Ingersoll Rand Compressor Problems

[Waylon]

I know this is a stretch to ask, but there are some very seasoned folks on this forum.

I have an IR air compressor with a model SS3 pump. The compressor electric motor seems to run fine and will pump up to @130 psi as it should. The problem is, while it is pumping up, the pump itself seems to start slowing down and seizing up and the belt starts slipping and squealing. It will do that for for maybe 15 seconds, sounding like it’s about to explode, and then rev back up to the rpm it should be running at. Then after a little while it will slow back down and start squealing and squeaking again. Tank pressure doesn’t seem to be a determining factor. The flywheel does seem to wobble more than I would expect it to.

I recently changed the oil in the pump after it started having issues.
It seemed to work better at first but it is right back to doing it again.

Could it be bad bearings in the pump? Anyone have any experience with this?

A new pump is nearly $500.

 

[Camar068]

can you get just the bearings? I saw a kit online for $455 for a complete overhaul including bearings.

 

[Waylon]

The whole new pump is about that much on Amazon.

The answer I’m hoping to get from someone who has fixed a similar problem is to buy a couple of bearings for $50 or less and cut new gaskets myself and be out of pocket less than $75!

I’m all for just rebuilding it if all it needs is maybe some crank bearings. I’m sure I could find some quality but inexpensive bearings.

 

[Termite_Delight]

I had the same problem with mine, I found that fine dust (from sanding wood) gets past the filters. If you can get fresh air to your compressor, you won't have the problem anymore.

 

[QBuff02]

tighten the drive belts, even if they don't look loose. And it depends on the environment they live in, in my shop in the "Sahara desert" it will do pretty similar to what you describe a couple times a year and I put a little more tension in the belt and it goes away and runs normal. Also check the unloader valve/regulator, they could be sticky and not operating correctly. Things get gummed up and need cleaned out from time to time.

 

[Knight84]

What you describe doesn't sound like a typical bearing failure. That sounds more like a load related issue. I'd check the belts for proper tension and make sure they aren't worn out, and check the air filters to see if they are clogged. Start on the cheap stuff first.

 

[Knight84]

The whole new pump is about that much on Amazon.

The answer I’m hoping to get from someone who has fixed a similar problem is to buy a couple of bearings for $50 or less and cut new gaskets myself and be out of pocket less than $75!

I’m all for just rebuilding it if all it needs is maybe some crank bearings. I’m sure I could find some quality but inexpensive bearings.

Also it doesn't look like it'd be that hard to rebuild, if you wanted to diy. Looks like a ball bearing on one end, probably both sides of the crank, and a journal for the piston rod. Probably need a set of rings for the piston.

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[Waylon]

Well my belt was definitely loose! I tightened it and ran the compressor through one full cycle and it didn’t act up. So hopefully that’s all it was! If it turns out there’s something wrong with the pump and I decide to try to rebuild it, I’ll post some pictures.

Thanks to all!!