Warning: Ingersoll Rand Type-30 Compressor Problems!

UPDATE: Ingersoll did end up sending me a replacement motor for my compressor! Dave Gunderson called me back after I talked to his manager, and said he was going to ship me one, and it showed up about a week later.

So, even in the corporate world, there are still companies willing to stand behind their product. I'm happy to say that Ingersoll Rand turned out to be one of them.

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I don't normally post this sort of thing, but I thought you guys might benefit from reading about my problems with my Ingersoll Rand Type-30 Compressor, Model 2340-E.

I bought this compressor new from Northern Tool on 10/25/07, so it is almost exactly 26 months old. It was installed in my small shop (in an industrial area) by a licensed electrician using 8 ga wire in conduit, and it is hooked to a 50amp breaker. The motor runs off of 230V single phase.

I've taken exceptional care of this compressor...I drain it every 1-2 days, I don't let it run for long periods of time without giving it a break, and I keep it clean and dust free. There is absolutely no reason any part of it should already be on the verge of wearing out.

I'd been perfectly happy with my IR compressor until yesterday when the Emerson 5hp electric motor threw a bunch of sparks, CAUGHT ON FIRE, and fortunately tripped the breaker. It was just a quick flash fire, and I don't have anything close enough to the compressor for there have been a risk of it causing a larger fire. But, I can see how this could be a big problem for other people if their compressor is installed in a smaller, more confined space than mine.

The compressor had tripped the breaker a couple of times over the last 2-3 months, so I just thought it may have been some sort of a fluke or possibly a weak breaker. Other than that there was absolutely no warning before it caught fire.

I just got off the phone with David Gunderson in the Ingersoll Rand Customer Relations dept., and he was unwilling to replace the motor as it only had a 12 month warranty. I explained to him that I expected Ingersoll Rand to stand behind their product, even though the motor was out of warranty. I bought an IR air compressor because I wanted a compressor that would last me a long time without any major problems, and I was under the impression that IR built quality compressors.

After doing some internet research, it appears that I'm not the only victim of the Emerson model #54421193 electric motor. This is evidently a common problem, even though Mr. Gunderson insisted that it wasn't.

Here is a link to another member of the HAMB's written account of a similar problem:

http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=331552

I have left a message with Mr. Gunderson's manager, Steve Myers, but I am having serious doubts that Ingersoll Rand is going to stand behind their product. I'll let you guys know if Mr. Myers is going to make things right.

So in the meantime, my advice to anyone reading this would be to check the model number on their compressor's electric motor if they own an IR compressor. Apparently this same motor was used on a lot of compressors sold through Northern Tool and Tractor Supply, but it has since been replaced by a supposedly superior model of electric motor. If you have a compressor with the same Emerson motor that came on my compressor, and the compressor is still under warranty you may want to see if you can get a replacement before it's too late.

Finally, until I get some satisfaction out of Ingersoll Rand, I'd suggest looking elsewhere for a quality compressor.

-Brian Bass

 

Wow, glad nothing caught fire next to the compressor.

Did you try talking to Northern since they sold it to you??

I had a great rebuilder in Arlington if you want to have someone check out the motor to see if it can be rebuilt better.

 

You're not the only one. I went through 3 motors on my compressor. The only thing original on mine is the tank. Now its trouble free.

 

I have heard this before on other forums. IR doesn't want to admit there is a problem and that is why only the 12 month warranty. They are more than willing to SELL you a new motor though.

 

Replaced the motor on mine already.
There are a few threads on here about the same problem, Just replace the motor and go back to building.

 

A friend of mine toasted the motor on a newer IR too, not sure if it was that model though

 

My IR type 30 was used and had a 3phase 3hp motor on it. I put a Baldor 5hp single phase motor on it from these guys:

http://stores.ebay.com/WECO-GROUP_MOTORS_W0QQ_fsubZ2QQ_sidZ112029364?_nkw=5hp&submit=Search

 

I have the same unit as yours. But it is prolly 10 years old with no problem. The motor on mine is a dayton 9axt6 model, and it hasn't missed a beat. Sometimes older quality is better...John

 

with these problems has anyone reported this to the consumer product safety commission? that motor needs to be recalled, I would bet the motor itself is made in China now. this is a very serious issue and could burn someones shop down.

 

WOW!!!! Hope mine hangs in there, but i also have the industrial Dayton motor

I have a megger that we could megg the motor to check the internals but sound like it is too late, I would suspect that the insulation on the internals was breaking down causing the first couple trips, the bad thing is even if you would have had the motor megged then, you would still be where you are today, no warranty on the motor, That sucks, I agree, You would think that after all the compaints and problems, somoeone in the division would take control of this situation.

Rusty

 

i lost a motor as well ( fire )

 

In a way, I'm glad to read that I'm not the only one this has happened to. Although I'd like it a lot better if Ingersoll Rand would have used a better quality electric motor, and none of us had the same problem.

