Hi Keith. Memorial post. What you needed was my late Dad. Senior foreman Hamworthy Engineering Pumps and Compressors Division. Oh, yes, and some of their machinery! I used to spend Saturday mornings there. BobUK.
Comp Air bought out Le Roi Dresser Compressor back n the day. As of a few years ago parts were still available but brutally expensive. They are one of the best compressors in the world along with Quincy QR line and Saylor Beal. That pump new is worth like $3500.
Oh dear! Reminds me of the time I forgot to tighten and lock the oil pump drive pinion on my Norton (yes, I know!) 705 fastback .... blew up at speed on what you'd call a narrow Interstate one dark and wet Sunday night. It's a miracle - quite literally - that I'm still here. BobUK.
I've got that same LeRoi Dresser model and, if I remember correctly, it was CompAir that sold me the overhaul kit for it. Mine was not pumping as well as it should. Needed rings, I don't believe the pistons were available. After micing everything, the only piston/cyl. wear problem as the high pressure piston/cyl. clearance was slightly out of limits. I took the piston/cyl. to a macine shop that I've used for years and they sleeved the high pressure cyl. and bored/honed it to the correct clearance. With the new rings on both cylinders and a ball hone to roughen them up to seat the rings, it pumps very well now. It was a fun job. Good luck finding pistons for it.
rods are generally forged. tricky to do without the dies and a trip hammer. I guess they could be machined out of good steel with a chunky cross section, or out of titanium like in a race car engine.
I have a smaller 1958 version of that compressor. It’s a Westinghouse design originally used on train air brakes. They have an unloader valve connected to the oil pump and unload the heads when no oil pressure is present. They are almost stupid proof but they still need oil ;-). If you can find the parts and successfully rebuild it, it might just be the last compressor you ever own.
We (amateur machinists, collectors,) repair all sorts of stuff that's not worth the effort normally. But I have to say, if you can't get some parts for this it's not worth making 'em. Besides, finding connecting rod bearings to fit the cleaned up crank would be near impossible, unless you get Adam to do his Spray Weld magic on them. I have to say, when I saw the first video, when you received it, you spun the motor with one finger. I knew those connecting rods were long gone. What a shame. There's plenty of pumps out there you can retro fit to that tank and you'll be in as good or better shape. Thanks for sharing.
That looks like the same air compressor that was installed in our shop just after I started working there. Ours was a horizontal tank instead of vertical. We had a phase drop out and ruined the motor just after it was installed. Outside of filters and oil, that was the only thing that was done in the 35 years that I worked there. It was still running the last time I was there for a visit.
Between your fans and vast number of mechanically inclined associates won't be long before you figure out the best solution. On one hand rebuilding would make great videos. But on the other you have so many irons in the fire might be better off shelving this project. Bet you give it a few weeks and someone will find the parts and donate them. You have a loving fan base. 😀 👍 🔧
Keith I think you should fix it, make you own pistons you should be able to cast some and any automotive machine shop can match rings to the bore cut the new pistons to accept them, cut the crank 010 and make some rods, I would love to see this done. I really enjoy you vids thanks Al
Rebuild it at the Bash! Flamespray the crank. Regrind. Mill two billet aluminum connecting rods. Bore the cylinders - if scored, and install liners. Rebore and hone to whatever size pistons You find - or make a pair Yourself. Mahle or any major brands make tons of pistons in all sizes. This isn't difficult at all. Just takes a little time, and effort. Says little me - that have a fully operational vintage Ingersoll-Rand two-stage restored. LOL.... I was lucky on that one - found lots of parts at a reasonable cost. Good luck - whatever You choose to do with it! ;)
Honestly, the Pistons look salvageable to me. The little damage on the skirts are not going to make it fail i dont think. Shouldnt be that hard to make new conrods, i know youtubers that do that kind of stuff with a drillpress and a handfile. The conrods dont need to be forged or anything fancy, they aint going in a 1500hp supra. Get some ground steel and shape them a little, drill and ream some acurate holes in them and split them in half and its pretty much done. Its not impossible, just a matter of how far you want to take this rebuild.
This an excellent opportunity to machine the parts you need! Forge some steel for the rods and machine them! Then cast some Aluminum for the pistons and machine them! It would be one of the ultimate rescue videos!!!
I understand you disappointment. It'll be interesting to see the solution. I see ChristophersCustoms offered you a compressor. Thanks for sharing Keith.
It would be a big project, but I'd love to see you make new pistons and connecting rods...after all, you do have a machine shop. Not worth it financially, but would have lots of educational and entertainment value. And you'd have the trickest hotrod air compressor on TH-cam. :)
...I once worked in a compressor repair shop....this sort of failure is usually due to lack of oil....most of it looks to be on the outside of the unit....these pumps with splash type lubrication really need the oil to be better monitored...parts can usually be had, but will be expensive....Dresser was good stuff at one time.... Units often are just pushed in the corner of the shop and oil not checked for years at a time.....I've seen compressors with no oil leaks that run for years without much wear/damage....
Keith, if you pick it up I have a compressor head you can have. The engine blew , I got two at an auction and I got one running and don’t need the second. It’s on an IR Air Compressor 150PSI.
