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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
- Existing Identifying an Old Air Compressor Pages
How to Identify an Older Air Compressor
Air compressors support various types of tools, which are 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 With older compressors, the appeal may center on the rarity of an old machine, or even the novelty in having an outdated piece of machinery that is still operable.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 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 patens 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 leads 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 identifying another owners compressor it would sure be appreciated by all.
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
Model and name for this compressor
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
Patent number 4065237 that’s all
Info on this vintage air compressor
Identify this 1940’s air 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
Is this a Kelvinator compressor with a riveted air tank
Help with size and RPM of motor for this compressor
If you need help identifying an old air compressor then please leave a comment below with a photo so that someone can help you!
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
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
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.
I recently purchased this compressor and was told I may have a gem here. I have Google for.days and can’t seem to find any info please help.
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.
Pics- please help identify
Look here – it’s a refrigeration pump.
I need help identifying this old bruner air compressor with a Wagner induction motor. No year on it, I have pictures of the model number. I’ve done some research but had no luck. Someone know what this compressor this is?
I have a Brunner air compressor. I’m having trouble identifying it. I do have the model numbers, I will post them on this comment. It runs, it runs pretty good actually, it’s quiet. All the research I have done on it, I only came across one air compressor that looks familiar. There was no info on it though.
I have an old Sears Compressor Mdl 106.173842 air compressor 220 VAC. I bought it new in ~ 1974 and has worked mostly flawlessly until just now. It is 3 Hp Single stage, dual cylinder compressor, rated @ 150 psi max,6.0 scfm @ 90psi. The problem now is that at elevated pressures (estimate the top 1/3 of its range before pressure switch turns it of- it makes a hell of a racket. Sounds like something internal is about to come loose. If parts are available for the internals of the compressor i would certainly consider rebuilding. Not sure if parts… Read more »
There are parts available. Just doodle 106.173842 and you’ll find a few.
Before you tear it down, I suggest you verify that the belt is intact, and that the pulley and flywheel are secure. Not knowing what the sound is, it might just be a loose key.
If that fails, then you can go looking at the innards.
Good luck.
Please help me identify this compressor.
I recently bought this compressor for $70 and would like to find out information on it along with what I should do to get it in top shape
Fliteway compressor 60 gal tank 5 hp Campbell hausfeld pump 1980 need parts but can you tell me model so I can get parts
thank you
Probably. Please post some pix of the pump.
If you already tried to post with this, it didn’t work – please try again.
This compressor pump is Campbell Hausfeld and quite sure 1980, fliteway 5 hp I need parts but don’t know model, it’s identical to my 1974 but don’t have any info on that one either
I Don’t Have A Clue
This was my husband’s compressor and when he passed, it became mine. Now it’s time for me to downsize and sell this beast. I have no idea how to price it. It runs well, has always been taken care of and plugs into 220. Hopefully the pics will help. Thanks for any input, Janet
Can please help find the owners manual for this air compressor. As you can see i have pretty much all the info on it but when I Google it nothing comes up on it. Can someone please help me. I appreciate it in advance.
Yeah, nothing. Roger might have something on it.
Meanwhile, if you haven’t already, try https://www.campbellhausfeld.com/?target=contact
and use the form or direct email.
Was there anything specific you wanted the manual for?
Found this air compressor and cannot identify it! The motor and compressor work but all the piping from compressor to tank is missing! It’s painted red and blue, but some paint is chipped and it appeared to be originally turquoise blue! The compressor has a big W with AC behind it and the number 6445933! Would like to know the brand if any one can identify it!
This is a Kellogg 201.
Hoping to be able to repair this myself with make a gasket rtv. I made 1 attempt and it worked to seal the leaks but the intricate gasket lines caused the gasket maker to squeeze out into places it should not be stopping the one cylinder from compressing air but at least it sealed off the leaks and allowed the compressor to operate on the other cylinder. I have it apart again to make a second attempt but I’m hoping I didn’t damage the valves too badly that they won’t work.
Model number ppv-50-220
Help to identify compressor.
Hello. I found this piece among other things from my father-in-law, who collected cars and also machinery. I think it is an air compressor, but I don’t know anything else about it. I would appreciate any help to identify it.
Never seen anything quite like it.
Absent scale or a top view, it’s surely a pump, but I’m more inclined to think hydraulic or maybe water.
Hello, thank you very much for your comment. The piece is 21 cm high and the diameter of the wheel is 12,5 cm. It has no visible markings.
Can you post a top view?
I’m sorry, I tried but I can’t attach the image, it must be a bug in my computer. I will try again later or tomorrow. Thanks for your help anyway.
I have finally been able to publish the image from above. Sorry for the delay.
