I.R. Type 30 compressor

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PostPosted: Fri Aug 13, 2021 4:13 pm
I’ve been using a # 3 (3/16”) blast nozzle off a IR type 30 model 242 compressor (slow but in no hurry) and need to either start thinking about rebuilding the pump on it or go to a # 2 nozzle, as it’s a little inconvenient running low on air every 5 minutes and metering the air down. Was hoping somebody experienced in using this compressor could tell me if they have blasted with it and if so, with what size nozzle. A # 3 nozzle supposedly needs 45 cfm, at 100 psi, but (a). I’m only using 75 cfm up, and (b) this compressor is so old that I wonder if rebuilding the pump could add many cfm’s. As far as RPMs, this pump is already running 30% faster than it was from the factory, (altho it does have enough power to go faster than it is). Thanks



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PostPosted: Mon Aug 16, 2021 2:50 pm
I have a IR Type 30 model # 7100 I believe from memory.
From what I understand there were a few different models of the Type 30 different size pumps and motors based on the same Pump body family casting I suspect you may have the one that the guy shows in this first video and he repairs the Finger valves (Reed valves) which is what I suspect may be wrong with your pump if its not keeping up with you. Or you could have had a Head gasket blow out. from what I found on the internet the model 242 is a 19 cfm Pump. and supposed to be driven by an honest 5hp motor.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PXIXWagAtGw

Valve Job on the 242
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mH_-F9ugrDY

My Type 30 is like the one Behind the guy in that 1st video note that both machines are Type 30 but one is a much bigger machine it has a much bigger pump and cylinders. The Model 7100 Pump is a monster it weighs in at 450 lbs alone! without the tank or the motor! Its a true 50 cfm pump.
If you have the one like he is working on sorry but That is not a 50 cfm pump! its a true 17-19 cfm pump! Don't get me wrong that is still a very nice compressor! and very much worth fixing, Its a Nice set up One I would be very proud to own. Its more than big enough to do what you are trying to do.

It is completely Possible That your pump could have a Bad Reed Valve such is what shown in that videos. From what I have read about the Type 30 design it is quite common for them to break those finger valves if they have been worked Hard and been over heated. Turning them too fast demanding Higher CFM flow and higher pressures creates a lot of heat. They are also known to blow out Head gaskets again heat is the enemy!
Turning them faster than recommended or running them non stop for long periods creates a lot of heat and shortens the life of the compressor pump. Look for Burnt paint and rust on the heads of the Pump air exhaust side if the paint is all burnt off and they are rusty the Pump has probably been over heated more than likely more than once.
Good news is From what I have seen on line Getting parts either original OEM from IR or after market is fairly easy and its not very hard to change them.

I would not do the Piston and rings unless it is making oil in the Air Tank thats how you know the Rings are shot. Doing a whole pump over haul on the Pump Buying new rods pistons bearings and the whole 9 yards that would be kinda be expensive but cheaper than a new compressor If you do the work your self. It is possible to just replace the rings though The Rods are Aluminum and I would replace those if your gonna tear it all the way down, Aluminum Rods have a cycle life best not exceeded!

Let me know what happens take some pics!

As far as Blasting goes This machine should have very little trouble keeping up with you and should fill very quickly it should not be slow a 19 CFM pump should keep up with you for the most part its gonna be running all the time while blasting but it should keep up with you if you stop once in a while and your not using too big of a Blasting nozzle ? 3/16" sounds about right. I use the cheap screw on ceramic ones Harbor fright sells for there pressure pot blaster till I find a decent used Pro Blaster.


Check this out
http://www.airtekltd.com/type30.htm
shows the different model of IR Type 30 pumps.
Dennis B.
A&P Mechanic, FCC General radio Telephone Operator
Line Maintenance A&P Mechanic and MOC Tech specialist.



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PostPosted: Thu Aug 19, 2021 7:53 pm
Thanks Doright,
This is all Great information. I’m planning on rebuilding it this winter as I can finish the project I’m on now with it as it is. I was looking at the new ones and can put the I.R. 2545 and double the output IF the 18 cfm you and my book mention are at 175 psi. My book does not mention the psi. But every current rating in new pumps are using 175 psi. The 2545 is rated for 33 cfm at 175 psi, altho that’s at top speed, 1050 rpm. They rate it at three speeds with three HPs, 5 HP, 7,5 HP, and 10 HP. The 10 HP is at 1050 rpm. Makes me wonder if they’re designed for higher speeds now, as my 242 came with an electric motor that ran the pump at about 550 or 600 rpm. If they are built for higher speed that would be nice but I am off grid and using a 13 HP gas Honda motor, after taking the electric motor off.
I don’t think my machine was run too fast, as it still had the original motor and pulleys for the pump going 600 RPM when I bought it. I’ve only been running it at 800 rpm and for only maybe 15 hours. Maybe less, can’t remember.
So considering I don’t do a lot of blasting and I’m limited to gas, at 13 or is it 14 HP, and considering that the biggest GAS powered air compressor I’ve seen is about 12 CFM and a 30 or 60 gallon tank, I’m thinking I can get a little more power by rebuilding ir maybe get the 2545, and increase my speed a bit and call it good. If I double my output with the 2545 that would be plenty of CFMs.
So thanks for the info, I’ll look at it when I get to town on my computer.



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Posts: 6217
Joined: Tue Sep 16, 2008 1:17 pm
Location: Pahrump NV.
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PostPosted: Fri Aug 20, 2021 1:17 am
I hope you Set it up correctly with correct Unloader valve so the compressor bypasses when it comes up to pressure? If not that too could over heat the pump and worse!

Pilot unloader valve
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N473Zoavp08

https://mastertoolrepair.com/ng-style-c ... elqmom85uf

Adjust Pilot unloder valve
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6CZ9Hznh6EI

Gas powered idle control Pneumatic style
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uggyQWIpj9Q

Idle control cable style
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dtw9CQra_cQ

https://mastertoolrepair.com/airline-st ... elqmom85uf

Your new 245 pump
https://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools ... lsrc=aw.ds

The 2545 is a big pump
https://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools ... 2539_42539

7100
https://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools ... 2541_42541


I have played with Gas powered Compressors and Yes they do make big ones they are mainly industrial and very expensive beyond what most here would think about.
I commend you for doing the conversion to gas power if done correctly?
The Pilot valve and throttle controller are inexpensive parts Like $150 or less.
Doing a Top end rebuild on your pump is also inexpensive and not hard to do also about $150 or less. cheaper than a new pump!

Off Grid wow cool it has its perks
Been their done that
Dennis B.
A&P Mechanic, FCC General radio Telephone Operator
Line Maintenance A&P Mechanic and MOC Tech specialist.

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