Carette 4500 Compressor Testing and Tear Down Report

[cootertwo]

Wow! What a great thread, and a great community! OK, I've taken the high side head off mine. Cleaned the ball bearing check valve. Still won't go past 3000psi. However, it will hold the 3000psi over night, so I'm assuming that means I have no leaks, right? If there was a problem with the low side cylinder, would that prevent getting past 3000psi I sent Joe an email asking how much for a complete high side cylinder and piston, but have not got a reply. I hate phones, but guess I'll have to give him a call. I'm really suspecting my high side piston and cylinder have worn out. No hour meter, but don't really use it all that much, as I have 2 large tanks, and one smaller. In the past use, have set the cutoff at 3500psi, but now own a Huben, and would like to top my tanks to 4000psi As it is right now, with a plug in the end of the hose, it will take around 10 to 15 minutes, just to get to 3000psi, then it just sits there and runs. As a finaly try the other day, I put a little shelac gasket sealer on the red fiber head gasket of the high side piston, thinking it may be leaking. No difference. Tried searching for parts on-line, can't come up with anything. Found Ali express lists a high side cylinder assembly for a Yong Heng, but I doubt if it's exactly the same. I sure don't want to spend another grand or more on something similar, after my experience with this Carette

Been eyeballing this one. Claimes 4 cylinder, $2100.00


From the other thread:

A photo of the failed fiber washer and oring in the compressor high side. I am waiting now for new ones to arrive.

[PCPhack]

If it will get to 3000, but no higher, and takes that long to get there, then first triple check that there are no slow leaks at any hoses or fittings. Also, how old is your oil? If it has broken down, the compressor will misbehave in this way also. I have seen such a case almost solved with an oil change, as strange as that may sound.

If the above doesn't help, then a rebuild with new orings and new fiber washer would be next. If that does not solve it, then a new high side piston is needed. The tolerances are quite tight on it, so it can be damaged.

One other tidbit if information about how I use my compressor, is that I also added a large fan that blows across the cylinders from the side, much like even higher end compressors have. This actually does help keep the stages cooler beyond what the water cooling does. Cooler parts last longer, and the entire compressor runs more efficiently. If you have a moderately out of specification high side piston, then this trick might be enough to get a bit more psi out of it.

[cootertwo]

Question, I have not been into the low side yet. If there was a problem with the low side, would it stop the compressor from going over 3000psi? I don't think so, but thought I'd ask. Mine will hold 3000psi overnight, with a plug in the end of the fill hose, so I assume I have no leaks. And if anyone has any links to where to get a high side piston and cylinder, it would be great. I emailed Joe, but have not heard back.

[PCPhack]

Question, I have not been into the low side yet. If there was a problem with the low side, would it stop the compressor from going over 3000psi? I don't think so, but thought I'd ask. Mine will hold 3000psi overnight, with a plug in the end of the fill hose, so I assume I have no leaks. And if anyone has any links to where to get a high side piston and cylinder, it would be great. I emailed Joe, but have not heard back.

I doubt it, but you can always tear it down for an inspection.  It isn't really any more complex than the high side.

I bought mine via Joe, so he is the only stateside contact that I am aware of. Try to call him. He sometimes gets busy, so phone him up if email is not getting a response. I have no idea if he stocks rebuild kits now that you could buy.  When mine had a problem, the parts came directly from overseas.

[MJP]

Wow! What a great thread, and a great community! OK, I've taken the high side head off mine. Cleaned the ball bearing check valve. Still won't go past 3000psi. However, it will hold the 3000psi over night, so I'm assuming that means I have no leaks, right? If there was a problem with the low side cylinder, would that prevent getting past 3000psi I sent Joe an email asking how much for a complete high side cylinder and piston, but have not got a reply. I hate phones, but guess I'll have to give him a call. I'm really suspecting my high side piston and cylinder have worn out. No hour meter, but don't really use it all that much, as I have 2 large tanks, and one smaller. In the past use, have set the cutoff at 3500psi, but now own a Huben, and would like to top my tanks to 4000psi As it is right now, with a plug in the end of the hose, it will take around 10 to 15 minutes, just to get to 3000psi, then it just sits there and runs. As a finaly try the other day, I put a little shelac gasket sealer on the red fiber head gasket of the high side piston, thinking it may be leaking. No difference. Tried searching for parts on-line, can't come up with anything. Found Ali express lists a high side cylinder assembly for a Yong Heng, but I doubt if it's exactly the same. I sure don't want to spend another grand or more on something similar, after my experience with this Carette

Been eyeballing this one. Claimes 4 cylinder, $2100.00


From the other thread:

A photo of the failed fiber washer and oring in the compressor high side. I am waiting now for new ones to arrive.

Chinese coltri mch6 clone, I would at that money consider finding a used bauer jr.
Or new Komtec compressor, its German made.

Marko

[doctorfronk]

Last Saturday drove to Joe Brancato's business location to pick up an Alpha-Carette 4500 compressor, Alpha air filter, a carbon-fiber scuba tank and couple of other peripherals.

The air filter was equipped with a bleed-valve so air rifles can be directly filled; just need couple of metal hose clamps to mount it on the compressor.

Am still unsure what is needed to fill rifles from the scuba tank; what exact type of "whip" is required. Any and all suggestions are welcome!

