Iron Horse 80 gallon 5hp compressor is squealing

by Renford
(Alliston Ontario)

I have an Iron Horse 80 gallon 5hp compressor (belt driven). I've had it for about a month now and recently I had to change the belt. I think it was on too tight from the factory, because it was only running for 60-70 hours before the belt stopped turning the pump wheel (it was just slipping around the pump wheel). So I changed the oil too, I used non detergent compressor oil and it was working fine for the last few days, but today when I fired it up it started making this squealing noise. I checked the belt it seems fine I have about an inch of deflection in it (I know it is important not have the belt not to tight and not to loose). I let it run a little longer and the squealing stopped but it still sounded a little weird, making a small squeaking sound. I was wondering if it might be a problem with the bearings in the pump or something else. Any help would be great.

Thanks, Renford

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Bill says...

Renford, a too loose belt might squeal on the sheaves, or, if the sheave that's being driven is binding on something, the belt might squeal as it moves through the groove on the sheave without the sheave turning fast enough to keep up.

I can't hear the noise, so I don't know if it is the belt that is making the noise or not.

Try getting a spray can of belt dressing and give the belt a shot of that to see if... a) the squealing stops b) you can isolate the source of the sound.

You also might want to check your manual for the belt tightness guide. To me an inch of deflection seems to be a bit loose.

Cheers,

Bill