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Are you having an issue with identifying an older air compressor? Air compressors have been around in one form or another since the dark ages. If you need help in identifying an older air compressor in order to try to source parts, find a compressor manual, or just get some online guidance on proper use and so on, this is the page to do it!
This page will also provide an opportunity for readers to post photos of their old air compressors so that someone can help identify them!
Table of Contents
- How to Identify an Older Air Compressor
- Help Identifying an Old Air Compressor
- FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
- Existing Identifying an Old Air Compressor Pages
How to Identify an Older Air Compressor
Air compressors support various types of tools, which ultimately spared the strain of running off separate motors. With older compressors, the appeal may center on the rarity of an old machine, or even the novelty of having an outdated piece of machinery that is still operable.
Most air compressors should have a nameplate like the one in the image below. If it does, you should read it as it will have all the information you need!
If your compressor doesn’t have a nameplate, then you should search for distinguishable markings on the tank or the pump like brand names or model numbers.
Identifying an older air compressor can be done with the 4 following steps:
- Check the backside of the tank to see if there’s a stamp that lists the year that the compressor was produced along with the manufacturer. If only the manufacturer name is present, do a google search of the brand compressors
- Look along all sides of the air compressor for a patent number, which is often listed near the name of the manufacturer on most older compressors
- Go to google patents and run a search on the patent number (if you find it), this will provide you with basic information on the model including the manufacturer and issue date
- Upload images of the air compressor to a forum like this page where other compressor connoisseurs are likely to recognize the model
Help Identifying an Old Air Compressor
To make it easier for your compressor to be identified, please add at least two photos, preferably four photos, one photo from each side. More photos of an older air compressor almost always lead to faster help.
No photo? Sorry, your posting cannot be approved for this page.
It’s very difficult to identify an older compressor, particularly one without identifying numbers, so in order to get your post approved for this site, at least one, and preferably more, photos must be added to your comment. Please click the “paper clip” icon when you’ve posted the words, and add the photos before you submit. Thanks.
Below there are a number of existing compressor identification requests already posted. As you scroll down the page to the new-question form at the bottom, please have a look at some of them. If you can help identify another owner’s compressor it would sure be appreciated by all.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Check the backside of the tank to see if there’s a stamp that lists the year that the compressor was produced along with the manufacturer. If only the manufacturer name is present, do a google search of the brand compressors. You can also look along all sides of the air compressor for a patent number, which you can search up.
Existing Identifying an Old Air Compressor Pages
- Old compressor by Ben Patents Ltd.
- Please help identify this Rand 4000
- Help identifying old green compressor
- Help identifying old compressor pump for parts
- Any idea who made this compressor pump
- Identify Lux compressor for information
- Info on a 1978 Sears-DeVilbiss-Doerr air compressor
- Year of this unknown air compressor
- Unidentified Kellogg America break shoe compressor
- Vintage DeVilbiss air compressor
- Old Honeywell air compressor
- Patent number 4065237 that’s all
- Info on this vintage air compressor
- Identify this 1940’s air compressor
- Old Speedaire identification
- Rebuild this old compressor
- Want to rebuild this compressor but cannot identify it
- What oil for old Jacuzzi air compressor
- Need assistance to rebuild this old compressor
- Please look at this compressor – I have a few questions
- What compressor do I have here
- Information needed on this 1953 air compressor
- Ben Patents air compressor
- Is this a Kelvinator compressor with a riveted air tank
If you need help identifying an old air compressor, please leave a comment below, with a photo if applicable, so that someone can help you!
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Would like to know the kind of air compressor this is, only thing model wise i can find on it is NATL BD & MPCO NO. 06526. Trying to figure out if this would work for a blast cabinet that requires 9.5 CFM at 90 PSI to operate. Thanks in advance
This is a DeVilbiss 44643, or half of a 445 if you will. It is good for up to 7.5hp and 26cfm, so it would easily handle your blasting setup. Most likely it is set up as a 5hp unit, which is still good for about 18cfm @ 100psi. These compressors will be good for 175psi. The pump itself is good to 300psi, but the tank is in no way designed to operate at that pressure. Looks like a decent single phase motor on it, which is a major bonus if you are restricted to single phase power. This is… Read more »
I would appreciate any help in identifying this 2 stage 4 piston compressor pump that I attempting to restore. The manufacturers name has long gone from the name plate and only ‘Made in the United States of America’ remains legible, along with a separate serial number 2814AC. See attached 4 photos.