This will be a nice upcomming project; machine two rods. measure what you have for pistons and find something close then bore cyl jugs to as needed. This is a low rpm and little heat deal. Polish crank and all is good. I say this cause of stories in Cuba like Ford pistons in DeSotos etc. Lawnmower piston for the small one. Always a way out.
Mr. Pine I don't know what you consider low rpm but several hundred rpm and this size air compressor will create enough heat to boil a lot of water. That connector tubing gives an indication of the heat generated in just the LP cylinder. I have been around similar compressors and they get very hot.
Bro, my dad died and left me his compressor, no idea it used oil. It started getting real slow, went looking why, found out it used oil. Checked oil levels, there wasn't any 😳🤦, trying to figure out if i can rebuild the pump now.
I used to really enjoy buying old American-made tools at thrift stores and garage sales, as they were cheap and easy to repair. Now that they've attained a collector status of any sort, buying things like 'vintage iron' becomes a game of which 10 year old Chinesium has survived the usage game best. Inheriting the Sins of the User takes on new meaning when you're looking at the guts of a metric motor for instance and seeing how someone treated it like disposable garbage, because they've been conditioned to replace anything that breaks versus repairing it.
Hello Keith, I just have to tell you that you did get lucky on this one. Your a machinist, you should know someone that will make pistons for you, or find a piston with .the same measurements as far as the crankshaft goes the same machinist should be able to make rods and make bearings for you, I would not be surprised if a dealer wanted four or five thousand for a replacement machine. All the best, Edgar
Did a quick search on LeROI Dresser (Westinghouse) All results were in the US, none of them had pistons or rods. I agree with Ron Yerke, it's an anchor. Or a machining skills test. Good luck from the UK
Keith, i have a two cylinder air brake compressor that i had to get an adapter made to use a John Deere pulley of some sort on, and its a very nice pump. It has a water cooled head on it, so I'll need to figure out someth on that. Ive had it for a while now, but do have plans for it.
I have a Dresser pump and they are a lifetime air compressor when maintained properly. Dresser was bought out by LeROI and some parts are available through LeROI dealers. I would rebuild it if I were you.
Keith, found this video while looking at a possible overhaul on my compressor. I have a Dresser 5000 two stage that doesn’t have much suction, but does seem to have outlet pressure when turning by hand on the bench. I also found the main check valve completely eroded away, which is cause for concern. I plan to pull the head to see what is going on. Found a place in PA that has parts for Dresser.
it is recommended that before taking apart teh compressor that it pressure cleaned on the outside to prevent contamination of what is not disassembled. the unit was quite dirty. thanks for the video.
I just thought I'd say that I'm a little disappointed that the Vintage Machinery guy isn't going to fix the vintage compressor. I know it doesn't have the romantic and nostalgia value that a steam locomotive has, but it's still cool old-time machinery. Maybe you can find someone willing to give it a try. I thought you'd be re-casting the pistons and connecting rods with your new (ish) furnace. You have one impressive machine shop at your disposal.
I'd like to see this rebuilt. This is vintage machinery isn't it? Of course if it isn't worth it that's understood. I think it will be better than most replacement pumps.
Great video. But it breaks my heart to see a piece of machinery in that condition. Before you get too deep in getting parts, do yourself a favor, Put that crankcase on the floor and carefully fill it with water. See if it leaks out. If there is a crack in the crankcase, It is not worth trying to find parts for it. Joe.
That's too bad there is so much damage. The compressor went out here at my shop some time ago, they ended up replacing it. I kept the old one, a Westinghouse 3YC. It turns out it was in good shape, just really dirty and needing new babbitt bearings for the connecting rods. I found there was a rebuild kit for it with gaskets, valves, etc. Yours looks similar, but smaller.
If I had the tools (I certainly have the time), I might try machining new pistons and rods and endcaps from either raw stock or actually casting blanks from some kind of backyard foundry setup.
Hey keith... you can get an Ingersoll Rand 2340 pump , 5hp two stage for around $1500 although you can get a complete unit for around 2k.... remember you still have to inspect tank, motor, check valve, pressure switch. if you can find rods and pistons for around $200 - $300 i would go for it. you can find bearings,piston rings and valves anywhere probably
It is the way I choose to bring back that compressor to life, at least, the rods can be done in aluminum plate, at worst, the crank should be ground off to have a good journal surface and the low pressure piston can very often be replaced by an automotive piston. it asks for measurement of the center of the crankpin to the top of the cylinder. I have redone an ingorsoll radn compressor that way and it is serving me for over 35 years
I rebuilt an Ajax two stage pump many years ago, the parts were quite expensive (and they were available) I don't remember if you checked the bottom of the tank out when you got it. See if that is significantly rusted. If good, I'd put a Harbor Freight two stage pump on it and run it!
Enjoyed the disassembly - that's useful information so thanks! I'm thinking another parts unit might be a source of pistons, rods, and crankshaft. Normal wear-out would be rings and piston liner, maybe a valve job? I know a new compressor might have a lot of advantages but this one is probably built better than anything new you could find. Maybe I'm whistling in the dark LOL - I just want to see you restore it! On the other hand, an air compressor is a basic capability for your shop - you want it working all the time, so a new unit will be a good investment.
