Air Compressor Dog House

I don't think it's been mentioned but a true$$ synthetic oil has incredible flow specs at high and low temps.

I would highly recommend investigating this.
 
In the winter I set the garage heat to 40* at night. 60* when working out there. My compressor (IR 7.5HP 80gal) is about as far from the heater as it can be in the front corner of the garage. I would bet it can get below 30* in the compressor corner at night.

If we start working out there before the heater warms it up and call for compressed air we can get quite a bit of belt slip and squealing.

IR All season select oil (I think this is synthetic) says not to use below 30* with out a crank case heater.

This winter I think I will install a 3' length of heat tape. that wont cost much to run (7watt per foot, 21 watt) and I bet it will keep the compressor oil above 35*
 
jmanatee said:
In the winter I set the garage heat to 40* at night. 60* when working out there. My compressor (IR 7.5HP 80gal) is about as far from the heater as it can be in the front corner of the garage. I would bet it can get below 30* in the compressor corner at night.

If we start working out there before the heater warms it up and call for compressed air we can get quite a bit of belt slip and squealing.

IR All season select oil (I think this is synthetic) says not to use below 30* with out a crank case heater.

This winter I think I will install a 3' length of heat tape. that wont cost much to run (7watt per foot, 21 watt) and I bet it will keep the compressor oil above 35*
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In the Winter months here in WI it can often get below zero degrees F. When I need to run the compressor under these conditions I open a moisture venting valve that unloads the system until the compressor comes up to speed. Under severe starting conditions I start up in short interrupted intervals & close the vent valve when the compressor comes up to speed. This gets the pump "comfortable" before asking it to get working. It also has an unloader valve but under these severe conditions it needs more love.
 
I built a cabinet and set it on top of it. I also added a ball valve to the drain and plumed it outside so all I have to do is toote it to drain it.. My unit is an Ingersal Rand and I use there synthetic oil for cold weather use. I live in Michigan.
Google mounting a air compressor over head to see some ideas.
 
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Thanks for all the input. SWMBO about sh*t when I suggested a dog house. That won't be happening.

So, I'm on plan B: take the unit aprt and mount the air pump in the dead space over the TIG welder.

Then mount the air tank from the ceiling over her chest freezer.

Haven't got the details figured out yet.

Karl
 
Karl, you may need the dog house anyway, but for you, not the compressor.:grin:
 
I've had my Campbell Hausfeld vertical compressor in a small, double-door wooden outdoor shed I built specifically for this purpose (6'L X 6'H X 4'D) for about 25 years now with no problems. I have it plumbed into the garage with multiple drops all around and each one has a drain valve. It also houses my 2 hp dust collector (4" plumbed drops in garage) and a wrap-around shelf for my wood turning blank collection. I have them both wired with a power switch in the shop so I don't have to unlock the shed and go outside to turn them on/off.
 
Keep in mind there are several different types of lubrication systems on reciprocal compressors. Most older ones use a splash system. Then there's the pressure lubrication system and of course the oiless system which generally uses a coated cylinder bore and some type of either coated or plastic piston rings. The splash system is most susceptible to problems in cold weather. Once you determine which system you have it'll be easier to design the enclosure
 
Use synthetic compressor oil instead of conventional compressor oil. It helps a lot with cold weather start-ups. Make sure it's synthetic "compressor oil" though, and not automotive synthetic oil. The two are not interchangeable.

Awesome compressor!

GG
 
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