Thanks, Pete
This is a PAR compressor. or PAR Lynch. I doubt you will find any parts for it off the shelf.
Thanks Roger that’s great to know. It sounds like it’s about the same age as me, 70, or even older. It’s been in the family for at least the last 50 years that I know of. All it needs are some 2nd stage oil rings and it will be running again, amazing! I won’t get originals of course but I’ll get something to match. The good news is the oil that passed the rings has helped preserve the tank internally. Thanks again and thanks to Bill for the information he has posted regarding PAR compressors. By the way, this compressor… Read more »
Can anyone help me identify this old Air Compressor Pump? No brand name/serial number/model or any other markings on it. It was on a tank made by Buehler Tank and Welding Works, Orange California. But there was no other information on the tank label, and no other labels on the tank.
Any information would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks!
I found a rebuild kit for this compressor, it apparently is one of several brands, Campbell Hausfeld, Sears, Wards, and quite a few others. When I get it rebuilt and running again, I will post pictures.
Well, now that I found a rebuild kit for this, come to find out the cylinder holes are scarred from the rings rusting in them. I can’t seem to find cylinder sleeves for it, so I was wondering if anyone would have suggestions for how to repair the cylinders. Or maybe what the tolerances of the pistons/cylinder hole would be, so I could just have them bored out a little.
Hi everyone, I’d like to know what make this air grinder is! It looks old and belonged to a major u.k. firm as inscribed in the head. Note the indent circles on the side, this ‘looks like’ a classic CP (Chicago Pneumatic) to me where their stickers would be set in said circles. And just the general design of it as well.
Anyone know what make it most probably is? Thanks! David.
I picked this compressor yesterday can anyone tell me anything about it it’s a Westinghouse type g
I have a Campbell Hausfield air compressor with a serial number 01042H-018941, the air tank tag says to mention FL9504. I am hoping that I can get any information or a manual on this air compressor. Thanks!
I have picked up an old Speedaire at the house we bought recently. I cannot find any numbers on it except I found it was a CH brand by the Pat No 4065237 – and the printing on the side is near impossible for me to read. I know it runs on 220v as the deceased’s SIL started it up. It’s not been extremely well taken care of but not horribly abused either. It also uses the larger ½” couplings I believe. Since I’m ignorant on anything other than my red pancake compressor I am looking at how to clean… Read more »
I bought this locally for an amount that if I can’t get it going, it was worth it for the tank to make into a BBQ pit. But this thing is an absolute beast in size. And I’d love to have it set up for my shop. So far I’ve Identified the tank as a John wood 200psi tank. Made in 1967. But I can’t identify the pump. I’m new to big compressors. Don’t know much about them. But I’d love to get this thing up and running again. Any help on identifying it and hopefully pointing me towards parts… Read more »
I can’t find an H100-264-1, but did find a Leroi H100-264-2 crankcase. I’m leaning towards thinking this is a Leroi.
Further digging looks like it’s a LeRoi Dresser Series 100
Now that I know what to look for, I don’t think it’s series 100. I think it’s series 600. I’ve found the manuals for this model with the part numbers and they seem to match up. I can’t find the specs for it yet. CFM, motor size needed etc… but I’m about positive on the ID.
This is a LeRoi Dresser, probably a 440 or 440a as a wild guess based on the size. It’s just about the best compressor ever made along with a Quincy 325. Well worth fixing if you are up to it. You will need a new unloader housing at the back end of the crank at a minimum. You need to track down the model number before you can get parts for it though. They might not be particularly cheap. A brand new 440a runs about $10k from what I see.
I’ve found the model number on the crank case. It’s a Model 600. I found a shop in San Antonio that has a used unloader plate for it. It’s way more compressor than I’ll ever use in my shop. So I think I’ll get the unloader taken care of, add an oil pressure gauge and see what the market is for it. Maybe I’ll get enough out of it to buy an appropriately sized compressor for my shop.