Depending on what you want, you can get compressor heads of the 2 stage variety for between $600 and up that would charge your tank with your motor. The first place that I saw was Northern tool at around $600 bucks.
I thought the same. I think some of the manufacturers sold their pumps to other companies who private labeled them. WABCO was Westinghouse Air Brake Company.
You didn't comment on one thing I observed on your tear down. The rod break on the large cylinder was an old break with a lot of oil and dirt on it. The break on the small piston was a fresh break. They had been operating the unit with a thrown rod for quite some time until it threw the second rod. I bet it didn't pump worth a flip with no first stage pumping and the second stage having to suck through the first stage valves to get air. As you decided it was probably to expensive to fix.
It took only a couple of hours to find out that this can be fixed but at what price. I would put all the bolts where they came from and put it in a box on the resurrection shelf. I really like the electric impact wrench. Handy.
What oil do you recommend for a single stage compressor of the same age. I got one cheap but know that the oil probably hasn't been changed for a long time. It still pumps up but slows way down as the pressure bulids. I've discovered that the motor is probably failing but I want to also do good for the compressor. I have serious question about the tank and saw your video on pressure testing 👍👍👍👍👍 Any ideas for a certified tank for 140 psi type 10 - 15 gallon new??
My compressors are not that old, but I run them on compressor oil from Kroon Oil (I live in Europe where you get that stuff easily). Compressor oil is different from the oil used in cars (Oil for cars has more stuff inside to get a bigger temperature range). My compressors have pumps from Italy (they have a couple of pump manufacturers). Other companies like Kaeser from Germany officially use 5W30 engine oil. You can get such tanks from internet, there are even sellers in Ebay or Amazon which offer compressor tanks, 140 PSI (less than 10 bars) is the typical operating pressure for such tanks
Apologies if this is repeated info, but it is a LeRoi 400 - apparently LeRoi bought Dresser. there are gaskets and valves available but they are expensive (gasket kit $270 on ebay). I have not seen pistons and connecting rods but will look further.
Looks like a quality American made unit. Unlike todays junk it's totally re-buildable. I think I saw an I.D. tag. It's most likely outlived 3 Chinese compressors. It deserves a rebuild. Besides it would make a great video for folks to learn from.
Heck, for the kind of money you'd need to replace it I would make new rods and like others have said the pistons may be repairable. If they aren't salvageable then making new ones from billet can't be that hard with the old ones to copy from. Time is one of those things that can't be replaced so maybe not worth it in that respect, but it's good content and as a viewer I'd love to see it.
I'm in a similar situation. Much smaller compressor but on conrod broke. Everything else is just fine. I am having trouble getting the spare part as it has oddball dimensions. Is it viable to simply mill one from the same material (aluminum)? If so, should I be making two of the same part for balancing reasons?
I have seen a smaller compressors rebuilt that was in similar condition. I would have thought that it was ruined, but parts were cheaper than the entire head (it took over a month for them to arrive, though). It went back together and ran fine for many years after. I've also seen a few "witches brew" compressors, usually involving the use of some variety of "repurposed" Briggs style engines, a.c. compressors or compressors salvaged from older big trucks. I don't think any of those options would be fitting for a tank that size. Here is something to consider: Find another complete, working compressor, and use the tank from this one as a secondary. Put it on your wood working end of the shop.
If you can find the parts for a reasonable price it's worth rebuilding. Those are a quality compressor. The finned bit between the cylinders is called an intercooler by the way.
My experience with pistons is that manufactures buy pistons from piston suppliers . Example some Fords and GM engines use the same pistons just different pin heights. Same with rings. I would consider either looking for a close replacement and then machine them to fit or make new ones from billet aluminum. Steel rods of course could also be made. It would be a great project for You Tube. In the old days nothing got thrown away it got repaired.
It's easy to get tune-up parts from LeRoi Dresser, but pistons and cranks are another story altogether. Just the tune-up kit with unloader and valve rebuild, gaskets, seals, and bearings is about $500
as you have access ot a relatively complete machine shop, this compressor can be rebuilt at a relative low cost, for the low pressure pistin, if it is not cracked at the pin level, you can shorten the skirt just below the wrist pin so the damaged part will be removed, for the rods, if you can measure the deck height of the block , the height of the cylinders and the compression distance of the pistons, you can deduct the lenght of the center to center for the rods and fabricate 2 new rods, for the high pressure piston , you can buy a new one or fabricate a new one but the work involved is to intensive for the price csaller for this part, depending of the bore, you can possibly fit an automotive piston, I rebuilt an old Ingersoll rand 242 compressor thea had passed thru a fire and that was attempted to disassemble by somebody that should never touch anything mechanics, the rods and pistons was shot, I succeded to save the rods but for the pistons, I used automotive pistons and adjusted the bore and the height of the cylinters to match my new pistons, this compressor is still running after 30 years of service. the cost of all the operation was less than the cost of only the low pressure piston.
