Campbell Hausfeld Compressor Leaking

[EastEnder]

I have a 20 Gallon Campbell Hausfeld Compressor that I bought 2nd hand. It's about 15 or so years old and works great; except it has sprung a leak at the bottom of the tank, right next to the drain valve. The leak is bad enough that it cannot hold more than 30lbs without it leaking by. It's still useable, but the pump runs a lot more often. I see that they sell replacement tanks, which run a little under $200. A new unit is about $450. I have no plans or really no need for a bigger or better compressor.



My question is, do I buy a replacement tank or just bit the bullet and buy a new one.

Any thoughts?

[maverick3316]

Have you tried welding the hole shut or welding a patch over the hole? Maybe some jb weld or 2 part epoxy?
worth a try over spending extra money. Personally I would just buy a new one if I could not fix the old tank. Why spend $200 on a tank when the pump could go out after you buy a new tank. Then you would have to buy a new pump, after all it is 15 years old. .Don't get me wrong, I have a harbor freight compressor that is at least 15 years old and still running strong.
Another option is to search Craigslist for a new tank or complete compressor. You might find a tank for a lot less money

[Red67Mustang]

That leak is likely due to rust through from the condensate that collects in the tank (should be drained out periodically). The point there is that the tank is shot and cannot be safely repaired. (The hole you see is not the only one ready to give out). Personally, I'd just pick up a new compressor. Whatever you decide, just avoid trying to repair the pressure vessel. You might get it to hold air and build pressure only to later have a 'spectacular failure'. Be safe.

[EastEnder]

That leak is likely due to rust through from the condensate that collects in the tank (should be drained out periodically). The point there is that the tank is shot and cannot be safely repaired. (The hole you see is not the only one ready to give out). Personally, I'd just pick up a new compressor. Whatever you decide, just avoid trying to repair the pressure vessel. You might get it to hold air and build pressure only to later have a 'spectacular failure'. Be safe.

Your 100% correct. It is rotted due to moisture. I have been pretty diligent in draining it, but obviously the previous owner wasn't. No big deal, I've had it for nearly 5 years and its served me well.

As for repairing it, I don't have the talent or tools to weld it, since its a cast iron tank. Steel maybe, but Mustang brings up a point; I don't know if I want to just have it explode worse later.

Looks like I'm gonna go hunting on craigslist again.

Thanks for the help.

[TheJDMan]

See if you can locate a salvage yard in your area that deals in class 8 trucks. When they scrap these trucks they typically have tons of air tanks that you could pickup cheap. You could daisy chain several tanks together to get any volume you might need.