discussion Compressor leak.

[Gern]

Hi guys. Just noticed I have a tiny leak in my AS 186 compressor tank. Looks like it has rusted through from the inside. Is there any way to fix this or do I need a new compressor?

 

[LeytonO]

New compressor time, no ifs, no buts, no coconuts.

 

[rickoshea52]

Does your compressor have a moisture trap? A clear shot glass looking device attached to the regulator with a plunger you push up from the bottom of the trap to drain any trapped moisture.

 

[Gern]

Does your compressor have a moisture trap? A clear shot glass looking device attached to the regulator with a plunger you push up from the bottom of the trap to drain any trapped moisture.

Yep! But I've never seen any water in it.

 

[Gern]

New compressor time, no ifs, no buts, no coconuts.

Oh poop!

 

[Stefee]

Is the leak from a welded seam or around the drain plug fitting. If it's around a seam or in the body of the receiver tank then Leyton O is 100% right, ditch it immediately or a nasty incident could occur. If the leak is from the threads where the drain plug screws in then a good clean MAY work.
Good luck.

 

[Gern]

Is the leak from a welded seam or around the drain plug fitting. If it's around a seam or in the body of the receiver tank then Leyton O is 100% right, ditch it immediately or a nasty incident could occur. If the leak is from the threads where the drain plug screws in then a good clean MAY work.
Good luck.

It's nowhere near any seam or the drain plug.

 

[Stefee]

If I'm understanding correctly the leak is from the main body of the tank, if it is don't risk using it as I have seen the damage that a full size one in a panel shop can do when it let's go.

 

[pjgtech]

As above mate, don't use it, its just not worth the risk when using any type of HPA (High Pressure Air) device.
Can I ask how long you have had the compressor? as I've just bought the same one myself....[Gulp!]

 

[LeytonO]

Always a good idea to periodically undo the drain plug to let any moisture that has collected out.
I also release the tank pressure after each session by pulling the ring on the rear safety valve.

 

[Gern]

As above mate, don't use it, its just not worth the risk when using any type of HPA (High Pressure Air) device.
Can I ask how long you have had the compressor? as I've just bought the same one myself....[Gulp!]

Can't remember exactly when I bought it, but probably 6 or 7 years ago. Having said that, I've done no maintenance apart from draining it once last year, so probably the leak is my fault.

 

[Jim R]

At the end of an airbrushing session I turn off the compressor and always release the pressure by unscrewing the drain plug in the bottom of the tank. I then leave the plug out until the next time I use it. By removing the drain plug water is blown out and by leaving the plug out any moisture in the tank has a chance to evaporate. When you remove the plug you can see water on it. No water=no rust.

 

[Gern]

At the end of an airbrushing session I turn off the compressor and always release the pressure by unscrewing the drain plug in the bottom of the tank. I then leave the plug out until the next time I use it. By removing the drain plug water is blown out and by leaving the plug out any moisture in the tank has a chance to evaporate. When you remove the plug you can see water on it. No water=no rust.

Summat to remember for my next compressor!