JB weld
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 18,488
Likes: 22
From: The Big, Oregon
Is it rusted from the inside? If so, it's done. Chuck it (cut it up first) before it blows up and does serious damage. If it's ports, get plugs for them.
When I was working at a rental store with a history of horrible maintenance, I was doing all the backlog of PM work on the equipment. Going through, doing oil changes, etc-
At any rate, I pulled a gas-drive dual tank compressor off the front line, changed the oil, replaced one drain valve that was rusted shut, got about a gallon out of that tank, drained about 1/2 gallon out of the other side, put it outside to test run while I grabbed the next POS on the front line. I'm checking out the next machine, when there is a very loud bang outside, and something started bouncing around the shop. Turns out, one of the tanks was so rusted it blew the drain valve off, and it shot through the shop, bounced off a couple walls, nearly hit me, and put a decent dent in my toolbox. I'm just really glad it didn't go out to a customer and blow up on them-
The moral of the story is rusted tanks are very bad-
When I was working at a rental store with a history of horrible maintenance, I was doing all the backlog of PM work on the equipment. Going through, doing oil changes, etc-
At any rate, I pulled a gas-drive dual tank compressor off the front line, changed the oil, replaced one drain valve that was rusted shut, got about a gallon out of that tank, drained about 1/2 gallon out of the other side, put it outside to test run while I grabbed the next POS on the front line. I'm checking out the next machine, when there is a very loud bang outside, and something started bouncing around the shop. Turns out, one of the tanks was so rusted it blew the drain valve off, and it shot through the shop, bounced off a couple walls, nearly hit me, and put a decent dent in my toolbox. I'm just really glad it didn't go out to a customer and blow up on them-
The moral of the story is rusted tanks are very bad-
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Elder User
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 668
Likes: 3
From: NW Kans
thanks for the replies. yes it was rusted out from the inside. tried welding the holes. got the big ones, but had many tiny seeps around the welds. then brazed it and this hole showed up. figured it was pretty much done for
Freshman User
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 44
Likes: 0
If it's possible (sounds like not though), in the past, I have just put a bolt in the hole in my air tank. It will work sometimes, but sounds like you have bigger problems. Just suggesting it because it worked on an old compresser of my own as well as one of my buddy's fuel barrels.
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Posting Guru
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 1,616
Likes: 3
From: Sapulpa OK
Once the structural integraty of a pressure vessle has been compromised it must be destroyed and never used again. Too many liabilities. Even welded repairs done by an ASME welder should not be attempted.
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Posting Guru
Joined: Nov 2004
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From: sunny fla sometimes windy
On the new be sure to drain the water out every week. Obvously you live where it is humid, so a squirt of oil in the actual tank to keep the bottom protected from rust. Or get some of that kreem for gas tanks to prevent rust will help, even some cold galvanizing paint on the inside and outside will be better than bare steel and ensure this tank lasts!!
Junior User
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 65
Likes: 0
When an air compressor runs, it builds up heat in the piping and tank due to the compression of air. When the air cools off, condensation forms in the tank and piping. If the tank shows any rusting on the outside you can bet theres pleanty of rusting on the inside. If the tank starts to leak, it's toast. You can't repair it because there's no "good" metal to work with. Time for a new tank or compressor.
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