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Post by cherbie on Feb 18, 2019 19:02:56 GMT -8
Hello, I am brand new to this forum and am looking for some advice.
I picked up a Cornelius 130R 3500 compressor a couple of dive seasons ago. Compressor is clean and runs well. Have been diligent about changing the oil and filter.
When I purchased it was filling tanks to 3000 psi no problem. Late in the season I could only get tanks to fill to 2600 psi and then I what I assume is a safety release valve trips. As you can see I am not familiar with these systems. I am seeking input. Is there anywhere to find parts for these units? Suggestions on hw to fix it? Thanks ..
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Post by nikeajax on Feb 18, 2019 19:16:35 GMT -8
First, welcome to the forum, second, I need to make a Planet of the Apes joke here:  Roddy McDowell played Cornelius in the original films!   There are quite a few people with them on the forum, so just be patient... Jaybird |
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Post by SeaRat on Feb 18, 2019 20:50:31 GMT -8
Hello, I am brand new to this forum and am looking for some advice. I picked up a Cornelius 130R 3500 compressor a couple of dive seasons ago. Compressor is clean and runs well. Have been diligent about changing the oil and filter. When I purchased it was filling tanks to 3000 psi no problem. Late in the season I could only get tanks to fill to 2600 psi and then I what I assume is a safety release valve trips. As you can see I am not familiar with these systems. I am seeking input. Is there anywhere to find parts for these units? Suggestions on hw to fix it? Thanks .. I don't know much about compressors, but you might check and see whether there is an adjustment to be made on the overpressure relief valve. Is it possible that the vibration from continued use may have caused it to be turned to a lesser pressure? Some others of our forum (Terry?) may wish to chime in here too. John |
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Post by Terry on Feb 19, 2019 11:54:54 GMT -8
Hi Cherbie:
I am not familiar with the 130r3500 model that you have however I own a 130r1500 and I believe they may be similar enough to be of some help (hopefully). The problem that you describe that you are having sounds exactly like the problem I was having with mine this past June. I am able to fill my 3000 psi tanks without any problems; but all of a sudden this past June I began having problems getting past the 2500 psi range.
The problem definitely was the pressure relief valve and if that is your problem then it is easily fixed. First of all I don't know if you have a manual or any schematics in regards to your compressor; if not it would be very helpful for you to obtain one. If you don't then I would suggest that you go over to the Vintage Double Hose website and download yourself a copy. I'm not sure if Bryan has one for your model but he does have one for mine (the 130r1500) and that is where I got mine which has been an unbelievable amount of help. Go into the manuals section on his VDH website and print yourself out a copy. I believe there is enough similarity between your compressor and mine that this will be of help to you.
When my compressor quit pumping past 2500 psi I discovered the problem by pumping up to the 2100 psi and then shutting off the compressor and listening for leaks. Sure enough I could hear and feel the leak coming from the area of the pressure relief valve. I wasn't sure what the problem was so I removed the valve from the compressor to check the o-ring that provided the seal between them and replaced it with a new one. I then fired up the compressor to check for any further leaks only to find out that I still had the same problem. I then began to search through my manual for answers as to what the problem might be and how to correct it. I soon discovered that my pressure relief valve was out of adjustment and would have to be re-adjusted. I also found out that as time passes that this is normal and every so often these valves need to be re-adjusted for this issue.
This is how I went about correcting my problem with complete success. First of all I removed the pressure relief valve from the compressor, and then completely disassembled it and cleaned up all of the parts and checked them for any damage. When you disassemble the pressure relief valve BE SURE TO COUNT THE NUMBER OF TURNS YOU HAVE ON THE STEM, AND THE ADJUSTING SCREW; you will need this info for a starting point when you re-assemble this unit in regards to where you star your adjustments. You will adjust the pressure by turning the STEM clockwise to to lower the pressure, and counterclockwise to raise the pressure for your new adjustment.
After I re-assembled my pressure relief valve and re-installed it with the stem and adjusting screw at the original settings I turned on my compressor to check for leaks and to confirm at what psi they began. (WHILE DOING THIS BE SURE THAT THE PRESSURE DOES NOT GET ABOVE 3500 psi).
You now have a starting point to let you know whether you have to increase or decrease the pressure, and I'm sure in your case as was mine that you will have to gradually increase the pressure for the new setting re-adjustment that you need. I began with with setting my adjusting screw at it's original setting and as it turned out leaving it there for the entire adjustment procedure.