I have a compressor pump which was given to me by a friend some years ago. It is a G.E. Catalog No. 21CW4A2R1 ( internet does not show anything except u.s. patent 2249480 which describes the discharge valve arrangement ). It is a 4 cyl. pump. Each cylinder has a bore of 1.5 in. and a stroke of 1.25 in. which amounts to a displacement of 2.2 cu.in. per cyl. or 8.8 cu. in. for the 4 cyl. per revolution. The inside looks clean and almost brand new, like it was never used. I intend to drive this pump with… Read more »
I cannot figure out how to upload the pictures of my pre 1900 compressor that was given to me by a friend who does not know it’s worth please help! Thanks in advance
I have an old compressor and I am clueless as to where you’re going to begin identifying it. A friend gave it to me said it was pre 1900s and that was all he knew. I’m trying to find it’s worth.
Please help!
Thanks in advance.
Does anybody recognize this little compressor. I think the model number might be X2-7
This is a Quincy X2
That’s a Quincy X-2 compressor made for another company so the Quincy name was never part of the casting. I have the same I picked up at an estate sale!
This is the rest of compressor PLEASE HELP
This is an Ingersoll rand type 30, model 253.
Hello guys, I need some help identifying a few compressors. Attached is the image of the first
Thank you
Was trying to find info on this air compressor
All the pics I have, sorry. Can you help?
This is an old Kellogg. Hard to tell which one but it looks like a 331 to me.
Looking for help IDing a compressor.
1982 from Dayton
This is an American IMC ump.
I have a Curtis air compressor 30 gallon horizontal tank, with a two cylinder pump, sold by Magnolia Electric Motors, North Hollywood Ca, the SN on the tank is 209656 year built 1974. The pump flywheel was cracked when the movers hit it against the wall. Keyway style and the measurement is 12 inches, shaft size 1.050 I was wondering if anyone could direct me to a parts source. The pump, tank, and plumbing on the compressor are in great condition. No internal rust and I would sure like to keep this unit going, I have had it for over… Read more »
I also have one my dad bought in 74. If I can’t find valves I may have a flywheel for you.
Thanks Sam, I hope you are successful in locating the valves. Are they the flat disc type that are located in the top of the head?
Can anyone tell me the manufacturer and possible year of this compressor I picked up recently? The label is obscured enough I can’t read it. The design is individual enough I have found the same compressor online, but no pics with a name. Has good compression, and I’ve cleaned it significantly. Need to fill with oil and get a belt.
That’s a beauty, love that flywheel. Wondering if you are willing to sell? I would like to get my hands on the flywheel. No idea what the brand is but Campbell hausfield made the pressure queen that had an identical flywheel but maybe a little bigger? What’s the diameter of your flywheel there? Thanks
My compressor works, so I’m not parting it out, thanks.
I recently took over as a manager for a local tire shop in a very rural area. Prepping for winter I am going through all of the compressors. They have a backup homemade setup and the compressor tag is unreadable. It s leaking between the head and the block and we are hoping to find a rebuild kit before we tear into it. I have included some pictures. Let me know if you need anything else and thank you for your time.
This is a Schulz MSV20.
Thank you so much
Speedaire 4B227B 20 gal how old is the 227b model?
Older than whatever is stamped on the receiver. It’s discontinued, so you’ll need to figure out what the pump is to get parts for that. The rest is off-the-shelf.
Compressor pump info Got this compressor today, obviously I know it’s a curtis pump but where do I go to look up specs? I think I want to use this on a 120 gal build I am doing. I just am not sure if it is worth putting anything into and not sure on max pressure and max rpm. I have a brand new baldor 5 hp 3450 that I would love to use but it came with a 3 hp 1740. Let me know what you think? The tank has a punhole leak so I definitely don’t trust it… Read more »
If the old motor works OK, then I suggest you stick with that.
If you really want the 5H horse, pump should run <1000 – probably 8-900.
It’ll do 200psi, but best keep it around 150-175.
Can’t find an actual spec sheet – that’s based on various factoids around the web.
I believe the successor company is fs curtis, but they no longer have info on their website.
I have a Stanley Bostitch 4 gallon pancake 2.0 hrp MODEL# GA1166, maybe 15 years old. I might use this once or twice a year. It was doing fine until shooting some trim . It would not turn off and there was no pressure on either guage. What could be wrong with this compressor?
This is expected behavior when the pump can’t keep the pressure up.
There is either a severe leak after the air leaves the pump, or the pump isn’t pumping.
I’m not finding that model though, can you verify?
