (old one leaking)

It still just doesnt cut it. 3.5hp, 20 gallon. Run an impact wrench for a few bursts then needs a 5 min recharge if you need any force out of it.

I want something quietish, and able to keep up. I'm guessing that puts me at a cast iron oiled unit, but even the harbor freight ones are $250+

Should I just bite it and buy a decent one?
~Nate

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95 Honda Shadow ACE 1100.
1999 Plymouth Neon Expresso. 2.4 swap, 10.5 to 1 comp, big cams. Autocross time attack vehicle!
2012 Escape, 'hunter" (5 sp 4cyl)

Those small ones dont have enough capacity to do much more than air up tires, if you use real air tools - you would be better off getting a real piece of equipment, i tried the lowes equivelent and had to take it back, it couldn't cut it.

Another option is an older used compressor. I saw one at auction last Saturday that was made specifically for service stations, by Service Station Equipment IIRC. I don't know what it sold for, but it was represented as in working condition. It was built to last a lifetime. I have for my own use a 1967 John Wood with a Westinghouse pump on it, it already has lasted a lifetime and looks like it could go for a second. It's also relatively quiet.

Basically, yes. It's a tool that you will have for a long time. Buy a good one.

Look at pawn shops, Deals can be had! I got mine for 30 bucks and it goes like a champ

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hum.....
1987 300TD 311,000M Stolen. Presumed destroyed

I would look for a small used unit. About 10 yeas ago, I bought a 12 gallon Sanborn Magna Force for $75.

It's a low RPM belt drive model that's pretty quiet and it also has enough capacity that I was even able to paint a car with it.

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-Evan


Benz Fleet:
1968 UNIMOG 404.114
1998 E300
2008 E63


Non-Benz Fleet:
1992 Aerostar
1993 MR2
2000 F250

I picked up one of the 4 gallon oil-lube 2 1/4 HP units at harbor freight and it makes a ton of air....I can run my impact for close to a minute before it can't keep up, then it only takes about 30-40 seconds for it to fill/click off again....for the $90 I paid....its a beast, I've used it a ton so far.

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-diesel is not just a fuel, its a way of life-
'15 GLK250 Bluetec 118k - mine - (OC-123,800)
'17 Metris(VITO!) - 37k - wifes (OC-41k)
'09 Sprinter 3500 Winnebago View - 62k (OC - 67k)
'13 ML350 Bluetec - 95k - dad's (OC-98k)
'01 SL500 - 103k(km) - dad's (OC-110,000km)
'16 E400 4matic Sedan - 148k - Brothers (OC-155k)

On Air Compressors, bigger is always better. Both in terms of longevity and usefulness. Having said that, budgets do not always allow for the best tools at a given time.
Forget all about HP ratings. The only thing that matters is air delivery at pressure. Compare air delivery at the pressure that is closest to what you will require, and buy the most that your budget permits. You can always upgrade later.

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1982 300SD " Wotan" ..On the road as of Jan 8, 2007 with Historic Tags

Can you just replace the air end?

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Grumpy Old Diesel Owners Club group

I no longer question authority, I annoy authority. More effect, less effort....

1967 230-6 auto parts car. rust bucket.
1980 300D now parts car 800k miles
1984 300D 500k miles
1987 250td 160k miles English import
2001 jeep turbo diesel 130k miles
1998 jeep tdi ~ followed me home. Needs a turbo.
1968 Ford F750 truck. 6-354 diesel conversion.
Other toys ~J.D.,Cat & GM ~ mainly earth moving