Freezing Compressor

Patrick

Hey, We have a Dewalt Emglo electric compressor the big one with wheels and the push handle. Anyways the past couple days the regulators have been freezing up and the compressor either wont turn on or wont turn off, so every hour or so someones gotta hold the heat gun on it to get it to work.

I brought it home tonight and sat it next to the furnace to thaw it out. What can we do to prevent the ice. Ive heard of antifreeze for the hoses, but what can we do about the regulators and the auto on off?

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Originally Posted by Celtic
Like I said...I'm sure you are very good at what you do ~ whatever that is and where ever it happens.

WarnerConstInc.

Heat tape.

Patrick

just wad it around the backs of the regulators where they tie in with T's?

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Originally Posted by Celtic
Like I said...I'm sure you are very good at what you do ~ whatever that is and where ever it happens.

WarnerConstInc.

I think that would do it. I have used a bucket with a trouble light under it to make a heated dome. It rattled alot though. I would think some heat tape around the regulator and dials would work.

neolitic

I used to build a little styrofoam
A frame over it and stick a 200W
bulb in there.
Now I just think that's Mother Nature's
way of saying, "Stay home."

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A W Smith

funny, my emglo/jenny is next to a heat vent in the kitchen right now, yesterday during a window job it wouldn't tun over. today i stayed home from a 1 hour job because i knew it wouldn't work,

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Al Smith
http://www.awsmith.com

Vrooman

I used an oiless Ridgid compresser all winter last year and built a OSB box for it so it stayed out of the wind and could retaine some of the heat it made...that one never skipped a beat, but I have been told the oil ones dont work so well in the winter.

I have been using Paslode cordless all winter and I think they work best...keep an extra fuel cell and battery in a warm pocket inside your jacket and switch whenever it starts acting up.

Tom Struble

helps to keep things clear by firing the guns as much as you can

RizzoMaryland

I've had the same problem with my little Dewalt compressor. I was using it indoors, but leave it in the truck over night. I guess the warm and cozy 1 hour drive to work doesn't thaw it out enough.

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RizzoMaryland

I never heard of a 1 hour job!

It takes me that long to say hello and get my tools out.

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Frank LLoyd Wright

strathd

Put about half a can of dry gas (the stuff you put in your gas tank to prevent fuel line freeze up) into your compressor tank. Hook up your hoses and guns. This will anti freeze everything. I do it about twice during the winter in ohio. It works very well. My compressor,nail gun,nails supplier told me this one about 10 years ago. Try it, it will work.

A W Smith

Its just a metal screen for a recessed steam radiator for a church friend who runs child daycare in her home, She is afraid a kids gonna get burned touching the radiator while the heats cranked up in this weather., Just a picture framed aluminum screen over an existing 1x5 frame. I could practically walk to the job from here. tomorrow I was supposed to change out an entry and storm. but not when its expected to be 7 degrees out with the w/c factor, I'll postpone till Monday when it will be a balmy 28 degrees.

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Al Smith
http://www.awsmith.com

Vrooman

I might give this a try if we pull out the compressor this year..if we do, its for nailing up sheeting.

Just curious wouldnt you want something like air-brake antifreeze, since it is designed for that type of system?

PA woodbutcher

Not to steal the thread But something like this? Did this one for a bath that I remodeled.

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A W Smith

Nope, its not even that elaborate. I had hoped it was. Imagine my disappointment to go to the estimate and find that the radiator is already fully recessed into the wall with existing casing around the opening. Just needs a picture framed screen is all.

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Al Smith
http://www.awsmith.com

Patrick

So it was 8 Degrees today, the We were running the dewalt compressor with a space heater aimed at it, by 9am the tank gauge blew up, and blew out the seals on our gun Dropped them both at the repair shop.

Went to harbor freight, against all I have ever said about that place, I bought a 4 gallon compressor for $90 and paid $10 for a 2 year no questions asked warranty, I can bring it back for ANY reason and they will replace it. Anyways the thing ran ALL day with no problems. $450 compressor=junk $90Compressor

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Originally Posted by Celtic
Like I said...I'm sure you are very good at what you do ~ whatever that is and where ever it happens.

WarnerConstInc.

Patrick- was that the big verticle tank one?

Patrick

the dewalt was the 2-1/2gal emglo rolling one with the pop up handle

The cheapo I bought was a 4 gallon dual tank

I almost bought this http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=96150

I am now REALLY tempted to go back cause they had it priced at $139 in the store, that had to be a mistake????

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Originally Posted by Celtic
Like I said...I'm sure you are very good at what you do ~ whatever that is and where ever it happens.

WarnerConstInc.

If not I would buy it.

strathd

Good idea vroom. Did'nt know that stuff was available. Fuel line stuff works great, that might work better.