OT: my air compressor story

[mhorowit]

I've been watching Craigslist for a while, looking for a compressor. Last month I picked up one for $50, sold as 'parts', since the guy didn't know if it worked.
Of course it didn't, so I disassembled the 5 hp Honda engine (didn't break the case),cleaned everything and it fired up. Took the compressor pump apart, cleaned the reeds, new gaskets and have begun assembly. One connecting rod had broken and scared the crank journal, so I left out the piston in that cylinder; I guess I'll find out if both pistons need to be functioning; I'm hoping to operate it on one lung. Although the Sears manual gives me parts, it doesn't give torques. By any chance would anyone know the torque for the cylinder head and the connecting rod bolts? I'm hoping there are typical values. If no one has experience with compressors, I'll just use the torques mentioned in 43.13- MikeH

[fearofpavement]

Re: OT: my air compressor story

Can't say that I could recommend running the compressor in that one cylinder configuration.

I would go back to Craig's list and try to find a compressor head with a bad motor. (maybe post a wanted add in the appropriate categories, someone probably has one lying around that they were going to fix someday and your add will remind them they will never get to it and can use the space)

Even if you can't get what you have to work, you can probably sell the engine and break even or make a bit for your trouble.

If you do run the compressor with half the parts in there, stand far back so you'll have the opportunity to tell us all how it went.

[astjp2]

Re: OT: my air compressor story

See if Honda.com has a tech sheet? Tim

[mhorowit]

Re: OT: my air compressor story

See if Honda.com has a tech sheet? Tim

Honda has info on the motor. I don't recognize anything on the compressor pump that idents the manufacturer so it's a blind alley. This is a craftsman compressor. - MikeH

[hangarb7]

Re: OT: my air compressor story

Mike, are the pistons the same size?

If they are different diameters, you will probably have a problem.

Jack D

[mhorowit]

Re: OT: my air compressor story

Mike, are the pistons the same size?

If they are different diameters, you will probably have a problem.

Jack D

yes they were the same size. I didn't bother to install the damaged one. If I get some compression I'll probably continue working on it; if not, I'll go to harbor freight and buy a new compressor pump (or keep an eye on craigslist)- MikeH