Well, I guess it is an air pump, judging by what appears to be an intake filter on the left cylinder in your leftmost pic. That unscrews so you can clean it, right? And the tube to the other cylinder makes it look like two stage, but it would have to be either smaller diameter or a longer stroke to make any additional pressure. Maybe there’s gears in the sump? I suppose the the larger tube on the second cylinder is the output, but then what’s the smaller thing? Is there air going in or out of that when you… Read more »
Thank you very much for your help. I have tried to remove the cover but I am unable to unscrew two of the screws. I also haven’t noticed any air coming in or out when turning the transmission. I don’t understand anything about how these parts work and just wanted to find out what machine or vehicle it belongs to. I’ve searched the internet, but I haven’t found anything similar. This part was among other things from a relative who collected cars and was also interested in static engines and all kinds of machinery. It seems that we will be… Read more »
You just gave me a clue that might help – DeepL. Where are you / native language? If you don’t mind, of course.
You tried penetrating oil on those screws, I presume?
Hello again, Doug.
I am Spanish. I understand written English quite well, but I don’t speak or write it well, so I use the deepl.com translator.
Yes, I have put some lubricating oil on the screws, but the problem is that two of them have already deformed slots and there is no screwdriver that fits well and can make the turn.
You are taking a lot of trouble with my compressor and I appreciate it.
Best regards,
Benjamin.
Ah, I see the messed up heads now that you mention it.
I’ve had some success filing flats into screw heads like that, and using a wrench or pliers on it.
And you’ve been patient with me, and I appreciate that, too.
Good luck.
Hi first time here, excellent site and user friendly. I recently came across this air compressor it had been sitting outside for the last 25 years and not in use it was in waist high grass next to and old workshop that was being torn down. The Tank has a build date of 1969, WP 200 built by Kargard, the pump is Jacuzzi Bros I’m guess its a little older than than the tank but not sure. The motor is big and heavy, the tag is barely legible and not at all in some places I think it’s a Dayton,… Read more »
There is no doubt in my mind that this is a home-brew machine. Painted up pretty nice though!
Can’t tell you much as info on Jacuzzi pumps is almost as rare as hen’s teeth.
That might just be because the people with the info don’t come here, though.
Doug thanks for the reply, I’ve kinda changed my thoughts on this and scrapped the idea that I have a Dayton motor the two wires you see for the starting capacitor I had found tied together unshielded inside the end cap of the motors case someone most likely plugged it in and it never ran again, as mentioned it had been been outside uncovered for around 25 years I was told. The centrifugal switch was blow to bits and I took it to a local motor shop and they believe the motor is a Doerr which makes since to me… Read more »
“…the two wires you see for the starting capacitor I had found tied together unshielded inside the end cap of the motors case someone most likely plugged it in and it never ran again, as mentioned it had been been outside uncovered for around 25 years I was told. The centrifugal switch was blow to bits…”
Yep, shorted cap would explain the switch, alright. So the motor shop thought it was FUBAR?
Anyway, if you do something interesting (or not) with it, feel free to post back.
Have fun.
Hi First time here, very informative and user friendly, thank you. I recently found this air compressor outside in waste high grass next to and old workshop that was being torn down, I had to use a shovel to dig it out where it had started sinking into the earth over the years after each torrential rainstorm here south of Houston Tx. The property was being sold and was being clean up all I had to do was dig it out and load it up and it was mine. I’m guessing it’s at least 200lbs the tank is a Kargard… Read more »
Here are the pictures
Trying to confirm the compressor model number, year of manufacturer and any additional info. Also, any idea what it may be worth running or not? Thanks.
Depends on where it is and whether it runs, to a lesser extent. That’s a quality machine.
Thank you for your reply. It does run. Do you know where I may find additional information, specifications, etc?
I hope Roger will be by with some more. Meanwhile, It is a Kellog, But I’m not sure about that motor, It may be a lower powered version, or maybe someone replaced the OE motor. The motor speed and power largely determine the output pressure and/or volume depending on how it’s geared. Is there a plate with horsepower, current, and RPM on it? Also, is there a plate or direct imprint on the tank? That would have date and some rating info on it as well.
Might be a model 340 or even a 352 pump – some images attached with some spex
Well, crap. Attachments seem to be broken again.
Either a 325 or 321 Kellogg.
Can anybody tell me about my Ford Air Compressor?
Hey Christopher,
Can you upload some images so we can see it? Otherwise we’ve not got much hope of identifying it!
Cheers
I’ve been trying to upload images but they haven’t been able to attach for some reason
Hey Christopher,
Try to upload the images now – I’ve just cleared the system.
If you’re still having issues, please send images to aboutaircompressors @ gmail.com and I’ll get them uploaded!
Cheers