How do you test a compressor

DingleBerry · 1 Nov 2006 at 18:34

I'm going to pick up a 3hp compressor I won on ebay this weekend. I'm obviously going to want to test it before I take it away. If they have any air tools to plug into it I'll ask them to set it off with that but is there anything I can do if they don't? I've got no tools or air lines of my own yet

Dublove · 1 Nov 2006 at 19:40

Get a moisture trap / regulator. Most likely it has a 1/4" bsp connection to the compressor. Stick that on the unit when you check it out and you can then see if the tank holds the pressure etc. Pulsing air should not be an issue if it has a tank. Pretty much that's about it apart from checking the condition of moving parts and seeing if the motor sounds smooth.

DingleBerry · 1 Nov 2006 at 19:48

Looking at the picture it looks like its got a gauge on. Could I use that to test it without plugging anything into it? I just don't really want to start buying things until I know what I want to do with it.

http://www.machinemart.co.uk/product.asp?p=000111565&r=2007&g=102

(if you hadn't guessed I've never had one before

)

Dublove · 1 Nov 2006 at 20:01

Looks like a regulator to me

do some tests. let the tank pressurise until it won't fill anymore then let the air out first at say 10psi then at 20 then 30 etc. A tank like that should be able to push out 50psi for at least 4-5 minutes or so (full tank and motor off). If it dies quick at 10psi then you know the motor isn't packing the air into the tank.

DingleBerry · 1 Nov 2006 at 20:32

and indeed it is!

Specification also includes wheels & handle, filter regulator, gauges, safety valve & transmission guard

Cheers that's exactly what i needed to know. Hopefully it will be up to scratch.

I only hope it works now because its a bit of a bargain at £110!