Should I worry about this?

[dbhost]

Okay here's the story. Today I serviced my air compressor. Second oil change ever, first was the post break in oil change. I never was able to fully get the oil off. Well this time, I spilled oil on the tank, again.... and when I wiped the oil up. paint from the tank flaked off on my rag...

The flaking seems to be around the trail where the compressor oil tends to run down the tank... Particularly flaky is the area on the bottom where the angle iron or whatever it is brace for the foot is welded to the tank....

Now mind you, I do want a bigger compressor, but I want to wait until I can afford one I will really want, and be happy with for a long time. I don't want to be rushed into a compromise just to be able to keep working...

So should I worry about this?

[toolguy1000]

a pic or two would be quite helpful in evaluating your situation.

[cabinetman]

Okay here's the story. Today I serviced my air compressor. Second oil change ever, first was the post break in oil change. I never was able to fully get the oil off. Well this time, I spilled oil on the tank, again.... and when I wiped the oil up. paint from the tank flaked off on my rag...

The flaking seems to be around the trail where the compressor oil tends to run down the tank... Particularly flaky is the area on the bottom where the angle iron or whatever it is brace for the foot is welded to the tank....

Now mind you, I do want a bigger compressor, but I want to wait until I can afford one I will really want, and be happy with for a long time. I don't want to be rushed into a compromise just to be able to keep working...

So should I worry about this?

If this is only your second oil change, why do you have oil that tends to run down the tank. I wouldn't worry about it, just wipe it clean. At least it will help keep the tank rust free (on the outside).

.

[LCHIEN]

paint is just cosmetic. The fact that it flaked off so easily is probably a sign that the original paint job was sloppy (failure to clean and or prime so that the paint would adhere) but, after all, it is HF.

Long term its probably not a real problem except for appearance and rust; if the steel rusts, eventually it will fail, but it will take a long time.

[dbhost]

I am uploading some photos, but it is hard to see...

I mean when I change the oil, the oil tends to be in these spots. I did however take a closer look at other areas of the tank. Handles, legs, wheel braces etc... It's flaking all over. Lousy HF paint job... I am not going to worry too much about it. I am wondering if there is any way I can get the orginal HF labels for the tank so I can repaint it and do a decent job of it... I see no primer or anything on this... I would only worry about the paint because I am less than 1.5 miles from Galveston Bay, which means the air is saturated with salt and moisture. Any exposed metal will rust faster than it would elsewhere...

[MikeMorgan]

I am uploading some photos, but it is hard to see...

I mean when I change the oil, the oil tends to be in these spots. I did however take a closer look at other areas of the tank. Handles, legs, wheel braces etc... It's flaking all over. Lousy HF paint job... I am not going to worry too much about it. I am wondering if there is any way I can get the orginal HF labels for the tank so I can repaint it and do a decent job of it... I see no primer or anything on this... I would only worry about the paint because I am less than 1.5 miles from Galveston Bay, which means the air is saturated with salt and moisture. Any exposed metal will rust faster than it would elsewhere...

I have had good luck using a heat gun combined with patience when removing lables such as the ones you are talking about.

[cabinetman]

Your choice might be to take the compressor out of service to do a decent paint job. Chemically strip all the paint off, use a primer and then topcoat.

.

[dbhost]

Seriously thinking about doing that. Don't think I need to strip it. There is enough falling off... But yeah, strip it, scuff it lightly with a sanding sponge, thoroughly alcohol clean the tank, prime and paint it... Rattle can time... That would give me a chance to color change this thing...

[LCHIEN]

hmph, what labels would HF have put on the compressor that would make it more valuable with than without?
Definately a Central Pneumatics label doesn't add to the value...

You know, if you had broken this compressor in properly the paint wouldn't be flaking off.

[cabinetman]

Seriously thinking about doing that. Don't think I need to strip it. There is enough falling off... But yeah, strip it, scuff it lightly with a sanding sponge, thoroughly alcohol clean the tank, prime and paint it... Rattle can time... That would give me a chance to color change this thing...

I don't think I would use a rattle can if I had other choices. A good epoxy primer and topcoat, or a 2K urethane would be good.

.

[dbhost]

I don't think I would use a rattle can if I had other choices. A good epoxy primer and topcoat, or a 2K urethane would be good.

.

If the compressor is out of service... How would I spray it without a rattle can?

[LCHIEN]

If the compressor is out of service... How would I spray it without a rattle can?

Take it to Earl Scheib, tell them its the newest compact car from Asia and you need it painted for $29.95.

[dbhost]

Well, I went to start tearing it down to repaint the tank, and managed to get stupid with the regulator, I turned it the wrong way and heard a snapping noise. Powered it up, and sure enough, the regulator is leaking. I can see the crack in the housing and all. OUCH....

[Mr__Bill]

You broke rule one: If it ain't broke don't fix it!

But now you really do need to get a new one.....

[dbhost]

Well, I went to start tearing it down to repaint the tank, and managed to get stupid with the regulator, I turned it the wrong way and heard a snapping noise. Powered it up, and sure enough, the regulator is leaking. I can see the crack in the housing and all. OUCH....