Not sure if this is the right area, but does anyone have any experience in compressor units? I have an Ingersoll-Rand, twin cylinder...Shortly after I got it, I was using it to etch glass (another hobby). The compressor was nowhere near where I was, but I noticed that it was running quite a long time. It usually only takes a couple minutes to build up and shut off....when I went to check it out, I smelled something hot, like hot metal in a shop, know what I mean? The whole compressor unit, the head, was really hot...I checked things out and found that the air supply line to the tank had come a little loose at the compression fitting, and it was only building up to about 90#, so it wouldnt shut off. It had plenty of oil in it. Now, after it cooled off and I tightened up everything, it makes a lot of noise and wont build up pressure any more. I dont know anything about the inside of the compressor, but I imagine there are some sort of rings on the pistons, and I must have damaged them or maybe the bore itself when it overheated. Is this something I can repair myself if I get the parts? Or should I just take the unit to a repair shop? If it's something that doesnt require tons of machine work, I would like to do it myself. It's just that this a new area for me. Any experience in this here??? Thanks

John,
The best thing to do is take it apart and see what is damaged. Then call an IR dealer and see what the parts will cost. It may be cheaper to just get an entire new pump. It is no different than a car engine ... piston rings etc. Something must be worn out or stuck open, like a valve.

Thanks Bill, I wondered if it might be cheaper to just replace it...I'll pull it apart and see what it looks like inside.