Shoebox issues

[JFS737]

Hi,
   I have an F8 Shoebox.  It will make only  195 bar / 2900 psi.  I fixed a leak on the bleed valve (Replaced two small orings and cleaned it up) that helped but still low pressure.  I replaced 3 Orings and cleaned the top cylinder (low pressure?).   I checked all the fittings for leaks  (low pressure inlet, top/bottom cylinder in/out, bleed valve, hi pressuer outlet).   I've tried 2 different fill lines.  I don't have a kit to rebuild the lower cylinder.... I may have the Orings though.   
   Any ideas?   As far as I can tell, the rear safety burst disk is intact (when I had the tower out).  I don't feel any leaks back there.   No matter what I do, it stops around 2900 psi. 

thanks for any thoughts, ideas or help!!!!

John

[Back_Roads]

 I would have a spare rebuild kit for both cylinders, and check valves, if you need one.
 Best to replace all of them when doing a rebuild. Another thing to keep an eye on is the piston rod bushings on the shaft tower, any signs of bushing particles in that area.

[JFS737]

Thank you Back Roads,
    I just inspected the bushings and they look good.  It is in general, in very good shape.  I must assume it's the lower cylinder as I feel as if I've done everything else.   Just wishing to post my symptoms because they seem very specific and repeatable and thought others may have seen this. 
     If you are willing to sell any rebuild kits that would be more than kind.   Please let me know how to best accomodate payment if you decide to.  I understand if you can't  !   

John

[Back_Roads]

Thank you Back Roads,
    I just inspected the bushings and they look good.  It is in general, in very good shape.  I must assume it's the lower cylinder as I feel as if I've done everything else.   Just wishing to post my symptoms because they seem very specific and repeatable and thought others may have seen this. 
     If you are willing to sell any rebuild kits that would be more than kind.   Please let me know how to best accomodate payment if you decide to.  I understand if you can't  !   

John

I will dig them up after work, and look up what I paid for the kit, and let you know for sure. Does yours have the clacker system, if so I have the clacker arm also IIR.

[Frank in Fairfield]

Check with this company for parts:

https://ocolabs.com/extractors/

[gendoc]

i have read on here or the other forum, that these folks ^^^^
have the parts for the lower end IIRC....

[JFS737]

I'll call them and check.   I don't know what the clacker is...  it's an F8 in stock form.   Hope that helps.   Love to send you some money for a seal/repair kit if you're willing.   

Thanks!

[AlanMcD]

The "clacker" was a movable arm that was used to knock the switch to off when the pressure hit the set level.  It was on the original Shoebox, and the model known as the "Max" that was made once the F8 came out.  The F8 and F10 used an inline pressure switch to shut off the compressor.

The clacker was an ingenious way to cheaply control the shoebox, but it was loud and annoying.  On a 4500 psi compressor it made no sound until about 3000 psi, then started quietly and built to a hard metal-on-metal banging with every crank revolution until it hit pressure.

Mine is a Max, but modified to work without need of the clacker to shut it off . . .

[JFS737]

Thanks Alan.   Yes, mine does not have a clacker.  No luck getting a "kit" or even exact Oring info from ocolabs so far.

Regards

[Back_Roads]

Thanks Alan.   Yes, mine does not have a clacker.  No luck getting a "kit" or even exact Oring info from ocolabs so far.

Regards

I came across reports that the ocolabs system and its use is burning up O-rings in  the system the way they are now using it, so parts may be scarce, and who knows they may go out of business soon if that is a real issue

[Back_Roads]

 John I have been trying to PM you but it seems they are not going through, I do have 4 kits to spare $10.00 ea. PP FF works for me.