You can buy rebuild kits,,,as long as the cylinders and crankshaft is good it's worth fixing because it's a very well built unit,,,,but you won't know how hot it got,and metal becomes Brittle with to much heat
Consider: Size and fit your own pistons and rods then make your own bearings to fit the crank. Junk yards are full of junked old motors with pistons and rods everywhere. If the measurements work, so will the part. Bo.
keith check out schulz compressors. i have been running one for over 20 yrs. these things are beasts. they look like dresser clones a friend of mine in the air tool business turned me on to them. i see a 7.5 hp pump on ebay for $500 that is the unit that i have. i believe thats what i paid 20 yrs ago. parts and service are readily available .
That's a Leroi Dresser pump. Hard to find parts for. I would look on Craigslist for an Ingersoll Rand T30 to replace it with. You can still find parts for the T 30 .
My thought also. It would be a shame to spend the time and money to fix the compressor only to find the tank is rotted and unsafe. Given the state of the pump, I'd definitely get the tank safety checked before proceeding.
Being run dry (for who knows how long) I would worry about the bearings and their surfaces on the crank and the crank mating surfaces for the rod ends, that would not be cheap to re condition :( . I just think this compressor pump is is a big can of worms that may only show some problems up when you are knees deep in money into it, you have re assembled it and run it under load.
I am leaning in that same direction. Unless a donor pump shows up that I can salvage some parts from, it just is not practical. I can buy new pistons, but they cost about what a whole new pump of the same quality would cost....
Looks like similar to the 5-stage CNG compressors I've had a little experience with. Curiously I've seen those self-destruct in basically the same manner after only a few thousand hours of run time... and much more dramatically!
how much are we looking at here....? (new parts + shipping repaint + time) is there any stock parts left for this thing/do they still make parts for it ? liners and crank may need machining as well......
Quick search says parts available they were made not far from my hometown. The question is worth your time and money to rebuild,Leroi are quality compressors? We have a big GD 60 fuel hp to run that cost $1600 last time to rebuild and it's not made anymore but fits the niche so what do you do ?
It's rebuildable, just use some jb weld and away you go, Just joking people. Keith, I am sure there is parts but the cost could out way the price of a new one. I helped rebuild a 3 cylinder 2 stage that could not make 80psi, and finding parts was a joke, it got so bad we had to get rings laser cut and had to file fit them, then had to white metal all the bearings. It would have been cheeper a new one but it was designed for 250psi and none of the replacement ones would have fitted in its spot, we also had it down if 3 days and the replacement one was going to take a month to get to us. The truck company was so great full it was done so quick and that was 15 years ago and to this day it works hard and the only new part needed was a new electric motor a few years ago.
That's what us professionals call a catastrophic failure. Crank,rods,pistons,rings,bearings and gaskets might get kinda pricey. It would make a cool steam punk lamp though.
You could probably buy three or four more of the same model and make one good one out of the five donors. As the SD Padres announcer used to say when there was a homer, "You can kiss it goodbye!" :-)
Perhaps you might be able to mike the pistons, and try to get the correct length con rods and figure to bore out the rod ends. With your knowledge and access to tools, it might a right fun project!
Hi Keith. Memorial post. What you needed was my late Dad. Senior foreman Hamworthy Engineering Pumps and Compressors Division. Oh, yes, and some of their machinery! I used to spend Saturday mornings there. BobUK.
Comp Air bought out Le Roi Dresser Compressor back n the day. As of a few years ago parts were still available but brutally expensive. They are one of the best compressors in the world along with Quincy QR line and Saylor Beal. That pump new is worth like $3500.
Oh dear! Reminds me of the time I forgot to tighten and lock the oil pump drive pinion on my Norton (yes, I know!) 705 fastback .... blew up at speed on what you'd call a narrow Interstate one dark and wet Sunday night. It's a miracle - quite literally - that I'm still here. BobUK.
I subscribed to your channel years ago to watch you renovate old equipment.
That's not damage, that's carnage!!
Jonathan W would make a good block for a motorcycle engine.
..yeah...cast Iron....sturdy, but heavy.....
I've got that same LeRoi Dresser model and, if I remember correctly, it was CompAir that sold me the overhaul kit for it. Mine was not pumping as well as it should. Needed rings, I don't believe the pistons were available. After micing everything, the only piston/cyl. wear problem as the high pressure piston/cyl. clearance was slightly out of limits. I took the piston/cyl. to a macine shop that I've used for years and they sleeved the high pressure cyl. and bored/honed it to the correct clearance. With the new rings on both cylinders and a ball hone to roughen them up to seat the rings, it pumps very well now. It was a fun job. Good luck finding pistons for it.
I can see a long series of videos in which you make new pistons, rods, turn the crank etc. Its a video bonanza!!!!
It would be AWESOME to watch you make new pistons and rods!
Yes It would be
That would be epic series!!
rods are generally forged. tricky to do without the dies and a trip hammer. I guess they could be machined out of good steel with a chunky cross section, or out of titanium like in a race car engine.
New h beam rods would be easy to make. They don't move real fast like a car, so strength is not paramount.
I have a smaller 1958 version of that compressor. It’s a Westinghouse design originally used on train air brakes. They have an unloader valve connected to the oil pump and unload the heads when no oil pressure is present. They are almost stupid proof but they still need oil ;-). If you can find the parts and successfully rebuild it, it might just be the last compressor you ever own.
