Hi,
I’ve noticed a bit more water than usualy from my DW 55155. It’s been humid so it’s expected. I drained it last night then checked it this morning and the petcock ( why is it called that?<G>) was damp so I fired it up with it open and good deal more water came out.
I actually propped up the compressor last night so it was draining straight down so there is probably more on average left in there.
I wonder why they don’t make these stainless steel. I know it would cost more but beer kegs are stainless and what do you get charged for losing one of those? $20? I don’t drink so who knows but I’d pay another $100 for a SS compressor that would last…..as long as the pump, and be safer. I’ve never even heard of one so there must be some problem in making them.
Anyway How diligent are you guys on draining your comprssors? I do it everyday but if it’s leaving a puddle inside what’s the point? It only takes a small weakness to blow it.
Notrix
Replies
I drain it every day in the summer humidity, once a week in the winter. Actually if I'm working outside I leave it open just enough to let it drip on the ground.
So buy a couple of kegs, pay the lost charge and use them as your compressor tank.
If they'll hold 150 pounds of pressure, yer in like flynn.
A drain can be welded to it, and any other needed fittings.
Shouldn't cost much to have a professional do the welds.
The person you offend today, may have been your best friend tomorrow
It is easy to be friends with someone you always agree with.
On a related note...I was carrying my 10+ year-old compressor (Full pressure) against my belly yesterday, and got to thinking: It could be very unpleasant if this thing were to blow up right now.
How often do compressors explode? How violent is it? Do they usually give some warning, like little leaks? How do you decide when it's time to replace it?
Al Mollitor, Sharon MA
I had an Ingersoll Rand home owner model called "air charge pro" for about 11 years and last year I got a notice from Ingersoll saying that my model was being recalled. The orginal model was only 25 gallons and was fairly inexpensive. As part of the recall, I was given a choice of $100 cash or $200 toward a new Ingersoll compressor or equipment. When I called Ingersoll, I asked what the danger was and she said tank failure. I asked if any had exploded or if they had just developed a slow leak and she said their have been explosions.
They recalled something 11 years old that probably had a 1 year warranty for a reason. Fear of John Edwards and friends.
The manual that came with my DeWalt compressor states that the tank should be drained twice a day.
I drain it at lunch. I drain it at quitting time. I leave the valve open over night.
When I drain it I move it around a bit to get the water to the drain and I keep that up until no more water gets out.
Two or three years ago I started a similar thread with my complaint that the brand new compressor had rusty water draining out of it the first day (!) and couldn't the inside of the tank be coated by the manufacturer somehow??
If memory serves there followed several posts with different suggestions on how I could paint the inside of the tank myself!
I can't find the thread though.
Rich Beckman
Another day, another tool.