I was going to change out a set of tires on one of my bikes yesterday, so I strolled out to the garage and flipped the switch on my air compressor, then turned around and went back into the kitchen for some milk and cookies while I waited for the tank to pressurize completely. When I opened the door to the garage again a few minutes later, the whole garage was filled with smoke which my poor old compressor was pumping out of the electric motor at a frightening rate. I rushed over, shut it down and wheeled it out of the garage and waited for the interior to clear out a bit. I have had the compressor for 23 years. I paid 400 bucks for it new. It is all good except for the electric motor. I have been doing some research on finding a replacement motor, but they are kind of expensive. I need a 2 hp, single phase, 115/230v, 3450 rpm, #56 frame, 5/8th shaft motor. They cost about 185 bucks new. Anybody out there got a surplus one of those or know where I might find one at a reasonable price? I like my old American built V twin compressor and would like to keep using it. Any leads would be appreciated.
There was a website or two that claimed they refurbished motors, but they weren't local. It may be another avenue that I will explore a bit more. I'd prefer to find a local place to deal with on a rebuild though.
Bugger. Before you go shelling out on a new or recon motor it's worth checking that it wasn't a problem with the compressor itself that let the magic smoke out of the old motor. Hope you get it fixed up ok - compressors are a great tool to have around.
I emptied the oil out of the compressor motor and checked for pieces of metal and then rotated the big pulley by hand. Everything rolled over smoothly with out any hitches or strange noises. So I refilled the motor and took the electric motor off. Now I'm having a problem with the pulley being stuck to the shaft, but that's the least of my worries.
At least the compressor sounds ok so that's good news! Those pulleys can be a mare to shift - I have a three-legged puller sat here, but I'm probably about 6000 miles away... Is there a tool hire shop around where you can hire one for a morning (these shops are pretty common in the UK). As with all things like this, the application of a little heat in the right place always makes it a bit easier to remove. If it's any compensation, the price you quote for a new motor would be fairly cheap here. Hope it works out.
Yeah, that price on the motor sounds good. $280 on ebay for one and it's for a Delta Unisaw blade, so they're fairly common size or so it seems.
$185 seems like a good deal if it's the right motor? Grainger has one for $235 http://www.grainger.com/Grainger/items/3K787 If the motor has been exposed to high humidity or just old age along with dust or dirt contaminates, the lacquer insulation on the windings just breakdown and start shorting together until a breaker or fuse trips. Another thing to check if it has one, is the unload valve which is usually part of the pressure switch and makes the hissing sound when the motor shuts off. This valve releases the air pressure between the compressor and tank which make it much easier for the motor start turning the compressor on the next cycle. Since it sounds like you heard the compressor start, it would likely be the problem.
It sounds like a motor I got, all except for the using pulley wheels, mine the compressor went, but motors fine, they bolt together direct drive. If you know anyone that can convert it, it's yours free of charge, just cover shipping cost, but I really have no idea how to make it work for you
I googled electric motor rewinding for SD and this showed up. http://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&safe=off&ie=UTF8&q=electric+motor+rewinding+san+diego+CA&fb=1&split=1&gl=us&view=text&ei=Qs-TSrbqC4fwMrWRmKgB&sll=32.914656,-117.032728&sspn=0.593635,0.404192&latlng=15713541391330632242&cd=6&usq=electric+motor+rewinding&geocode=FeFz-QEdev4E-Q Looks like there are others in SD also.
Thanks for all the responses. It figures that a guy from Michigan would point out a place in Escondido. I am not far from Enterprise, so I'll probably drive over there and ask a few questions.
I checked out a couple of places and went over to Enterprise. Everybody told me that they didn't work on such "little" motors that are cheaper to replace than rewind. On the way back home I stopped at Harbor Freight and Tool and bought a cheapo replacement compressor for 160 bucks. What a piece...but I am up and running. Doubt if the new one will last very long, about 1/3rd the weight of the old one and lots of plastic parts. Double the horsepower, oiless, 17 gal. tank, but doesn't seem as efficient and it sounds like a weedwhacker getting suffocated under a pillow.
Since it's from China and may have high lead content, don't be licking it or placing motor parts in your mouth. Probably should wash your hands after touching it too!