We (amateur machinists, collectors,) repair all sorts of stuff that's not worth the effort normally. But I have to say, if you can't get some parts for this it's not worth making 'em. Besides, finding connecting rod bearings to fit the cleaned up crank would be near impossible, unless you get Adam to do his Spray Weld magic on them. I have to say, when I saw the first video, when you received it, you spun the motor with one finger. I knew those connecting rods were long gone. What a shame. There's plenty of pumps out there you can retro fit to that tank and you'll be in as good or better shape. Thanks for sharing.
Keep us updated,I’d like to see it brought back to life.
That looks like the same air compressor that was installed in our shop just after I started working there. Ours was a horizontal tank instead of vertical. We had a phase drop out and ruined the motor just after it was installed. Outside of filters and oil, that was the only thing that was done in the 35 years that I worked there. It was still running the last time I was there for a visit.
Between your fans and vast number of mechanically inclined associates won't be long before you figure out the best solution. On one hand rebuilding would make great videos. But on the other you have so many irons in the fire might be better off shelving this project. Bet you give it a few weeks and someone will find the parts and donate them. You have a loving fan base. 😀 👍 🔧
I hope the parts are around because that is a good compressor motor. I wish I had one like that. Good lick!
Hi Keith, the compressor might not have worked out but the camera work, lighting and sound on this video was outstanding! Like super HD! Thanks!
Making new pistons and rods from scratch and polishing the crank would make an amazing video series. Hint, hint. ;)
YES !!!!!
Keith I think you should fix it, make you own pistons you should be able to cast some and any automotive machine shop can match rings to the bore cut the new pistons to accept them, cut the crank 010 and make some rods, I would love to see this done. I really enjoy you vids thanks Al
Please repair it! It'd make a great video!
Rebuild it at the Bash! Flamespray the crank. Regrind. Mill two billet aluminum connecting rods. Bore the cylinders - if scored, and install liners. Rebore and hone to whatever size pistons You find - or make a pair Yourself. Mahle or any major brands make tons of pistons in all sizes. This isn't difficult at all. Just takes a little time, and effort.
Says little me - that have a fully operational vintage Ingersoll-Rand two-stage restored. LOL.... I was lucky on that one - found lots of parts at a reasonable cost. Good luck - whatever You choose to do with it! ;)
I just couldn't leave it alone Keith. My old boss used to tell me " Anyone can do it with parts ! "LOL
A man with your skills could make a couple of pistons and con rods. A good project for TH-cam.
Honestly, the Pistons look salvageable to me. The little damage on the skirts are not going to make it fail i dont think. Shouldnt be that hard to make new conrods, i know youtubers that do that kind of stuff with a drillpress and a handfile. The conrods dont need to be forged or anything fancy, they aint going in a 1500hp supra. Get some ground steel and shape them a little, drill and ream some acurate holes in them and split them in half and its pretty much done. Its not impossible, just a matter of how far you want to take this rebuild.
Still something you do just because you can... not necessarily because it's a good idea. But I would like to see it. :)
Somebody could burn out some rod blanks or water cut them. I agree that the pistons could prolly be salvaged.
Totally rebuild-able if you can find the parts. That looks like a quality unit. The new units are really cheaply built. Good luck.
Fred Miller Anything is refundable if you throw enough parts, time, and money at it.
This an excellent opportunity to machine the parts you need! Forge some steel for the rods and machine them! Then cast some Aluminum for the pistons and machine them! It would be one of the ultimate rescue videos!!!
I understand you disappointment. It'll be interesting to see the solution. I see ChristophersCustoms offered you a compressor. Thanks for sharing Keith.
That compressor was made in Sidney, Ohio - home of Monarch Lathes! It would be very cool if you could get it running.
Electric impact drivers would make your life so much easier. I do love watching you take stuff apart. Too bad about it though.
It would be a big project, but I'd love to see you make new pistons and connecting rods...after all, you do have a machine shop. Not worth it financially, but would have lots of educational and entertainment value. And you'd have the trickest hotrod air compressor on TH-cam. :)
I totally agree
That was actually really interesting Keith! Looking forward to see what you decide.
...I once worked in a compressor repair shop....this sort of failure is usually due to lack of oil....most of it looks to be on the outside of the unit....these pumps with splash type lubrication really need the oil to be better monitored...parts can usually be had, but will be expensive....Dresser was good stuff at one time....
Units often are just pushed in the corner of the shop and oil not checked for years at a time.....I've seen compressors with no oil leaks that run for years without much wear/damage....
Keith, if you pick it up I have a compressor head you can have. The engine blew , I got two at an auction and I got one running and don’t need the second. It’s on an IR Air Compressor 150PSI.
This will be a nice upcomming project; machine two rods. measure what you have for pistons and find something close then bore cyl jugs to as needed. This is a low rpm and little heat deal. Polish crank and all is good. I say this cause of stories in Cuba like Ford pistons in DeSotos etc. Lawnmower piston for the small one. Always a way out.
Mr. Pine I don't know what you consider low rpm but several hundred rpm and this size air compressor will create enough heat to boil a lot of water. That connector tubing gives an indication of the heat generated in just the LP cylinder. I have been around similar compressors and they get very hot.
