Bauer Utilus not building high pressure

[Scuba_Aaron]

I have a Bauer Utilus that is not building up any high pressure. I finished filling a tank and was connecting another when I heard a small bang and then some high pressure releasing.

After that all the high pressure was gone, there wasn't any air escaping and the compressor was running as if nothing was wrong, just no high pressure. The only other thing wrong was an unusually high amount of condensate that was coming out of the 2 condensate release taps on the P21 filter.

It does build some pressure just not high pressure. I did some research and found that the 3rd stage intake and discharge valves might need to be replaced. I don't want to just start tearing apart without having any type of direction which is why I am asking here for any Bauer gurus. I do have the service manual for it.

 

[Wookie]

I would examine closely the third stage suction valve.

 

[Scuba_Aaron]

Wookie,
Is the suction valve that you are referring to the same as what the service document is calling the intake valve?

 

[Wookie]

Yes

 

[Scuba_Aaron]

Replaced the suction valve and the compressor builds high pressure now. Something interesting though, I was able to replace the discharge valve as the valve I got from Filter Techs must be a newer style as my old valve threads in to the valve head where the new one doesn't. Wonder if I will have to update the 3rd stage valve head and cover, will have to call Filter Techs to see if that is even possible.

Another thing I noticed is that after shutdown, all pressure is leaking out through intake filter, is that normal? I don't think I ever noticed that before. It doesn't leak when the compressor is in operation which is good news.

 

[CraigAClark]

Replaced the suction valve and the compressor builds high pressure now. Something interesting though, I was able to replace the discharge valve as the valve I got from Filter Techs must be a newer style as my old valve threads in to the valve head where the new one doesn't. Wonder if I will have to update the 3rd stage valve head and cover, will have to call Filter Techs to see if that is even possible.

Another thing I noticed is that after shutdown, all pressure is leaking out through intake filter, is that normal? I don't think I ever noticed that before. It doesn't leak when the compressor is in operation which is good news.

How old is your Utilus. There was a time, probably in the '70's, where they used a 7780 discharge valve that screwed into the head. I have no idea if it is still available.

 

[Scuba_Aaron]

From the tag it looks like it might be 1989, can't be for sure though.

 

[Wookie]

Your first stage suction valve is also having issues. I think that's a reed valve, but I could be mistaken. It should not be leaking back. Might just have some carbon on it.

 

[cerich]

first rule of compressors..it's almost always the third stage, second rule, when it isn't the 3rd stage it get's weird.

 

[CraigAClark]

From the tag it looks like it might be 1989, can't be for sure though.

Pictures please.