I’m having a hard time finding anything on this ROL-AIR wheelbarrow and powered by gas with 2 cylinder pump it runs and start on first pull.. model is 4090KK17, serial no is 9106070 HP 5.. it has a replaced motor that we dont feel is the original motor but could been its a kawasaki FG200 displacement 201cc max.output 5.0 ps… if anyone could help us out to identify more info on it would be great and appreciated since we aren’t finding anything on the internet, even with added model # but it keeps wanting us to change the model to… Read more »
Ingersol rand model 315 aircompressor how do I start it
Never seen one.
But if you post a few pix, we can probably make an educated guess.
Where’d they come from? Can you tell what make the engine is?
Inversion rand air compressor 315 100psi starts on gas switches to diesel is it a positive ground ? I have two tow behind compressors 315 and both batt cables on both units have a bigger size post on the ground cable like it fits positive post , I don’t have a clue how to even start them but would like some info [email protected] is my contact
I inherited a SEARS 106-174541 air compressor. I remember when my father ran it the circuit breaker would trip shortly after using air. I want to check out the machine and bring it up to standards. I need a manual at the minimum and some fatherly advice. The sears models listed are either 106-171…or 106-175…will either work?
Pls help in identifying this compressor. It functions great – even the auto shut off. Thank you!
Adding a couple of more pics to see if anyone can ID this compressor. I can’t find any markings anywhere on it. Thank you!
I believe this is a sears compressor, try looking for a vintage sears compressor on YouTube, you will see one like this and it’s green in color.
Please help to identify this compressor .
This is an older Chinook compressor made in Italy.
Do you know the size like k90 or other
Wood any other information be needed for parts order?
Do you know the size like k90 or other
No I don’t I would really like to find out
Can anyone help with the size and make I need to get parts to rebuild this.
Works and found in old Napa building.
Looks like a Quincy. Nice.
Got this compressor from a storage unit. The tank says POWEREX MODEL NO CS4003HA SERIAL NUMBER 060392L 078576. It’s got a Troy Bilt 179 cc gas engine and one engraved plate that says Vessel Certified by Melben Pro division of the Scott and Petzer Company. MAWP 200 PSI @ F YR 1992 CRN H2382.54. I’m not sure how many CFM it is or the brand of the compressor it does have a sticker on the back of the compressor by the fly wheel that says made in Japan if the fly wheel is wet the belt is wrapped around. Thank… Read more »
that says made in Japan if the fly wheel is wet the belt is wrapped around.
What?
Anyway, are you anywhere near Westchester County, NY? I’d go see if you can look at theirs, if so.
If you can find the HP of the engine, the CFM should be in the neighborhood of 1 * HP or more, probably around 3 or 4CFM.
Have you looked inside those boxes on the heads? Are they filters? Is there water and or rust or other crud in the tank?
This a Powerex, as the tank states. It is/was part of the Campbell Hausfeld group of companies, or at least was resold by it. If you take the hp reading of the motor, divide it by two and multiply it by 4, you should be close to the output of the compressor in CFM @ 100psi, assuming it is the original motor. It sounds a bit small to me.
Any help identifying is greatly appreciated!!
This is a Quincy 325, aka, the best compressor ever made.
Thanks for the reply! We just figured that out now we are trying to find out why it will only compress to 20psi. It’s been a beast for years for us, but recently won’t air up. Wondering if it’s a head gasket possibly.
It could be the gasket – maybe spray some soapy on it and hand crank it. Also the intercooler (finned) pipe and connections.
But usually, it’d be a broken or stuck valve. Probably stuck on this pump, especially if it’s been sitting a while. The unloader valve could be stuck open.
You’ve get oil pressure, yes?
Please help me identify this compressor
Campbell Hausfeld TF000021P
Campbell Hausfeld TF000021P Air Compressor Parts (mastertoolrepair.com)
Can anyone tell me what this was used for, year of production and company info?
What make is this compressor, 200 gallon, 20 HP, Fabweld tank
Anyone can help Identify?
This is an old Champion compressor.
Has anyone heard of this company or who supplied their pumps? I picked this up and was trying to figure out how old the unit is.
This looks like a small Saylor Beall.
Quincy X-2 compressor, the plate is a sure indication of re badging. Most likely Quincy made it for that company
Bought this compressor from a man- said it came from his grandfather’s service station. The only identification I can find is on the pressure gauge. It says Fero Air Pump Company. Any help identifying it is appreciated.