I think I am going to go check the oil in my compressor.
For the record, mine was good.
Drain the condensate out of the air tank as well.
@@gregwarner3753 I have but it is due again. The comment was from two years ago.
Bro, my dad died and left me his compressor, no idea it used oil. It started getting real slow, went looking why, found out it used oil. Checked oil levels, there wasn't any 😳🤦, trying to figure out if i can rebuild the pump now.
I used to really enjoy buying old American-made tools at thrift stores and garage sales, as they were cheap and easy to repair.
Now that they've attained a collector status of any sort, buying things like 'vintage iron' becomes a game of which 10 year old Chinesium has survived the usage game best.
Inheriting the Sins of the User takes on new meaning when you're looking at the guts of a metric motor for instance and seeing how someone treated it like disposable garbage, because they've been conditioned to replace anything that breaks versus repairing it.
Nice boat anchor!
Hello Keith, I just have to tell you that you did get lucky on this one. Your a machinist, you should know someone that will make pistons for you, or find a piston with .the same measurements as far as the crankshaft goes the same machinist should be able to make rods and make bearings for you, I would not be surprised if a dealer wanted four or five thousand for a replacement machine.
All the best, Edgar
Did a quick search on LeROI Dresser (Westinghouse) All results were in the US, none of them had pistons or rods. I agree with Ron Yerke, it's an anchor. Or a machining skills test. Good luck from the UK
Keith, i have a two cylinder air brake compressor that i had to get an adapter made to use a John Deere pulley of some sort on, and its a very nice pump. It has a water cooled head on it, so I'll need to figure out someth on that. Ive had it for a while now, but do have plans for it.
I have a Dresser pump and they are a lifetime air compressor when maintained properly. Dresser was bought out by LeROI and some parts are available through LeROI dealers. I would rebuild it if I were you.
Keith, found this video while looking at a possible overhaul on my compressor. I have a Dresser 5000 two stage that doesn’t have much suction, but does seem to have outlet pressure when turning by hand on the bench. I also found the main check valve completely eroded away, which is cause for concern.
I plan to pull the head to see what is going on. Found a place in PA that has parts for Dresser.
That is a great compressor and i would love to see you repair it
it is recommended that before taking apart teh compressor that it pressure cleaned on the outside to prevent contamination of what is not disassembled.
the unit was quite dirty.
thanks for the video.
If you are tempted to rebuild it check if the crank is bent. It took a lot of force to break those rods.
machine it yourself! that would be an epic series Keith!
I just thought I'd say that I'm a little disappointed that the Vintage Machinery guy isn't going to fix the vintage compressor. I know it doesn't have the romantic and nostalgia value that a steam locomotive has, but it's still cool old-time machinery. Maybe you can find someone willing to give it a try. I thought you'd be re-casting the pistons and connecting rods with your new (ish) furnace. You have one impressive machine shop at your disposal.
I'd like to see this rebuilt. This is vintage machinery isn't it? Of course if it isn't worth it that's understood. I think it will be better than most replacement pumps.
Great video. But it breaks my heart to see a piece of machinery in that condition.
Before you get too deep in getting parts, do yourself a favor, Put that crankcase on the floor and carefully fill it with water. See if it leaks out. If there is a crack in the crankcase, It is not worth trying to find parts for it.
Joe.
Scrap It now before you waste any more time or money !! Thanks for the vid, Cliff
That's too bad there is so much damage. The compressor went out here at my shop some time ago, they ended up replacing it. I kept the old one, a Westinghouse 3YC. It turns out it was in good shape, just really dirty and needing new babbitt bearings for the connecting rods. I found there was a rebuild kit for it with gaskets, valves, etc. Yours looks similar, but smaller.
If I had the tools (I certainly have the time), I might try machining new pistons and rods and endcaps from either raw stock or actually casting blanks from some kind of backyard foundry setup.
Hey keith... you can get an Ingersoll Rand 2340 pump , 5hp two stage for around $1500 although you can get a complete unit for around 2k.... remember you still have to inspect tank, motor, check valve, pressure switch.
if you can find rods and pistons for around $200 - $300 i would go for it. you can find bearings,piston rings and valves anywhere probably
Looks like a good boat anchor to me.
Shorten the piston skirts and make new rods.
Hammer0f Thor
Just what I would suggest, all he needs to do is to make sure that the pistons are in good shape up top.
It is the way I choose to bring back that compressor to life, at least, the rods can be done in aluminum plate,
at worst, the crank should be ground off to have a good journal surface and the low pressure piston can very often be replaced by an automotive piston.
it asks for measurement of the center of the crankpin to the top of the cylinder.
I have redone an ingorsoll radn compressor that way and it is serving me for over 35 years
Good information although on a different channel a guy said 2 stage doesn't build pressure the same as here. Both have good stuff, wish I really knew.
I rebuilt an Ajax two stage pump many years ago, the parts were quite expensive (and they were available) I don't remember if you checked the bottom of the tank out when you got it. See if that is significantly rusted. If good, I'd put a Harbor Freight two stage pump on it and run it!
Enjoyed the disassembly - that's useful information so thanks! I'm thinking another parts unit might be a source of pistons, rods, and crankshaft. Normal wear-out would be rings and piston liner, maybe a valve job?
