PC pancake compressor died-what to replace?

[BigguyZ]

So, I had the PC compressor + 3 nailer combo. Other than the rediculous noise, I liked the unit. Just recently, I tripped on it at the worksite and sheared off the regulator from the tank. I'm assuming that's that.

So, I'm not sure if I want a small portable unit, or a medium-sized one that can do more heavy duty tasks. But I'd like you reccomendations as to what's a good model to replace it.

Thanks!

[BobSch]

You should be able to replace the regulator. You should be able to use a large screw extractor to pull the remainder of the nipple.

Or are you just fishing for a new compressor?

[Marv]

Harbor Freight has regulators for $5- $10 (depending if you can get it on sale.) I have replaced mine with one of these units and it works fine.

[BigguyZ]

You should be able to replace the regulator. You should be able to use a large screw extractor to pull the remainder of the nipple.

Or are you just fishing for a new compressor?

Oh SURE, solve my issue...

It didn't look like it was a nipple to me, but I'll double check it. That would make sense. And hey- I'd rather spend the money on a larger compressor and have the flexibility of both the portable pne and the big boy...

[ryan.s]

Oh SURE, solve my issue...

It didn't look like it was a nipple to me, but I'll double check it. That would make sense. And hey- I'd rather spend the money on a larger compressor and have the flexibility of both the portable pne and the big boy...

That's exactly what I would do. It would be very handy to have a large stationary compressor for the shop as well as a light weight mobile compressor you could use around the house for various projects. I'm in a similar situation where my 1 gallon hot dog compressor died a while back and it was replaced with a larger 15 gallon compressor. I still use the 1 gallon tank for quick jobs around the house. Just takes a couple seconds to charge it with the larger compressor.

[BigguyZ]

OK, so I was able to get the old nipple out. I actully had to melt it out with my torch. But anyways, I'm wondering, if the regulator is attached to the tank via a nipple, what's the hose that goes back into the motor? Do I need a specialy type of regulator?

Thanks!
Travis

[mpc]

Hose back to the motor? Or to the electrical switchbox? If it goes to the switchbox, it's feeding the tank pressure sensor switch - the switch that turns the motor OFF when pressure is high in the tank, and kicks the motor back on when pressure drops a bit.

mpc

[BigguyZ]

Hose back to the motor? Or to the electrical switchbox? If it goes to the switchbox, it's feeding the tank pressure sensor switch - the switch that turns the motor OFF when pressure is high in the tank, and kicks the motor back on when pressure drops a bit.

mpc

It looks like a hose, but I'm betting you're right, and that it's the wire protected by the hose... SO, do I need to get a replacement regulator from PC, or are there other regulators with this wiring in them?

[cabinetman]

It looks like a hose, but I'm betting you're right, and that it's the wire protected by the hose... SO, do I need to get a replacement regulator from PC, or are there other regulators with this wiring in them?

You could probably find one that will work, but I would get a PC replacement. Making a decision on a larger unit, decide what tools you'll be using and find one that has sufficient CFM's.
.

[BigguyZ]

Well, the PC regulator manifold is $46 (+ S&H), so I think i'll not likely spend the $$ for that. However, I was looking at the exploded diagram, and I think the hose IS indeed a hose. It looks to me like the pressure shut off switch muct be in the motor housing itself, as the diagram shows only a hose, and no wires. So, I could make up my own manifold from brass fittings and slap on a cheap HF regulator.

I'm still thinking of getting a new (bigger) compressor though.