New oilless air compressor break-in?

[tjr]

Well, I got my new Bostitch 150PSI pancake compressor for Xmas. Thanx, loved ones!

So some questions:

Seems like I saw an idea here recently that one should break in a new oilless compressor by opening up the drain valve or safety valve and running for several minutes before allowing it to build up pressure. Good idea? Bad idea? Makes no difference?

Likewise, Teflon tape when screwing quick-connects into tools?

Finally, after draining the water out, do you leave the drain valve open until next use or close it right away?

[LCHIEN]

Well, I got my new Bostitch 150PSI pancake compressor for Xmas. Thanx, loved ones!

So some questions:

Seems like I saw an idea here recently that one should break in a new oilless compressor by opening up the drain valve or safety valve and running for several minutes before allowing it to build up pressure. Good idea? Bad idea? Makes no difference?

Likewise, Teflon tape when screwing quick-connects into tools?

Finally, after draining the water out, do you leave the drain valve open until next use or close it right away?

i don't know

yes, teflon tape on metal to metal threadded fittings.

close it. Don't want spiders crawling up inside.

[sweensdv]

What does your Owners Manual say about breaking it in? Do what it says to do and if it says nothing then don't worry about it.

[tjr]

Owner's manual is very terse about everything. For example, doesn't even mention the safety valve at all.

Good thought on the spiders...

[herb fellows]

Hmmmm, I never thought about spiders! I can tell you the instructuons on the Porter Cable are to run it for several minutes (might have been 5 , don't remember for sure). definitely teflon tape on connections.

[radhak]

leave that valve open as much as you can; you'd have less worry about water/rust damage inside; spiders may not be able to climb into that valve.

always use teflon tape, as carefully as possible; save you quite some pressure.

[geeoh]

My compressor uses oil so I don't have knowledge about break in times. Regarding the drain valve I just open the ball valve (I added) to let any water blow out while the tank is still air charged. I leave the tank charged and just kill the power and close the tank's air valve going to the flex hose. I do this in case anything would rapture because the compressor could run a few days before I realized it. FWIW my CM compressor is over 25years old and places where I work have the same routine, except the newest compressor ($14K) has a automatic water blow off valve installed. I know your unit is more portable but I like compressed air asap and hate to waste it

[cabinetman]

Well, I got my new Bostitch 150PSI pancake compressor for Xmas. Thanx, loved ones!

So some questions:

Seems like I saw an idea here recently that one should break in a new oilless compressor by opening up the drain valve or safety valve and running for several minutes before allowing it to build up pressure. Good idea? Bad idea? Makes no difference?

Likewise, Teflon tape when screwing quick-connects into tools?

Finally, after draining the water out, do you leave the drain valve open until next use or close it right away?

Break in should be short runs to cycle off. Several of those will be better than doing extremes one way or another. I use teflon tape on all connections. I also drain with some tank pressure, so it blows out all moisture, and then close the valve. Leaving the valve open may lead to unintended extended running until the condition is realized.

I also don't deplete the tank pressure in between uses, but the power is shut down at the end of the day, or if I leave the shop.
.

[LCHIEN]

Geeoh's post made me think, one reason I leave the drain cock closed is that I use the pressure int he tank to force the water out. I Never come anywhere even close to requiremore than a few seconds of blowing at a low flow level to clear the tank of water. Then I shut off the drain cock and shot off the power and usually leave the tank with pressure in it. I have wondered on ocassion if leaving pressure in the tank in any way reduces its life (e.g. remaining pressure causes the remaining moisture to work faster at rusting the tank) However, the pressure is ususally bled off by the time i get around to using it again (weekend warrior) so it doesn't seem to be a real problem, altho if it held pressure and was ready to go like Geeoh says, that would be better.

[chopnhack]

I have a larger wheeled Husky compressor for over 5 years now and I always leave the valve open to let the inside dry. No problems to date. As for the teflon, its a fine choice, however, my unit came with what looked like red loctite applied to the threaded end of the valve. The replacement drain valve had the same coating. The teflon would be much easier to use, IMHO.

[Tom Slick]

I'd just use it. in an oiless it is just plastic and aluminum parts, nothing much to "wear in". I much prefer pipe dope to teflon tape, it doesn't send little teflon streamers through your air system and it requires no wrapping skills (yes, tape can be applied incorrectly)