What model is it?

[Desert_ Diver]

A buddy of mine from San Diego came by today and dropped off this compressor. He said it was sitting in a friend of the family's storage locker for about 20 to 25 years. He plugged it in and it knocked quite a bit.

He asked if I wanted it, knowing I already have a scuba compressor and have worked on them before. He thought maybe I can fix it. So, I'm not sure if anything's really wrong with it. I started it up and it did knock, but I plugged it immediately. It did sound like my Coltri compressor when it starts. It knocks a bit until the third stage piston gets some back pressure on it and then the knocking stops which only takes a second or two. I was told the knock is due to a third stage floating piston.

I watched a video on YouTube where somebody had a Utilis 10 with a gas motor. They started it up and it made that same knock (I tried the separate the engine noise from the compressor but it is a little hard to do) for probably 15 seconds or so I'm thinking again it's the third stage piston and it maybe a free floating piston, and it's knocking because it doesn't have any back pressure on it.

There is no data plate. There is no model number stamped on it. Just a date on the coalescer unit. What I've seen in the pictures it looks like it could be either a Varius V2B or Utilus 10. The unit has no real signs of being used much, it looks like it was very well taken care of.

Any help would be appreciated.

 

[Wookie]

@CraigAClark will know what it is, but Bauer's do have a floating piston on the final stage so that is probably exactly what you're hearing.

 

[windyairman]

Can you post another photo please
Show the drive pulley to the compressor
Is it secured with a allen hex head screw or a circlip ?

 

[CraigAClark]

It is a Varius. A Utilus 10 would have a much bigger screen for the fan. You can pull the discharge valve cap on the 3rd (final) stage to verify. You will find a valve that has what looks an allen wrench under the cap. That would be a 007780. Also the Varius final piston is driven by a cam lobe on the crank shaft instead of a con rod and guide piston.

 

[Desert_ Diver]

Thanks for the replies. Next question can you still get parts for it, is it worth fixing?

I ran it about a minute yesterday, it did have suction but it never built up pressure. So I'm wondering if there's a valve that's bad, that's why I asked the question is it even worth trying to fix it.

I searched for a service manual but can't locate one, I did get the spare parts sheet from Bauer, just not sure if they still have parts. I guess I should contact them.....

Thanks
Damon

 

[Desert_ Diver]

The numbers stamped into the block read 86/0298/03. So, I imagine the compressor was built in 1986.

 

[Desert_ Diver]

Okay, so I decided to take it apart and check it out without a manual (the lord hates a coward......). I disconnected the intercooler tubes. I then put my finger over the intake and discharge side of the head. The first was working fine pulling air and pushing air, moved to the second stage pulling and pushing also...., move to the third stage nothing. I decided to pull apart the third stage cylinder and check the valves and piston. Piston looked good tight fit, the valves were stuck closed and there was some white goop that looked white lithium grease or oil with moisture mixed in.

Cleaned the head and valves, no issue there. The piston is a different story. When I disassembled it, I made a mental note that the key way with the countersunk hole was on the top, but after a hour cleaning the valves and going to reassembly, I'm not sure anymore (the signs of getting old). It makes sense to me, being it is a oil splash system it would be the best way to catch oil to lube the piston.

Question does anyone know the proper position of the third stage piston?

 

[windyairman]

The parts list i have shows the hole at the 1 oc position.
But i think i have long time ago fitted some at 12 oc position.