Got pix?
I thought I did. Guess they didn’t show up…
Sometimes it just doesn’t work, although I thought it was working…
Anyway, give it another shot.
Thanks.
cananyone help me identify what model curtis I have here.The information badge is missing.I only have photos.
Looks like a C96.
Looks like a Champion BV1
Sorry, the Champion is the one below this.
This is my old truck mounted compressor that was originally on my service truck. There’s no serial numbers or anything identifying who makes it. I would like to restore the whole unit and wanted to get a seal kit for the pump. It leaks oil. This pump with a 30 gal tank kept up really well, even with a 1 inch impact gun. It looks to me like it could be a Speedaire or Champion pump based on the original green color. But I’m not sure ??? I took pics of the casting numbers. There’s a casting that says Model… Read more »
Looks like a Champion BV1
Barn find. Sanborn Mfg. Tank with Kelvinator Cast Iron #13053 Refrigeration Compressor – installed on Sanborn Mfg.Tank. I was able to adjust pressure switch which was laying in the same pile to work as it should.. – Will install updated Pressure Switch with unloaded and relief valve. Emerson 1/3hp 1725 RPM. 115 Volt Running Mineral oil. Does someone know how to date Kelvinator Compressor numbers. Any information on pressure switch as well would be appreciated..pressure switch #915? on switch cast iron body. My late father was born in 1933, I enjoy messing around with items made during the era and… Read more »
Trying to get an idea of age on this oldie but goodie – thanks!
Your tank is going on 80 years old but the compressor is a much newer Schulz.
Everyone I just come across a little single cylinder air compressor patent date August 16th 1933 the only numbers I can see on it is 2155-k I just like to know who made it
This is a Saylor Beall
Hello all, new to the group and I’ve looked around to find some help identifying this older Speedaire compressor. I’d like to find the instruction manual for maintenance and specifications. I’d really like to put it to use right away and maybe even restore it if runs well for me. Unfortunately all of the labels are barely legible so any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance all!
Looks like a Speedaire 3z188
Thank you. I’ve contacted Grainger and they assisted me. This is the 2 hp model 1Z945. The 1Z945B was made after and does not have the air canisters on top from what I have seen in pictures and the valve assembly is different.
This pump is also very similar to the 1hp model 2Z050 and the 1.5 hp model 1Z944.
Seeking help to identify this compressor. Cleaning up my late inlaws Ranch and trying to get all the tools in operable order. Its very possible that he painted this compressor as he did paint many tools red or blue. Electric powered. no wheels. Could not find a patent number, name plate or any identifying information. (looked under, the inside/middle of tank) Currently in working order, but has not had maintenance in years and has been in the dusty desert & in mouse infestation. (this is much cleaner than most tools in the mouse infestation but I seeking an ID so… Read more »
I need help identifying what size hp and rpm I need for this Quincy compressor any information would be greatly appreciated. There is a model number and 2 1/2 x 2 1/2 thanks Andrew
Need help identifying this compressor
Trying to identify this compressor
2 stage 60 or 80 gallon tank
The number in the picture is the only ones I have found on it, wanting to rebuild it….as far as I can make it out
07 84 1564, I could be wrong
Anybody, Any Ideas, how about a guess
A few more pictures
This is a Schultz MSV20.
I seen it looked alot like a Schultz but I wasn’t 100% thank you now I can look at a rebuild kit for it. never rebuilt a compressor before
Anything I need to pay special attention to so I get off on the right foot
Looking for help identifying this Air compressor
I’m trying to figure out the make and model of this compressor. It looks close to a Sanborn SC23 but it’s not exactly the same. I need to speed it up since it’s running at 330rpm, but I would like to know what max RPM is and recommended HP rating is. Thank you Mike.
I wouldn’t do that. 330 is probably what it’s designed for.
I suppose the number on the tag is disconnected?
You have a Webster there Mike. The first 2 digits of the serial number is the model number. I believe this is a Model 65.
My bad, it’s a Saylor Beall 703. I never realized how exactly alike these two pumps look. The parts # are the giveaway. 703 @ 2hp = 510rpm. Do not operate below 400rpm. This is from the manual:
https://www.saylor-beall.com/wp-content/uploads/700SeriesManual.pdf
Here’s a Model 65 for reference.