Need some help ID'ing a compressor

[cmccuist]

I bought this compressor this weekend - paid $100 - and what a surprise, the top end is toast. Actually, it's just the reed valve assembly and gaskets. The rest of the pump is in good condition. Came with an 80 gal ASME code stamp tank though, and a good 5 hp, 3 phase motor.

If I can find out who made it, I might be able to get some new reed valves and it'll be a real work horse. The tank was made by Melben, which I believe supplied tanks to Hausfeld-Campbell.

I think it's a Curtis, but it's pretty old. The tank's code stamp is 1979.

There is a big "C" and "L269A" cast into the crankcase. Anyone recognise this pump?

[hardflex]

looks like a Curtis to me too. I was able to get parts in Dallas when I rebuilt mine.

[cmccuist]

Originally Posted by hardflex

looks like a Curtis to me too. I was able to get parts in Dallas when I rebuilt mine.

Thanks, do you remember the name of the shop where you got the parts. And do they have a branch in Houston?

[hardflex]

Had to search a little bit, pretty sure it's

H & K Pump Sales & Svc Inc on Lamar in Dallas

I'm sure you could give them serial numbers and they could mail you the parts if you can't find anything local.

I had my compressor for 20 years under pretty heavy service. I just did the top end 1 time and that was it. Mine was a 2 stage with 5 hp motor, 80 gal tank. I burned up the electric motor 1 time when the contacts went bad on the electrical starter.

good luck with the rebuild!

[Evans, Marv]

If you are going to do a top end job on it, you might consider doing the bottom end too. A lot of those compressors have aluminum rods without bearings and a splash oiling system. After a long time the crank ends get oblong & need replacement, plus a lot of compressors go for years without oil changes. While your're in there, throw some new rings on too & have the bores cleaned up. It's a pretty simple job & doesn't cost much. I bought an old Champion compressor a few years ago & rebuilt it. It was fun.

[cmccuist]

OK, update:

I went to the local Curtis compressor dealer and the guy didn't hesitate. He ID'd the compressor as a Campbell Hausfeld! I guess that makes sense since the tank is a Melben, who now makes tanks for CH.

Anyway, he gave me a source for parts here in Houston. I described the compressor to the lady and she said, yes they have that reed valve assembly. Come and get it.



Sure enough, they had one. It wasn't cheap though - $110! Plus $12 each for two gaskets. The guys at the shop said that pump was bulletproof though. They said they rebuild those and sell them with exchange for $650. A comparable new one from CH goes for $1200! So this is worth a couple hundred to freshen it up.

BTW Marv, they also have rings and bearings. So I'm going to clean it up, paint it CH blue, run it and see how it pumps up. If I hear any weird noises, I'll go back in and rework the bottom end.

[Porsche_monkey]

Bargain. Well done. That will last you forever.

[sammyg2]

Looks like a Campbell Hausfeld to me