Harbor Freight air compressor repair

[Nutfarmer]

Had a bolt come out of a valve on the compressor. Cracked the valve plate. Valve plate not available from Harbor Freight. Any ideas ? Tig weld the plate and machine the warp out. Make a new plate from a piece of aluminum plate. Replace the compressor with a whole new compressor? I know it’s Harbor freight, but surprisingly it has lasted from 2014.

 

[benmychree]

Two choices: buy a new pump or make a new valve plate. It lasted until it didn't last any more!

 

[Firstram]

It looks like the valve will still seal. Clean it up, replace the bolt and run it while looking for a replacement.

 

[pontiac428]

My repair would start with a phone call to Waste Management, to order a dumpster delivered.

No, it probably depends on how the compressor is used. If it's a generator and pickup truck affair, then whatever works, but if it is shop air, start saving for a Quincy so that you'll never need to replace another again.

 

[matthewsx]

2014? it owes you nothing....

If you want to do the repair I think you have the tools and knowledge to do so. Otherwise replace it and move on.

BTW' how big is it?

 

[Janderso]

Had a bolt come out of a valve on the compressor. Cracked the valve plate. Valve plate not available from Harbor Freight. Any ideas ? Tig weld the plate and machine the warp out. Make a new plate from a piece of aluminum plate. Replace the compressor with a whole new compressor? I know it’s Harbor freight, but surprisingly it has lasted from 2014.

Eight years is pretty good Steve.
If it were me, I’d move on. That compressor has come to the end of its useable life my friend.
Just two cents worth.

 

[Janderso]

My repair would start with a phone call to Waste Management, to order a dumpster delivered.

No, it probably depends on how the compressor is used. If it's a generator and pickup truck affair, then whatever works, but if it is shop air, start saving for a Quincy so that you'll never need to replace another again.

We always bought IR for the shop.
Quincy has a positive lubrication system vs. splash.
I’m referring to the two stage 10hp pumps. In retrospect, we should have switched to Quincy after losing the pump on a two year old IR compressor.

 

[Ulma Doctor]

braze it up with silicon bronze and machine it flat again.
you may get another 8 years out of it

you can make a locking fastener by deforming some threads on the bolt

 

[Nutfarmer]

I think a new pump is in order. The piston may be cracked too. It has lasted well for what it is. I will put it back together with a new bolt and run it until I find a new pump.

 

[Bone Head]

I wouldn't toss the whole mess once you get a replacement. Motor might be worth saving and one could plumb the old tank in with the new compressor. As long as the new pump is a decent unit. More volume is always good.