Jobmate Compressor NGC

[Kiwi_Roy]

I have a little Jobmate compressor 3 Gallon 120V 2.6 Amps 68-7958-4
I believe this is sold elsewhere as Mastercraft (painted blue not red)
https://www.canadiantire.ca/en/pdp/mastercraft-3-gallon-air-compressor-0588381p.html
Single cylinder
I must have had it 20 years, lately its taking forever to pump up.
I pulled the head off and I find its got just one ring, plastic of some sort.
The bore looks like new, I can't detect a lip.
Is it possible to fix these?
What sort of lube is used in the cylinder?
Thanks
Roy

[RinkRat II]

    Hi Roy,
      The only parts list I could find shows multiple "silica gel" rings, so it's probably a newer model than yours. If you can identify the material the ring is made from , that would be your best bet in finding a replacement. My guess would be some form of teflon. I doubt that unit would use any oil, as lube would destroy the ring.
   Another reason for not pumping up to pressure is the valves not sealing. Check the valves and seat material for any wear or breakage.  Probably time to bite the bullet and invest in a newer compressor. (not guzzi content).

     Paul B

[Kiwi_Roy]

I cleaned out some black greasy substance so I just smeared the piston with grease again seems to work but not very well.
I will try the 1-877 No on the label next week but I'm sure that's long gone.

[Scout63]

Do they not sell new compressors in BC Roy?  Maybe pawn the red suspenders... California Air Tools makes a great little compressor that is very quiet.

[larrys]

You got 20 years out of it, doesn't owe you anything. Shoot the lock off of your wallet and buy a new one. I build my compressors. Presently have a Brunner V-4 that made shop air for a car dealership service center. New motor and controls made it good as new.
Larry

[Kiwi_Roy]

You got 20 years out of it, doesn't owe you anything. Shoot the lock off of your wallet and buy a new one. I build my compressors. Presently have a Brunner V-4 that made shop air for a car dealership service center. New motor and controls made it good as new.
Larry

So on one hand you are telling me how you refurbished your compressor on the other you are telling me to jump mine when it needs a couple of parts, LOL

[LesP]

There is a major difference between a Brunner V-4 (industrial spec 4 cylinder) and a base model home compressor that is to some degree non rebuildable.

Compressors from my experience 'play up due to not compressing (piston seal or poppet valves or whatever is used to do so) or not holding pressure at the tank (worn or faulty check valve)
If the parts are available it would be an easy fix.

I bought a new compressor in 2018, a W3 cylinder 15cu/ft/m @ around $850. If I change the oil, check the filters every few years it should see me out.
I regard the cost as an investment to no drama, just reliable compressed air.

[Ncdan]

I’m not sure what your needs are for a compressor are but in my area they can be found rather frequently at pawn shops really cheap.
Especially the Pancake versions. You can run s 3/8 drive air wrench, pump tires and even paint with one.

Dan

[Kiwi_Roy]

I will see if parts are available, if not I will purchase another compact compressor, I don't need it for anything more than blowing up my tires or the occasional brad gun use.
Although it 20 years old I doubt it's even had 100 hours of use.

[larrys]

So on one hand you are telling me how you refurbished your compressor on the other you are telling me to jump mine when it needs a couple of parts, LOL

I guess my wording should have been clearer. The difference is in the compressor.
This one is worth saving. The small oil-less ones typically are not.
Larry

[RinkRat II]

      Hey Larry,
     Inquiring minds want to know, what purpose do the light bulbs serve?

       Paul B

[Kiwi_Roy]

I called the 1-800 number on the label, Greenworks Canada in Quebec, a nice young man sent me the manual and waited on the phone while I figured out the parts I needed, they are on the way, $22

[Antietam Classic Cycle]

I called the 1-800 number on the label, Greenworks Canada in Quebec, a nice young man sent me the manual and waited on the phone while I figured out the parts I needed, they are on the way, $22

 

[Matt Story]

Roy,  In this day where seemingly everything is disposable, I commend your willingness to make the effort to repair something to useful again.  These compressors (and nearly everything else) are have an intended useful life that meets the consumers expectation and little more.  The business model depends on consumers willingness (laziness, lack of know-how?) to just go out and buy a new ______.  Some say penny wise and pound foolish.  I say by repairing, you save some money, recycle something keeping it out of the land fill and preserve the resources of building a new one.  The conservation aspect of repairing rather than replacing goes well beyond the raw material savings.  All that and when your device is repaired, you have the satisfaction of having done it.

[lucky phil]

I will see if parts are available, if not I will purchase another compact compressor, I don't need it for anything more than blowing up my tires or the occasional brad gun use.
Although it 20 years old I doubt it's even had 100 hours of use.

When you think about it Roy 100 hrs running is quite a lot esp for a small cheap compressor. The average lawn mower would only accumulate probably 10-15 engine hours a year. Even the average family car probably only does 6-8 hours engine run time a week, if that.

Ciao

[larrys]

      Hey Larry,
     Inquiring minds want to know, what purpose do the light bulbs serve?

       Paul B

My garage is unheated. The light bulbs are preheaters. When the temp gets below 30F the compressor won't start, too much rotating resistance when cold. I turn on the lights, throw a blanket over the compressor for an hour, and the heat from the bulbs warm things up enough so it will start. Once it's going, it will run all day. My sandblast cabinet is my biggest air user. The compressor runs about a 30% duty cycle when blasting. I did change out the oil in the compressor to synthetic compressor oil, but it still needs a little help getting going in the cold. Being a geezer, it's sorta like how I feel in the mornings...
Larry