Air Compressor Repair/Rebuild

[SZR48207]

I have this old Craftsman 1 gallon compressor that I like to keep handy for using pneumatic nailers for random jobs. It wasn't holding pressure so I did a soapy water test and found 2 leak points. The relief valve has a leak and the regulator has a leak.

I can just buy replacement parts and swap these out right? Below I found some online examples of what I'd buy, but I'll check my local Harbor Freight first because they seem to have a really good selection of air tool parts.

Relief valve only: https://www.amazon.com/Control-Devices-Brass-Safety-Pressure/dp/B0081TJJDG
Or this entire unit pressure control/relief valve: https://www.amazon.com/Central-Pneumatic-Compressor-Pressure-Replacement/dp/B07WYWWXDC

Regulator manifold: https://www.amazon.com/Craftsman-1000000274-Compressor-Manifold-Assembly/dp/B009YERXDA

 

[WhyMe]

if they are leaking at the threads i would just take them off and apply sealer and see what happens

 

[Dave Sherman]

Looks more like it's just the threaded fittings that are leaking. Must be a feature of Craftsman compressors, I've had two of them that had leaky fittings. Some teflon tape or pipe dope should fix those up.

 

[SZR48207]

The relief valve seemed to be leaking from the "plunger", not just the threads.

And the regular was leaking at the edges of that "black box". Not sure how I would seal this up.

 

[Dave Sherman]

I've had relief valves leak too. They are cheap, but they can be saved. I've found if I pull them to discharge the tank before opening the water drain they a) don't get stuck shut and b) don't seem to get leaky. The one that was leaky I was able to open it, shoot some WD-40 into the vent holes, and work the plunger back and forth while twisting it a few times. Then again, they are cheap and probably better to replace if they are iffy.

Not sure about the regulator, other than to replace it. There's probably a gasket on the cover under those screws, but there's also a stout spring in there you probably don't want to mess with. Theoretically if you dial it down to minimum pressure the spring won't be under tension, but... If you try to service it, I'm not sure where you would find a gasket. Maybe some Permatex would help the old one if it isn't torn.

 

[Donald]

The regulator has a rubber diaphragm. That could have deteriorated also.

Both are cheap items to replace.

 

[JMJNet]

Amazon, Ebay or even HomeDepot sells those parts.
They are not brand specific just need to make sure of the thread size.

 

[Trav]

Easy cheap fix if you really want to keep it.

 

[Donald]

You can pull the relief valve out and let it snap back in. Do that a few times. Apply Teflon on pipe threads.

 

[demarpaint]

I'd replace the relief valve, and re-wrap the fittings in question with yellow Teflon tape that's used for gas pipes.