Identifying (and replacing) a part from an Air Pro II

by Ray
(El Sobrante, CA USA)

I believe the part I am looking for is the valve, but I am uncertain.

My Air Pro II, 4 HP, 30 gallon compressor is for general work, and I received it from a friend who had received it from someone, etc., etc., etc..

In general it checked out an operated fine when I gave it a casual once-over. Upon investigating a leak, I discovered that the threads on the valve(?) line out tap, were largely missing and or cracked. Examining the issue closer, the fitting broke off in my hand to reveal that the only reason it was still in place is that someone along the line had used caulking, epoxy, and nearly everything else to plug the leak, and hold it together.

This part has the tank pressure gage, the line from the tank, the PRV, the line out and the pressure switch taps. It is a cheap little thing, cast out of what I recall was once called "pot-metal". I am one to restore thing properly, with the intention of having them last longer and function better. To that end I would like to replace the whole assembly, including the regulators, gages, PRV, etc., with something better than what I have, and not just patch cheap parts on top of a decent replacement.

I do appreciate any suggestions, help and/or guidance.

Thanks much,
Ray~

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Bill says...

Ray, good plan to change it out for something of better quality.

You can't go wrong if you build the new assembly out of copper tube and fittings. Even better if you sweat them, for strength and leak resistance.

Or, you might consider going and getting an air manifold, a chunk of pipe or threaded tube with an in-port on both ends, and out-ports along the side, into which you can plumb your various accessories.

Cheers,

Bill




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Identifying (and replacing) a part from an Air Pro II

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Jan 24, 2011
 A clear understanding...
by: Ray Waldo~

Bill,

Thanks for the suggestions.

So in terms of the manifold, this would essentially be a pipe "T", or even two "Ts" stacked? Is this something that I could assemble out of copper tube and appropriate taps, or is there a better/more recommended way?

Thanks again,
Ray~

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The thing is, you can add an air manifold configured any way you like that suits you best.

Yes, it can be 2 tee's, or a pipe with holes, whatever.

As long as you can connect the new part to the tank discharge port (you need to know the NPT size), then make the manifold to suit your needs.

Now is the time to add a compressed air filter before your regulator. This keeps the airborne water and dust out of your regulator, and will give it longer life.

Not happy with one discharge coupling to your air line? Add two or three, or seven! Whatever plumbing you need to make connection easier for you, is what you can achieve if you build your own manifold.

I mentioned using 1/2" copper as you can build a manifold for a few bucks, it's easily worked with, can be solder sweated to make an air tight manifold, and you can get a host of fittings from the plumbing store to make your manifold anyway you want.

Is there a better (read easier) way? Sure, just find exactly what you've got and remove and replace what's there.

You can, if you wish, make it better.

Bill

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