I know a new compressor might have a lot of advantages but this one is probably built better than anything new you could find.
Maybe I'm whistling in the dark LOL - I just want to see you restore it!
On the other hand, an air compressor is a basic capability for your shop - you want it working all the time, so a new unit will be a good investment.
Depending on what you want, you can get compressor heads of the 2 stage variety for between $600 and up that would charge your tank with your motor. The first place that I saw was Northern tool at around $600 bucks.
That looks just like my old WABCO pump. Works great.
I thought the same. I think some of the manufacturers sold their pumps to other companies who private labeled them. WABCO was Westinghouse Air Brake Company.
That's just sad bad luck old man / you got lots of people out here lii bet you get it fixed one way or another
You didn't comment on one thing I observed on your tear down. The rod break on the large cylinder was an old break with a lot of oil and dirt on it. The break on the small piston was a fresh break. They had been operating the unit with a thrown rod for quite some time until it threw the second rod. I bet it didn't pump worth a flip with no first stage pumping and the second stage having to suck through the first stage valves to get air. As you decided it was probably to expensive to fix.
It took only a couple of hours to find out that this can be fixed but at what price. I would put all the bolts where they came from and put it in a box on the resurrection shelf. I really like the electric impact wrench. Handy.
What oil do you recommend for a single stage compressor of the same age. I got one cheap but know that the oil probably hasn't been changed for a long time. It still pumps up but slows way down as the pressure bulids. I've discovered that the motor is probably failing but I want to also do good for the compressor. I have serious question about the tank and saw your video on pressure testing 👍👍👍👍👍 Any ideas for a certified tank for 140 psi type 10 - 15 gallon new??
My compressors are not that old, but I run them on compressor oil from Kroon Oil (I live in Europe where you get that stuff easily). Compressor oil is different from the oil used in cars (Oil for cars has more stuff inside to get a bigger temperature range). My compressors have pumps from Italy (they have a couple of pump manufacturers).
Other companies like Kaeser from Germany officially use 5W30 engine oil.
You can get such tanks from internet, there are even sellers in Ebay or Amazon which offer compressor tanks, 140 PSI (less than 10 bars) is the typical operating pressure for such tanks
Apologies if this is repeated info, but it is a LeRoi 400 - apparently LeRoi bought Dresser. there are gaskets and valves available but they are expensive (gasket kit $270 on ebay). I have not seen pistons and connecting rods but will look further.
Looks like a quality American made unit. Unlike todays junk it's totally re-buildable. I think I saw an I.D. tag. It's most likely outlived 3 Chinese compressors. It deserves a rebuild. Besides it would make a great video for folks to learn from.
Heck, for the kind of money you'd need to replace it I would make new rods and like others have said the pistons may be repairable. If they aren't salvageable then making new ones from billet can't be that hard with the old ones to copy from. Time is one of those things that can't be replaced so maybe not worth it in that respect, but it's good content and as a viewer I'd love to see it.
I'm in a similar situation. Much smaller compressor but on conrod broke. Everything else is just fine. I am having trouble getting the spare part as it has oddball dimensions.
Is it viable to simply mill one from the same material (aluminum)? If so, should I be making two of the same part for balancing reasons?
I have seen a smaller compressors rebuilt that was in similar condition. I would have thought that it was ruined, but parts were cheaper than the entire head (it took over a month for them to arrive, though). It went back together and ran fine for many years after.
I've also seen a few "witches brew" compressors, usually involving the use of some variety of "repurposed" Briggs style engines, a.c. compressors or compressors salvaged from older big trucks. I don't think any of those options would be fitting for a tank that size.
Here is something to consider: Find another complete, working compressor, and use the tank from this one as a secondary. Put it on your wood working end of the shop.
If you can find the parts for a reasonable price it's worth rebuilding. Those are a quality compressor. The finned bit between the cylinders is called an intercooler by the way.
My experience with pistons is that manufactures buy pistons from piston suppliers . Example some Fords and GM engines use the same pistons just different pin heights. Same with rings. I would consider either looking for a close replacement and then machine them to fit or make new ones from billet aluminum. Steel rods of course could also be made. It would be a great project for You Tube. In the old days nothing got thrown away it got repaired.
I totally agree, I done that on an oldd Ingersoll rand compressor and it still serve me very well 30 years after this rebuild
It's easy to get tune-up parts from LeRoi Dresser, but pistons and cranks are another story altogether. Just the tune-up kit with unloader and valve rebuild, gaskets, seals, and bearings is about $500
as you have access ot a relatively complete machine shop, this compressor can be rebuilt at a relative low cost, for the low pressure pistin, if it is not cracked at the pin level, you can shorten the skirt just below the wrist pin so the damaged part will be removed, for the rods, if you can measure the deck height of the block , the height of the cylinders and the compression distance of the pistons, you can deduct the lenght of the center to center for the rods and fabricate 2 new rods, for the high pressure piston , you can buy a new one or fabricate a new one but the work involved is to intensive for the price csaller for this part, depending of the bore, you can possibly fit an automotive piston, I rebuilt an old Ingersoll rand 242 compressor thea had passed thru a fire and that was attempted to disassemble by somebody that should never touch anything mechanics, the rods and pistons was shot, I succeded to save the rods but for the pistons, I used automotive pistons and adjusted the bore and the height of the cylinters to match my new pistons, this compressor is still running after 30 years of service.
the cost of all the operation was less than the cost of only the low pressure piston.
