My Rix SA-6 Diesel

[rob.mwpropane]

1500psi is NOT enough according to this page: Compressor Filter System Theory - Scuba Engineer. It needs to be set to at least 2000psi in order to remove 99.3% of the moisture (assuming 95f ambient and 10 degree rise from there in the filter tower) and avoid trashing the MS prematurely. Higher the better, but anything over 2500 is likely putting unneeded work load on the compressor.

I have read that article probably a few times now, but each time I pick up more. I think I'll set my PMV to 2100 (unless I find out different information). This would be above the 2000 mark and allow any discrepancy in the gauge readings, and at the same time give the compressor a chance to cool down some between tanks when moving from a high pressure tank to a lower pressure one.

I'm in the works tommorow and we have SA-6's in for service if I remenber I will take the photos you require.
Also a nice example of one that had never been lubricated since new showing a very worn thrust rider.
Normally we measure wear with a micrometer with this thing you could measure the wear with a bent stick. Iain

Any chance you remembered the pictures? What do you advise to set a PMV at?

Thank to all

 

[rob.mwpropane]

So just an update... I don't have everything exactly where I want it... been too busy diving and enjoying life. Everything is plumbed the way it should be, so thanks for everyone's suggestions. To date I've pumped close to 4500cf of gas.

Yesterday I had my 1st issue. The belt decided to flip and it started smoking. Within seconds I turned it off. There's belt material scattered under the cover, but neither belt actually broke. It was weird they flipped perfectly in place. I've had our air compressor at the shop do this from time to time.

At any rate, does anyone have any ideas? The adjustment feels pretty good. The alignments looks good, everything still spins freely. I'm hoping just a fluke? Maybe the belts (which I've never changed) are getting a little worn? Idk....

Does anyone know the belt size needed? I'm going to order at least 4 (mine uses 2 at a time). I can still use the ones on there, but they need to be changed sooner than later.

 

[grf88]

I will take a look later to see what I have, is yours a twin belt or single. When I went to get a replacement belt I was asked what it was for and he advised me that for my application the grade of belt I was using was not suitable and provided me with better belts. No issues since.

 

[rob.mwpropane]

I will take a look later to see what I have, is yours a twin belt or single. When I went to get a replacement belt I was asked what it was for and he advised me that for my application the grade of belt I was using was not suitable and provided me with better belts. No issues since.

Mine is duel. So you're saying you've had that issue before? I'd be happy to buy higher quality belts.

I could always take mine somewhere and match them up (they still look ok), but it would be just as easy if not easier to get the right model # and just order belts online. Thanks!

 

[rob.mwpropane]

The part # in Rix manual is

41-3VX425-1 for Gas
41-3VX450-1 for Electric

 

[rob.mwpropane]

Just following up with my own stuff that I've found. It looks like my belts that were on there were Premium 25-7440... no idea what brand, can't find "Premium", but NAPA sells 25-7440.

Gates makes both 3VX425 and 7440 belts, they look identical but there's some very slight differences in the specs. Rix calls for the 3VX425. I may have had the wrong belts installed on here from the get go. Probably good that I didn't go somewhere and just ask for replacements.

 

[grf88]

Checked my belts they are MBL MAXSTAR WEDGE 3V450 SET FREE. Mine is electric.

 

[rob.mwpropane]

Checked my belts they are MBL MAXSTAR WEDGE 3V450 SET FREE. Mine is electric.

I bought 2 of these. Someone pm'd me and said Gates is a good manf. The only differences is the model #'s 3V450 vs 3V425 in the manual electric vs gas.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000CRBQSQ/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I hope this is right, at least with Amazon I can return it no problem.

 

[rob.mwpropane]

I also took another look at the pulley's, I can see where one might be slightly off by just a hair (by my naked eye). I'll have to get out some tools and see if I can align them better.

 

[grf88]

I also took another look at the pulley's, I can see where one might be slightly off by just a hair (by my naked eye). I'll have to get out some tools and see if I can align them better.

Mine are off by more than a hair and so far no problems.