Thread: weird air compressor gauge question

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The compressor I am speaking of is a I/R two stage 60 gallon.



It has a old style cast iron pump and I am told by I/R one that isn't built like that anymore that was built in the US.



So i was going threw it to get it back to where I felt it should be with as you see the rags a for while I waited for a new air filter/air filter container and oil filler plug.

I got it running and the air gauge did work right and I went and got a replacement.In fact the replacement is a Kobalt from Lowes.I really didn't run that one for very long and I notice that one didn't want to go beyond 40lbs.So I took it off to find the gauge dial had warped.Well after fighting it I got the front off and bent the dial pc back.Then I looked at the old one.Yep warped in the same spot.The thing doesn't run hot at all.But it seems the gauge dials are warping from heat.

Not sure what to do about that.Weird.Before I buy another one I need to find a solution,Maybe run a pc of tube so the gauge is way from the pressure switch??.I don't know!!.Suggestions anyone??.Anyone ever dealt with a issue like this before??.What you do??.

Try using a liquid filled gauge. Have never had this problem but you say the compressor does not get hot. Does the big steel tube coming off the one cylinder get hot?If not then there could be something wrong. Compressed air does make heat

Gary, I can't tell frm the picture, but I'm questioning the position of the gauge. Is it going into the head of the compressor? I'll have to look at mine today but I think my gauge goes into the tank to read tank pressure.

Don

my pressure gauge is before the pressure switch and I have one past the regulator.

use a 1/4 npt plug and get rid of the guage--if the impact won't bust the nut loose, get a pipe and a breaker bar

The gauge is screwed into the pressure switch.One line goes from the P/S to the check valve in the tank,one is plugged,and one is the gauge on a three port P/S and the bottom of the P/S is screwed into the tank.

Originally Posted by sunsetdart

Try using a liquid filled gauge. Have never had this problem but you say the compressor does not get hot. Does the big steel tube coming off the one cylinder get hot?If not then there could be something wrong. Compressed air does make heat

Yes the one pipe does get hot and has cooling fins on it.Recovery is in spec where 0 to 125 is 4 minutes.I/R said that is like new run time.

It sounds like the compressor is just beating the gauges to death. I would install a pulsation dampener to help protect the gauge and the liquid filled suggestion would be a good one. (imho) Dampeners are available at your "better" plumbing supply houses!

Thanks for the replies.I'll try to do them and let you know the results.

I looked at mine yesterday and it has two gauges. One is screwed into the tank and is reading actual tank pressure, and the other one is screwed into the pressure regulator and reads line outlet pressure. They are nothing special and vibrate like mad, but have never failed. I suspect yours is just screwed into too hot of a place and the heat is killing them. My inlet line gets so hot you can't put your hand on it.

Don

Well guys once you guys laid out the outline of what i was dealing with,I called the I/R outlet to order a gauge and ask them if they knew of anything about the specific model compressor pump that I have.They never heard of a issue like this for that model.So I thought I would contact the local company the deals in only compressors sales and service R.W.Lindsey.I am saying their name here because they are just the best and I would recommend them to anyone who is in the surrounding Roch,NY area.I told them I wanted a gauge and that I thought it was because of heat I was having a problem.They told me they had seen this before.That it is a vibration issue.I told them I didn't see any vibrations or feel them.They told me I wouldn't,that it is micro vibrations bending the thin metal gauge.So I will pick up a liquid gauge from them on Weds.I also told them that on one side of the two stage pump the line from the pump with the fins is hot,and them the line on the pump's output is not hot or as hot.The check valve in the tank is working as the pressure regulator and blow off valve are as well.

Again guys thanks for the help here.You gave me the ammo to know what I was looking for.