Mr. Gunderson told me that they only had warranty replacements on 1% of these motors....I think his figures may be a little skewed.

If I can't get IR to make good on their faulty motor, I'm thinking I may go with the one from Grainger that is made by A.O. Smith. It's about $293.00, and I can get it from the Grainger location down the street in a matter of minutes.

I'm also considering a Baldor 5hp motor, but the best price I can find on that one is $399.99 on ebay. The list price on the Baldor motor that will fit my compressor is $863.00!!

 

That sucks, Brian. I will have to remember this customer service issue when I need to buy new equipment.

 

Unless you can find a deal you can expect to pay at least $125.00 pr horsepower for a really good motor, The 5hp Baldor for $399.99 is a deal. A Baldor, or Dayton are your best bet.

 

They have already lost more potential profit than their cost of the motor.

 

I was going to say this sounded familiar..but than see where you saw the other post..
I would get with that other poster..and see how things went with him..print out his post and yours and e-mail it to them..and dont let up on them until they at least pro-rate you a replacement or something..sometimes they need ro be embarassed into responding..

or go right to the electric motor MFG and see what they have to say..
sorry bout yer luck..I have had an ingersol oil less 4 HP compressor for like forever and it is still going strong..watch now that ive said this the dam thing will tank when i need it most

 

damn, bought mine from lowes, went out and looked and it has an Emerson motor.

 

When I bought my IR compressor from Grainger I made the guy go and check to see what motor was on it. It has a Dayton and I have not had a problem.... yet. I have the 7-1/2 HP and it's only a year old.

As it is being echoed here, Baldor, Dayton are still good motors. But motors in general are not made to last anymore, not enough copper in them. Here in Detroit there are still a couple old shops that will re-wind your old motor and chances are they will out last new motors. Something to consider looking into. Just my 2 cents.
Good Luck

 

Probably not because they probably know that they will last at least the 12 month warranty period and then they deny everything after that. Doesn't mean they don't have way more problems just that they don't fix them. Sucks! Good luck!!

P.S. We need some more updates on your builds going through Bass withdrawl around here!!

 

ir compressors are fine but the problem begins when lowes. Tractor supply etc go to the manufactures and tell them what they want to pay, hence the cheaper motors etc get installed and whatever else it takes to get to that price, i have one ir compressor in the shop that has the baldor motor and a curtis at the house also baldor motor, both these compressors came from a compressor sales store, pretty much the same story== you get what you pay for= there is also a difference in the pumps from a real t-30 and box store t-30

 

I just check my Porter cable 60 gal, 7 hp peak, 3hp continuous compressor and its motor is made by GE in Mexico. I bought it in 03 with no problems as of yet. Change the oil every year.

 

I have quincy that has been nothing but perfect and they even gave service plan for it. you would think a company that big would take care of it. Keep us posted on what happens.

 

Bah humbug. I came in from wiring up my new IR compressor (with an Emerson motor), checked the HAMB, and found this. Brian, your the Grinch.

 

I would recommend a dayton motor. they, IMHO, hold up far better than Baladors. I was a maintenance guy for a while in a huge fruit packing operation and all we ran were daytons. they held up fantastic.

 

Well I gotta say THESE GUYS are STAND UP all the way. I bought a 5hp Blador motor off them and had issues with it. Initially I called Baldor and they amazed me with their attitude. They were NOT going to stand behind it - period. I was flabergasted. I then contacted WECO where I bought it from and they made it right LICKITY SPLIT with no arguements whatsoever. I'd buy from them again ina minute!!!

 

Crap. Just checked my IR and it has the dreaded Emerson 54421193 motor. 2 years old, hasn't tripped a breaker ever. Should I replace the motor with a Dayton anyway?

 

When you put this thing back together with another motor, load test it. See how many amps the motor is drawing. Lippy

 

Wow I have been planning to buy an IR compressor.
Thank you for posting that!
Good luck with your quest.

 

Maybe you need to talk to Steve Myers' boss. I'd mention that you have been discussing this on a internet group, and give them the URL. For whatever it would cost them to make this right, is a lot less than what damage would be it it wasn't.

I had a similar discussion with Miller several years ago on a TIG welder, that was out of warranty, when it was all done, they did the right thing and they bought all of the parts and I paid for the labor. It cost me $150 to fix it, compared to the $1000 estimate that they gave me.

I'm from the old school where most things that I buy should last the rest of my life; apparently that doesn't seem to be true anymore.

These guys need to realize that they need to stand behind their products, especially if they are selling junk.

If they decide to do what is right, anyone thinking about buying one of the compressors would not have a problem. If they decide to do nothing, then most would go somewhere else.

 

At this moment your old motor has some resale value, if it goes up in smoke, it will have a little scrap value.

Really, if you are just using the compressor a couple of times a week, it should go for years. If you use it everyday, then you might think about replacing it, based on the OP experiences. This is one of the deals where no one would knows what is right.