Great Vid!
A man with your skills could make a couple of pistons and connecting rods.
THANK YOU...for sharing.
You can buy rebuild kits,,,as long as the cylinders and crankshaft is good it's worth fixing because it's a very well built unit,,,,but you won't know how hot it got,and metal becomes Brittle with to much heat
Consider: Size and fit your own pistons and rods then make your own bearings to fit the crank. Junk yards are full of junked old motors with pistons and rods everywhere. If the measurements work, so will the part. Bo.
On the plus side there's a fine collection of nuts and bolts and some probably high grade casting aluminium.
thanks sir. this was very helpful and clear concept .
keith check out schulz compressors. i have been running one for over 20 yrs. these things are beasts. they look like dresser clones a friend of mine in the air tool business turned me on to them. i see a 7.5 hp pump on ebay for $500 that is the unit that i have. i believe thats what i paid 20 yrs ago. parts and service are readily available .
That's a Leroi Dresser pump. Hard to find parts for. I would look on Craigslist for an Ingersoll Rand T30 to replace it with. You can still find parts for the T 30 .
Thanks for the insight keith, not worth repairing
What's the bottom of the tank look like?
My thought also. It would be a shame to spend the time and money to fix the compressor only to find the tank is rotted and unsafe. Given the state of the pump, I'd definitely get the tank safety checked before proceeding.
Sorry that one did not work out. Now are we going to see some action on the big old metal planer? I am just chomping at the bit for that rebuild.
looks like a good challenge to make some parts and save it
Oh it is a simple and easy fix, it just isn't worth it. :-( Only way to do it would be if there was a donor with bad crank to get the parts from.
That's too bad!! - I was just about to tell Keith "I know a guy in Tennessee that's done this stuff before..."
Well I am in Kentucky but I have fixed a compressor before! :-) Mine was not nearly that sad a shape though .
Being run dry (for who knows how long) I would worry about the bearings and their surfaces on the crank and the crank mating surfaces for the rod ends, that would not be cheap to re condition :( . I just think this compressor pump is is a big can of worms that may only show some problems up when you are knees deep in money into it, you have re assembled it and run it under load.
I am leaning in that same direction. Unless a donor pump shows up that I can salvage some parts from, it just is not practical. I can buy new pistons, but they cost about what a whole new pump of the same quality would cost....
If it cast a shadow it can be restored.
Keith, it seems you have some feed stock for cast iron work in the "new" foundry.
Eli D.
Looks like similar to the 5-stage CNG compressors I've had a little experience with. Curiously I've seen those self-destruct in basically the same manner after only a few thousand hours of run time... and much more dramatically!
Auch! Rest In Peace (pieces) old compressor.
Well at least you have a tank and motor to work with, just need to find a new pump now
how much are we looking at here....? (new parts + shipping repaint + time)
is there any stock parts left for this thing/do they still make parts for it ?
liners and crank may need machining as well......
Northern Tool also has brand new pumps
Quick search says parts available they were made not far from my hometown. The question is worth your time and money to rebuild,Leroi are quality compressors? We have a big GD 60 fuel hp to run that cost $1600 last time to rebuild and it's not made anymore but fits the niche so what do you do ?
On e-bay a rebuild tune up kit goes for around $425. They are selling new 2 stage compressors for the same price.
that isnt a tune up...its parts replacement, no kit will have rods pistons etc
I agree I was using it as a price comparison.
It's rebuildable, just use some jb weld and away you go, Just joking people.
Keith, I am sure there is parts but the cost could out way the price of a new one.
I helped rebuild a 3 cylinder 2 stage that could not make 80psi, and finding parts was a joke, it got so bad we had to get rings laser cut and had to file fit them, then had to white metal all the bearings.
It would have been cheeper a new one but it was designed for 250psi and none of the replacement ones would have fitted in its spot, we also had it down if 3 days and the replacement one was going to take a month to get to us.
The truck company was so great full it was done so quick and that was 15 years ago and to this day it works hard and the only new part needed was a new electric motor a few years ago.
You know a machinist?
Timothy Sielbeck he will probably have to let his finger walk through the yellow pages to find one. Lol
That's what us professionals call a catastrophic failure. Crank,rods,pistons,rings,bearings and gaskets might get kinda pricey. It would make a cool steam punk lamp though.
You could probably buy three or four more of the same model and make one good one out of the five donors.
As the SD Padres announcer used to say when there was a homer, "You can kiss it goodbye!" :-)
Keith, the crank is toast also. Just scrap it for the value of the metal. Go to harbor freight and buy a cheap replacement engine/pump.
Perhaps you might be able to mike the pistons, and try to get the correct length con rods and figure to bore out the rod ends. With your knowledge and access to tools, it might a right fun project!
That'll just buff out, Keith.
Looks just like a Saylor Beal, should be able to get parts. A lot of clones of the old grate compressors out there!