Jettascuba
New
Hi
I think my Bristol compressor is a 4S-24, has difficulty reading the model. It is a Duplex, 4 stage, v-shaped block, 420 l/min.
The compressor failed on me tonight :-( before a day's of diving. I did get 10 cylinders filled, but extremely slowly, rate of about 100 l/min.
The final stage appears to be fine as I can get the pressure up to 230 bar, the motor runs well, fan belts perfect.
Ok, the problem - it appears that it sucks in air extremely slowly, as I can hold my hand on the inlet without having my hand sucked into the compressor - previously I was afraid of getting my hand near the inlet. It feels like the inlet air is pulsating. I pulled the 1st stage inlet and outlet valve compartment lids. On the inlet side I found some metal shavings, particles. I could pull the inlet valve out easily, while the outlet valve seems to be stuck, but can turn - probably normal. I suspect the inlet valve's sealing ring along the edge has disintegrated, and probably will know for sure when I can compare it with the outlet valve. The cylinder head appears to be beautiful, shiny, light layer of oil on it. About 6 years ago the main bearings failed, dintegrated completely, which I replaced and the compressor has run since up to specification. Could the first stage piston rings been damaged? I haven't opened the sump and felt around inside for metal debris yet. How can I test the integrity of the piston and rings?
So? Anybody know where I can buy the inlet valve? Or alternatives to my fast diagnosis?
Thank you!!
Gerrit
NAUI Course Director
I think my Bristol compressor is a 4S-24, has difficulty reading the model. It is a Duplex, 4 stage, v-shaped block, 420 l/min.
The compressor failed on me tonight :-( before a day's of diving. I did get 10 cylinders filled, but extremely slowly, rate of about 100 l/min.
The final stage appears to be fine as I can get the pressure up to 230 bar, the motor runs well, fan belts perfect.
Ok, the problem - it appears that it sucks in air extremely slowly, as I can hold my hand on the inlet without having my hand sucked into the compressor - previously I was afraid of getting my hand near the inlet. It feels like the inlet air is pulsating. I pulled the 1st stage inlet and outlet valve compartment lids. On the inlet side I found some metal shavings, particles. I could pull the inlet valve out easily, while the outlet valve seems to be stuck, but can turn - probably normal. I suspect the inlet valve's sealing ring along the edge has disintegrated, and probably will know for sure when I can compare it with the outlet valve. The cylinder head appears to be beautiful, shiny, light layer of oil on it. About 6 years ago the main bearings failed, dintegrated completely, which I replaced and the compressor has run since up to specification. Could the first stage piston rings been damaged? I haven't opened the sump and felt around inside for metal debris yet. How can I test the integrity of the piston and rings?
So? Anybody know where I can buy the inlet valve? Or alternatives to my fast diagnosis?
Thank you!!
Gerrit
NAUI Course Director
