Hey! This site is reader-supported and we earn commissions if you purchase products from retailers after clicking on a link from our site.
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 With older compressors, the appeal may center on the rarity of an old machine, or even the novelty of having an outdated piece of machinery that is still operable.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!
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!
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?
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.
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.
I’m trying to figure out the make and model of this old compressor. It’s only turning at 330rpm and I’m trying to find out if the 1.5hp motor is enough and what max RPM is. Thank you Mike
More pic
David, more than what? Did you post in a different page?
This is an old setup my grandfather used. It’s has a flathead 6 running thru the drive train of a car- truck to a compressor. It’s a four cylinder compressor with Hewitt on the intake of compressor. Has not been used in 50 years at least. We were going too scrap it but maybe it’s worth saving
There’s a chance some collector might want it, but it looks ready to scrap…
You could try some antique machinery sites to see if there’s any interest.
Now I know what your other post was; dunno why it seems separated from this one.
Can anyone tell me what kind of motor this is or what I got exactly
This is some sort of refrigeration compressor.
Hello does any have any information on what I’ve got here is it anything special please get back to me
Nice motor if it works. What’s the black label below the motor say?
It Says – COMPRESSOR AIR, TYPE MB-8 STOCK NO. 4310-693-2653 SERIAL NO HAF 249
THE WAYNE PUMP CO. FORT WAYNE, IND.
DATE OF MANUFACTURE 8-??
MODEL NO. AT 64012 CONTRACT NO. AT 09 (603) 32107 INSPECTED WEIGHT-1560
U.S.
– can you tell me anything about it do you have any idea what it’s worth
It’s a good make, from what I’ve seen. Worth is like anything else – demand and condition.
See if they have any info:
http://www.waynepumps.com
Good luck.
Looks like a Schulz pump. Wayne/LeRoi used them on some of their machines.
I bought this old compressor from a buddy of mine. It’s a monster. I was hoping to identify it to find out what hp motor I’m gonna need to spin it and how fast. The flywheel is 17” and the shaft is 1 1/2”.
No pix came through – can you guess the bore and stroke of the thing? How many cylinders – same size or different?
Stick a fork in it….
I got this compressor today somebody put it on a United States air compressor tank so I know it’s not original. There’s a couple stamps on the side. The ID tag is missing. Hopefully someone recognizes this and can tell me what it is. It has two different size pistons on it. Thanks
Hello. I got this compressor today and ID tag is missing. The only numbers I see stamped are 5505 and something above it looks like “pm2” or “fm2”. The tank is not going to help identify the compressor because somebody put the compressor on a United States air compressor tank. Here’s some pictures hopefully somebody knows what the stamped numbers mean
Hi everyone , I have this and no one has been able to tell me where to find parts .
Name, model, year.? All that type of stuff.
This is a Webster, probably a Model 11. No parts available, so it’s roll your own if anything breaks.
Dear Sir, I bought a Campbell Hausfeld 2 stage 80 gallon 5 HP air compressor that was made in 1994 through an auction. The main problem is I cannot locate a model number on the compressor. Without the model #, I cannot order parts for the pump. I have several pictures of the compressor and pump. Any information you can give me will be appreciated.
Thank You
Leon Tamez
It appears I am unable to attach any pictures of my compressor. Please advise me on how to get you pictures.
Anyone know the mfg of this compressor? Tnx
Anyone have an idea?
I imagine you tried to upload some pix. Didn’t work. It’s this site, not you.
You can ask in the contact for them to post for you, or put them up on some public forum/site.
Why will photos not up load? https://1drv.ms/a/s!Atd7U1564qUSgo0fSZ14kpr-bcNLFQ So here is a link to the lot As I posted below but not able to upload photos as needed and ask Hello I have a stumper. IVE CALLED EVERYONE I know and dont know ON line OFF line etc. I have 2 hp WAGNER dual voltage 110/220 Original frame or U frame single phase VINTAGE motor On a tank that has MANCHESTER TX tag (steel) that approved the tank in 84. It should =still be good right? lol THe 2 stage compressor with 18 inch pulley is like new yet old IT… Read more »
Maybe the pix need to be marked public or something. OneDrive won’t show them.
Hello I have a stumper. IVE CALLED EVERYONE I know and dont know ON line OFF line etc. I have 2 hp WAGNER dual voltage 110/220 Original frame or U frame single phase VINTAGE motor On a tank that has MANCHESTER TX tag (steel) that approved the tank in 84. It should =still be good right? lol THe 2 stage compressor with 18 inch pulley is like new yet old IT has NO tag NO numbers Only a CAPITAL ”D” in a circle. No one has any idea except a guy chimed on and said POSSABLY Ranger, Shultz or low… Read more »
Howdy,
I purchased this older air compressor which I believe is a two stage with pistons stacked side by side. The motor is a Century which I do not believe is original. The tank had a worn off sticker that said Smith & Sons. I want to start making repairs but need to identify it, I have attached photos! Appreciate any help.
Here are da pics I tried posting these with the original but obviously they did not post
Sorry, still no go.
If it’s working, you’ll see a thumbnail between the text area and name box.
Which it’s not, at the moment. Sorry.
Trying to identify this compressor. I don’t know how old it is. Came on a 50 gallon tank with 1 hp motor. Does not have much in terms of markings
Again we are at a loss about this compressor. How old is it? Who made it? Any help would be appreciated. Thank you.
What is this?
You tried to post pix? Not your problem. The site was screwed up.
Try again – your pix will show as thumbnails as you post them, if it’s working.
If not. use the contact form, maybe they can take the pics and post for you.
I am afraid I didn’t include all photos. What is it?
I picked this up for $20 it was inside of a crate it’s full of new oil has great compression when he turn it over by hand I wanted to use it as an air compressor but I don’t know a thing about this one and I cannot find any markings besides some numbers hand stamped in the back that don’t pull up anything any help would be appreciated.
If you tried to post pix, they didn’t make it. You’ll see a thumbnail of it if it’s going to make it.
I cant seen to get any pics to attach. I’ve used multiple browsers and still cant get any to attach.
Yeah, not your problem. The site is screwed up. Again or still, not sure which.
Use the contact form, maybe they can take the pics and post for you.
Picked this up for $20 and dont know a thing about it. It was inside a garage in a crate and has new oil and great compression turning it by hand. Wanes to use it for an air compressor but don’t know anything so any help would be appreciated.