Sometimes we get a graphic reminder that it's not a good idea to neglect simple
maintenance on our machinery ...
Tonight, I was servicing my Stag. Needed to take the rear wheels off after bit,
so I flipped on the air compressor, and went on about greasing U-joints. Darn,
need a long grease zerk and I can't find one ... Didn't pay much attention to
the compressor, until I noticed it was making a funny noise and, now that I
think about it, running for a long time. Smelled funny, too, like something was
too hot. Walked over and looked at the pressure gauge on the tank ... it's at
the peg ! Turned off the switch on the compressor, it kept right on running !
So, I pulled the plug out of the wall. Then I got to wondering why the safety
valve hadn't made a racket ... when I touched it, some kind of dirt flew out of
the opening and it screamed for a good minute !
When was the last time YOU checked your compressor safety valve ?
Randall
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