Air compressor acting funny, what gives?!
I have the same (or very similar) one. I've lightly abused it and it's still up and kicking. Wouldn't try to run a commercial shop with it, but seems fine for 'hobbyist' use...
Lemmie tell yall a couple of little secrets with these newer compressors they are makin nowadays. First, the tanks are thin. Not dangerous, but thinner than they used to be. So they don't last as long.
Secret number one. Shop ONLY for a compressor that has a TOTALLY cast iron compressor. Not an aluminum pump with cast iron sleeves, but a COMPLETELY cast iron compressor. Even the Chinese find it hard to screw up cast iron.
Secret number two. Take your NEW compressor home, un-box it and strip the tank bare. I know. It's a little bit of a PITA. Take the tank to your local radiator shop and have it coated, just like you would a gas tank. BAM. Instant compressor tank that will never rust.
Secret number three. Almost 100% of these import compressors run the pump WAY too fast. Generally, you want your pump speed to be around 750 RPM. You can figure all that out with this new stuff called math. Get you a smaller pulley for the motor and slow that pump down. It will run cooler and probably last forever.
Compressor manufacturers make the tanks thin and make them run fast so they will wear out and they can sell more compressors. If you do these few things, plus regular maintenance, they can last virtually forever. It only takes hand tools to disassemble a compressor. Nothin to it.
