To Buy or Not to Buy...

[Matt Updenkelder]

Long time follower, first time poster.

Our LDS went out of business here and a few of us are coming together to purchase a fill station setup. We've run across a CompAir / Mako 5405 (8.0 CFM 5000psi) with 740 hrs that currently isn't building pressure in the banks. The guy who owns it says that the valve that opens every 15 minutes or so is stuck open so the air isn't passing through to the bank system. He also has 8 4500psi bank bottles (12-05 hydro date) that look to be about 250cfm that he is including in the sale. All hoses and valves come with the package (he's currently filling tanks now, but doesnt make enough to justify fixing the compressor).

All in $4,000 but we have to fix it and maintain it. No idea when the filters were changed.

Thoughts? Should we hold out? All 3 of us are mechanically inclined, so doing a rebuild shouldn't be difficult assuming I can find parts for it.

Thanks in advance!

 

[rcontrera]

Let's start with the bank bottles. NEW those things are in the $600 range so 8 of them would be more than the 4 grand they are asking for the whole package. You should be able to get them a hydro for about $20 each (or less).

I tell buyers of used compressors to always assume the seller is lying to you ... even if it is from a compressor dealer. So, if the compressor will not power up at all and just spins without showing any pressure, then they may just be telling you right that the automatic drain is stuck open. It could be that the solenoid has burned out and can't close the valve or it could be a blown O-ring or it could be that the valve is actually just stuck. To test it, plug the line and see that it pressures up.

Of course, it could be a whole bunch of things that translates to money but, hey... owing a compressor is an adventure!

Overall, 4 grand doesn't sound too much for a semi operating package but plan on spending another 3 or 4 to get it all serviced, tested and installed and you should be FAT!

 

[Matt Updenkelder]

Thanks for the info! We have one more that we're going to look at tonight. Should have something purchased by next week.