I then increased the pressure by 1 full turn counterclockwise, restarted my compressor to take a new reading and then by making minor adjustments both up and down obtained the correct pressure setting on the pressure relief valve. When I did this I stopped the flow of air so that it went no further than the filter separator assembly that the pressure relief valve is screwed into. This way I did not have to pressurize an entire system, and it was quick and easy to drain and depressurize for making the corrective settings.
After running the compressor and checking the pressure from my new setting I would then shut off the compressor, depressurize the system and make the next necessary adjustment. I continued doing it this way until I finally obtained the pressure setting I desired at around 3200 psi. Once again while doing this be sure to watch the pressure so that IT DOES NOT EXCEED 3500 psi.
After I got this completed the compressor was doing just fine and I had no further problems filling my 3000 psi tanks. Good luck with your repair and I hope this helps! Terry
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Post by nikeajax on Feb 19, 2019 15:14:49 GMT -8
YIKES--Terry, could you break that up into paragraphs, please? That is one big nasty block of text and I can't read it!  We have another Terry with a Cornelius, Duckbill-Terry: hopefully he will chime in too...  JB |
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Post by nikeajax on Feb 20, 2019 7:12:07 GMT -8
Thank you John--really I have a pretty severe learning disability and tracking letters that close together is not at all fun super hard for me... JB |
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Post by Terry on Feb 20, 2019 10:37:34 GMT -8
Alright you guys; what can I say other than I was busy looking back and forth at my notes while I was typing up what I did to fix this problem.  Thanks for fixing that John; it does make it a bit easier on the eyes unless you already ruined them by reading my post before the fix - maybe that's why I seem a bit cross eyed today.  I remember when I got my compressor 5 years ago and the help that I got from Duckbill-Terry as well as others. That was my first compressor and didn't know much of anything, and all there help and advice was and is very much appreciated. Thanks Again! Terry |
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Post by nikeajax on Feb 20, 2019 11:48:31 GMT -8
"OK buddy, let's see yer license..."
"What's the problem officer?"
"Listen pal, you know how fast you were typin'?"
"Yeah but..."
"In case ya hadn't noticed bub, this is a 30-WPM-zone, I clocked you doing 70: this'll cost ya!"
Sorry, I just couldn't resist JB
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Post by Terry on Feb 20, 2019 13:14:55 GMT -8
I would have been disappointed with anything less from you !  |
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Post by surflung on Feb 21, 2019 14:44:26 GMT -8
- I had a similar problem with my RIX SA3 compressor. Antiquediver Bill said that the 2nd stage over pressure valve goes off when there's a leak in the 3rd stage head. Essentially high pressure 3rd stage air was leaking back into the 2nd stage and over-pressurizing it so that the relief valve would let loose. - I took the 2nd stage over pressure valve off and replaced it with a pressure gauge. Then I turned on the compressor long enough to see the needle rise. Then I shut it off. Normally, it is supposed to stay at the same pressure but instead the pressure kept rising. After letting the pressure out with the drain valves, I took the third stage head apart and cleaned the reed valves, seats, and replaced O-Rings. After re-assembly tested by turning on and pressurising. Then turned off and watched the needle. This time it sealed perfectly and the needle stood still after turn off. - Finally, I replaced the over pressure valve, and the compressor ran up to full pressure without the relief valve going off anymore. Now... A couple of years later... I looked in the RIX manual under trouble shooting and it gives two reasons for the 2nd stage relief valve to release: 1. Defective Relief Valve. (Terry) 2. Leaking 3rd stage head. (AntiqueDiver) |
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Post by duckbill on Feb 22, 2019 20:59:22 GMT -8
Photos of the compressor, and pressure relief valve in question, and specs for your model, and I may be able to help.
Does the VDH site have the Tech manual for the 130R-1500?