Other than filling it with oil and topping off coolant the compressor will be ready to do its thing; hope everything works without any glitches...

FX Dreamline Classic (walnut stock, .25 caliber)
Fully Hajimoto modded Gaunlet (.22 caliber)
Benjamin Armada (.177 caliber)
ATI Nova Liberty (wood stock, .22 caliber)
Sig Sauer MCX CO2 semiauto rifle (.177 caliber--converted to highb pressure air via Air Venturi regulated tank)

-fjm

[Trigger_Finger]

Last Saturday drove to Joe Brancato's business location to pick up an Alpha-Carette 4500 compressor, Alpha air filter, a carbon-fiber scuba tank and couple of other peripherals.

The air filter was equipped with a bleed-valve so air rifles can be directly filled; just need couple of metal hose clamps to mount it on the compressor.

Am still unsure what is needed to fill rifles from the scuba tank; what exact type of "whip" is required. Any and all suggestions are welcome!

Other than filling it with oil and topping off coolant the compressor will be ready to do its thing; hope everything works without any glitches...

FX Dreamline Classic (walnut stock, .25 caliber)
Fully Hajimoto modded Gaunlet (.22 caliber)
Benjamin Armada (.177 caliber)
ATI Nova Liberty (wood stock, .22 caliber)
Sig Sauer MCX CO2 semiauto rifle (.177 caliber--converted to highb pressure air via Air Venturi regulated tank)

-fjm

I'm surprised he didn't sell you the connections for filling the rifles from the tank. He has those connectors. On Amazon, they are called 4500 psi fill whip. Don't go cheap. I had mine burst before. Check the type of quick disconnect that is compatible with your rifle.

[Alan B]

It depends on what valve the tank comes with.

[doctorfronk]

[/quote]

I'm surprised he didn't sell you the connections for filling the rifles from the tank. He has those connectors. On Amazon, they are called 4500 psi fill whip. Don't go cheap. I had mine burst before. Check the type of quick disconnect that is compatible with your rifle.
[/quote]

Actually did find a whip under some stuff inside the box where spare oil and dessicant capsule plus other things that were placed in so didn't see it before--my bad.
The whip is already equipped with female Foster quick-connectors, as is the scuba tank, so am all set.

JB and his super-great assistant seems to be very thorough anticipating what their customers require for successful usage.
Is fantastic to see such attention been paid to even the smallest details...

-fjm

[doctorfronk]

It depends on what valve the tank comes with.

Checked the scuba tank's valve assembly while ago and ascertained that it is equipped with a male Foster nipple, so is compatible with everything else...

-fjm

[PCPhack]

Someone messaged me to ask the details for the better style notched v-belt for the Carette. The belt that Joe sent me, which has been working great and already outlasted the original solid belt, has the following markings.

GeiLi 17-360 13x864Li 6350

Note that the 13x864Li is the critical piece to search for that will locate many of these belts in the correct size. However, be sure to note the belt itself with those search results as some will be solid, while other have the notches. Given the small motor pulley on the Carette, I highly recommend the notched one. The notched one stays much cooler, as it is able to flex around the small pulley with less internal belt friction, bending, and heat build-up. This prolongs the life of the belt a great deal.

[doctorfronk]

I was contacted by the Carette manufacturer after they read my posts on Face Book; got a message asking me if everything is working correctly with my A-C compressor to, which indicated everything is been working fine since the stuff was bought.

Appears that the manufacturer is keenly interested in seeing their product works reliably...

-fjm

[Jimmy Collins]

I think - I know the corrosion problem has bitten me.my carette after only 15 hours of use has weakened to pump only 200 psi per hour. How can I contact the manufacturer directly to get warranty inrepair/

[miksatx]

I think - I know the corrosion problem has bitten me.my carette after only 15 hours of use has weakened to pump only 200 psi per hour. How can I contact the manufacturer directly to get warranty inrepair/

Whom did you buy it from?

[dmc]

Any updates on the reliability of the Daystate LC110?

[cootertwo]

Well, my Carette, AKA Alpha, AKA Kalitte, or whatever, is out of commission. The high pressure piston has no rings, so after it wears some, it will not get past 3000 psi, and takes hours to get there. High pressure piston shows signs of wear and heat towards the end of the piston. I'm trying to source parts, but no success yet. The DAV I bought off Amazon, is working fine. Air cooled, so no water, pumps, buckets, etc. etc. Fingers crossed it lasts me awhile.

[Djbriez]

Reach out to Bosun......he may be able to help....

bosunhu1984@gmail.com


DJ

[cootertwo]

Here's a look at the high side piston of the Carette compressor. Note, NO rings. It is a machined fit, and with a little wear, looses it's ability to make high pressure. Note the heat discoloring on the top end of the piston (rod). And yes, my water pump was and has always run, yes I run Royle Purple compressor oil. In the pic, the end of the piston (rod) has a taper that I ground on it. I tried to get a seal for a Yong Heng on there, but no success. I also tried to machining the groves larger, and deeper, to accept the Yong Heng seals, but the piston is as hard as a drill bit. My mini lathe wouldn't even scratch it.

[Djbriez]

Did you reach out to the email I provided?

[cootertwo]

Yes, I reached out, and got an email asking for pics, to identify the parts I need. Thanks for the tip. Haven't heard back yet.