Help adjusting a vintage Quincy air compressor unloader?

Hello Colleagues

I have an old Binks branded two stage compressor with what appear to be mechanically (pneumatically?) unloaded intake valves controlled through an adjustable Quincy unloader that is not a part of the electrical switch. The motor is a stout and heavy Franklin Electric 1-1/2 HP 115/230 volt capacitor start unit. I haven't used it in at least 18 years and it sat in a barn collecting dust.

If my memory is correct the motor would come up to speed for a second or so and you could hear the change in tone when the capacitors stop boosting it before the valves closed and started compressing air. For sure it didn't draw anywhere near as much amperage as my Emglo air nailer compressor did at start up. And it was the quietest air compressor I've ever seen.

If my admittedly rusty memory is correct, my problem is that one of our sons thought he would adjust the high cutout pressure up and managed to get it to where it just ran without compressing air. I'll pull it from where it is tomorrow test fire it.

In the meantime, if anyone can point me towards the correct instructions for resetting the Quincy unloader I would appreciate it very much. I plan to use it in my garage for smaller projects when I don't need to listen to (or pay for) my 6.5 HP DeVilbiss compressor to run....

Thanks


Lance


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1st, it's a governor, not an unloader
2nd since it's been sitting idle for years chances are it's glued itself together via corrosion and dried up slop.
Fortunately it's a cheap part to replace.

More fortunately there is a Utoob4boobs video on how to adjust it after you CAREFULLY disassemble and clean the device so the piston can move.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6CZ9Hznh6EI

Thanks for the video.


Lance

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Virgil5

1st, it's a governor, not an unloader

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Technically it's an unloader pilot valve. The unloaders are in the compressor cylinder head that the pilot valve actuate. :D

Bendix has called it a governor since the 50s.
That was back when we spoke English.

Today it's a howdayacallit or Dat dam ting on da end uv datank.
Annotate your part book Duane.

Virgil, maybe you're referring to the mechanism used on engine mounted compressors to furnish air for truck braking systems. Those are, in fact, called governors by Bendix and other manufacturers of such.
Mike

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Virgil5

Bendix has called it a governor since the 50s.
That was back when we spoke English.

Today it's a howdayacallit or Dat dam ting on da end uv datank.
Annotate your part book Duane.

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No argument from me on the Bendix truck air compressors but for engine or motor drive shop compressors I've always referred to the device as an unloader pilot valve same as the gentleman in the video you posted.

And exactly what is the device in discussion along with the one in the video made by the confused Utoob4boobs star doing other than governing the output of the compressure within a set range?

I don't care if you call it Beverly, it remains a governor, or howdayacallit thingamajig whutzit.

Virgil, I noticed your location so I have nothing further to say.
Mike

SAD!
Cause all the manufacturers manuals I ever read agreed with Duane

Duane is easily confused due to excessive UV and infrared energy from the Sun hitting his head.

On a constant run compressor it's a Governor because it governs when the valves in the compressor head are active delivering compressed air to the receiver as opposed to held open as the compressor idles over. It's a much gentler system in the compressed air world than a clutch on the compressor (such as is employed in automotive air conditioning) was used. An unloader would be a valve dumping compressed air back to atmosphere like many steam driven compressors used 100 years ago until it became reliable to shift the drive belt to an idler on the lineshaft with cylinders.

Constant run machines save a ton of electron cost when you're paying Demand charges. They also tend to have longer life to failure because the stress of starting into load is pretty much eliminated.

Machines employing a pressure switch to start & stop will be best served and have longer lives when a Load Genie unloader is employed to eliminate starting against receiver pressure. Load Genies will actually extend the service life of piles of crap sold by Homer Desperate, Eaton, Blowes and the new standard of home shops Horrible Freight.