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Post by cherbie on Mar 19, 2019 14:23:53 GMT -8
Hi Cherbie: I am not familiar with the 130r3500 model that you have however I own a 130r1500 and I believe they may be similar enough to be of some help (hopefully). The problem that you describe that you are having sounds exactly like the problem I was having with mine this past June. I am able to fill my 3000 psi tanks without any problems; but all of a sudden this past June I began having problems getting past the 2500 psi range. The problem definitely was the pressure relief valve and if that is your problem then it is easily fixed. First of all I don't know if you have a manual or any schematics in regards to your compressor; if not it would be very helpful for you to obtain one. If you don't then I would suggest that you go over to the Vintage Double Hose website and download yourself a copy. I'm not sure if Bryan has one for your model but he does have one for mine (the 130r1500) and that is where I got mine which has been an unbelievable amount of help. Go into the manuals section on his VDH website and print yourself out a copy. I believe there is enough similarity between your compressor and mine that this will be of help to you. When my compressor quit pumping past 2500 psi I discovered the problem by pumping up to the 2100 psi and then shutting off the compressor and listening for leaks. Sure enough I could hear and feel the leak coming from the area of the pressure relief valve. I wasn't sure what the problem was so I removed the valve from the compressor to check the o-ring that provided the seal between them and replaced it with a new one. I then fired up the compressor to check for any further leaks only to find out that I still had the same problem. I then began to search through my manual for answers as to what the problem might be and how to correct it. I soon discovered that my pressure relief valve was out of adjustment and would have to be re-adjusted. I also found out that as time passes that this is normal and every so often these valves need to be re-adjusted for this issue. This is how I went about correcting my problem with complete success. First of all I removed the pressure relief valve from the compressor, and then completely disassembled it and cleaned up all of the parts and checked them for any damage. When you disassemble the pressure relief valve BE SURE TO COUNT THE NUMBER OF TURNS YOU HAVE ON THE STEM, AND THE ADJUSTING SCREW; you will need this info for a starting point when you re-assemble this unit in regards to where you star your adjustments. You will adjust the pressure by turning the STEM clockwise to to lower the pressure, and counterclockwise to raise the pressure for your new adjustment. After I re-assembled my pressure relief valve and re-installed it with the stem and adjusting screw at the original settings I turned on my compressor to check for leaks and to confirm at what psi they began. (WHILE DOING THIS BE SURE THAT THE PRESSURE DOES NOT GET ABOVE 3500 psi). You now have a starting point to let you know whether you have to increase or decrease the pressure, and I'm sure in your case as was mine that you will have to gradually increase the pressure for the new setting re-adjustment that you need. I began with with setting my adjusting screw at it's original setting and as it turned out leaving it there for the entire adjustment procedure. I then increased the pressure by 1 full turn counterclockwise, restarted my compressor to take a new reading and then by making minor adjustments both up and down obtained the correct pressure setting on the pressure relief valve. When I did this I stopped the flow of air so that it went no further than the filter separator assembly that the pressure relief valve is screwed into. This way I did not have to pressurize an entire system, and it was quick and easy to drain and depressurize for making the corrective settings. After running the compressor and checking the pressure from my new setting I would then shut off the compressor, depressurize the system and make the next necessary adjustment. I continued doing it this way until I finally obtained the pressure setting I desired at around 3200 psi. Once again while doing this be sure to watch the pressure so that IT DOES NOT EXCEED 3500 psi. After I got this completed the compressor was doing just fine and I had no further problems filling my 3000 psi tanks. Good luck with your repair and I hope this helps! Terry |
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Post by cherbie on Mar 19, 2019 14:26:01 GMT -8
Terry, this is a tremendous help. Sounds like the exact same problem. Now I have to get into it
It is 25 days later and I just saw everyone's responses to my question.
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Post by cherbie on Mar 19, 2019 15:19:22 GMT -8
I will download the schematic.
How does one post pictures on the forum?
Terry can I message or call you?
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Post by vance on Mar 19, 2019 21:33:33 GMT -8
I will download the schematic. How does one post pictures on the forum? Terry can I message or call you? Hi, Welcome to the forum! Please read this for posting pictures. You will need a hosting service like Flickr (Flickr.com) which is free. vintagescuba.proboards.com/thread/3622/post-imageIf you are using Flickr, scroll down until you see a picture of a Healthways Deluxe regulator. Then read the post below it (written by me!). |
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Thanks for fixing that John; it does make it a bit easier on the eyes unless you already ruined them by reading my post before the fix - maybe that's why I seem a bit cross eyed today. 
I remember when I got my compressor 5 years ago and the help that I got from Duckbill-Terry as well as others. That was my first compressor and didn't know much of anything, and all there help and advice was and is very much appreciated. Thanks Again! Terry
