Compressor Maintenance

I looked back in all my posts and didn’t see any about fixing my compressor year ago.

Huh.

Probably because it happened in the dark times. I have a Husky 8 gallon unit. It was decent until it had an issue with the shutoff valve. I don’t remember what the deal was. I think it was the pressure switch. I farted with it, got it running again, but it leaked. I found that all these retail compressors have the same chinese switch. So I got one on Amazon. I ended up bending and flaring a new tube to feed it pressure (otherwise, it won’t cut off and your tank may blow).

This was when I first met the Girl. She had two left over from the dead husband and gave me one, a Central Pneumatic one from Harble Freight. Bigger tank, I think it’s 10 gal. It had a busted gauge that I replaced, but it seemed to leak, or not keep air past a day or so. No big deal. So the Husky lives in the corner near the workbench and I use the bigger one.

I can’t tell how much soapy water I’ve hit that thing with looking for leaks. I figured it was because I used the wrong teflon tape on the gauge. There is a difference.

I had a funny sound in my car once that the mechanic couldn’t find. He said leave it. If it’s a big deal it’ll break soon enough and you’ll see it. That’s what happened here.

So the other day I was airing up the bike tires and heard the leak. So out came the soapy water. Turns out, it was the shaft on the regulator valve. Ok. Easy and cheap. Matter of fact, I was thinking of robbing the Husky since it’s been a minute since I used it. But I needed other goodies. I have a nice tire inflator I got for the motorcycle, and it didn’t have a chuck, so I used a shitty old one. I also don’t have a simple chuck that’ll work on the Kawasaki. Only the stick one which is tough to use with the rims, or an ancient gas station type one that’s inaccurate. I have another I got that is busted, but turns out I need the hose too. So I got some pieces parts from Amazon:

So, time to get started:

That valve was crusty. No tape was used when it was installed.

Luckily, I’m a horder and have the pieces parts to rebuild the assembly in brass:

It was tough to bolt back on, so I had to remove the valve nob.

No leaks. Fixed it!

I put the small chuck together:

And installed one of the cool locking chucks on my inflator:

While gathering my compressor hoard, I noticed I’m missing pieces of the old Central Pneumatic sprayer. I’ve already replaced it. But it would’ve been nice to have the spare. No matter. Now that I’m all set I can get off my ass and shoot some laquer on those guitar bodies. I may just use the can I have left for color, then use a can for the clear coat. They have some really good rattlecan products these days.

We’ll see.

As I write this I’m looking at the rust on that tank. It’s not great. It may be time to trade up here.