BajaNomad

FIXED: Q Industries MV50 compressor just took a dump

woody with a view - 4-13-2012 at 09:51 AM

i've had this compressor for about 2.5 years and it has always worked perfectly in baja. today i was plugging a tire on my wifes car and went to add air and it started blowing air out the filter of the unit instead of out the hose. i took it apart and here's what broke. see the silver tab?





now how to get another one of these???? this is their parts page: http://www.qindustries-store.net/category_s/59.htm

i can't find any contact info for them. does anybody have any ideas on fixing this thing? i'd hate to have to spend $80 on a new one when a $2 piece would fix it.

[Edited on 4-13-2012 by woody with a view]

woody with a view - 4-13-2012 at 10:28 AM

that round hole next to the screw has an identical tab covering it on the other (ground) side. the trick would be to find a suitable thickness metal. i'm thinking a TKT can should work.

gonna crack one right now and try it out.:biggrin:

bajalou - 4-13-2012 at 10:45 AM

The valve is made out of spring steel so that it's always in the right position. A hacksaw blade is a bit thick, but on the right track.

Taco de Baja - 4-13-2012 at 10:56 AM

A strip of fiberglass cut and shaped and attached with a sheet metal screw might work too. :light:

Got a ding repair kit for your boards? :?:

Or try, fiberglass mesh and epoxy, if you don't want to attempt to mix up a tiny batch of resin.

Just make sure the piston will not hit whatever fix you come up with at the top of its stroke. :o The reed may be thin for a reason.

willardguy - 4-13-2012 at 11:04 AM

it looks just like the end of a feeler gauge. dont know how you would cut the hole though

larryC - 4-13-2012 at 11:18 AM

I agree a feeler guage of the proper thickness would probably do the trick. they are made of pretty hard material, but should be able to put a hole in one with a dremel and a diamond tip cutter.
I can't tell from the photo, how is the reed valve held to the head? Will the broken piece come out easily?
Larry

woody with a view - 4-13-2012 at 11:19 AM

well, it turns out a TKT tab works wonders.... the broken piece was not magnetic. i just drilled a hole in the tab and put it on. turned on the compressor and heard a god awful sound! that depression in the piston wasn't an accident, i needed to turn the whole assembly 90 degrees so that depression lined up with the screw head:light:

it pumped up to 45 pounds of air like day one.





willardguy - 4-13-2012 at 11:34 AM

now your air compressor has sabor con caracter!:lol:

woody with a view - 4-13-2012 at 11:36 AM

i just got an email from Q Industries. they were going to send me the part ASAP. i declined but everyone who needs a high flow portable compressor should buy from these guys.

great customer service when you need it.

:cool:

landyacht318 - 4-13-2012 at 04:05 PM

Thank you for showing me what my compressor looks like inside.

You have no Idea how much effort has been required on my part to not take it apart just to assuage my curiosity.

I did find that the inlet holes on my filter were mostly plugged with plastic flashing from the molding process and pretty restrictive to my lungs.

A little time spent with a razor blade greatly reduced restriction .

Nice fix BTW. I hope the aluminum does not fatigue too quickly.

woody with a view - 4-13-2012 at 04:53 PM

me too! but i now how to fix it again if it ever does. TKT is never far from anywheres....

dizzyspots - 4-13-2012 at 05:07 PM

these little compressors are amazing...recently a "high end" expedition magazine did a test on the $300-500 variety...ooh ahhh
another, shall we say "blue collar" 4wd magazine compared those AND the little Q50 amazingly enough, the little Q50 held its own very well against the much higher priced contenders...
.I've had mine since my 1st Baja trip in 2007...I bought a 2nd one so that my air up stops would be a little shorter

come to think of it, I can buy one for each wheel and still be cheaper than the lowest priced "fancy" one

Cyanide41 - 4-13-2012 at 05:27 PM

I had a Q50 and it worked great until some scum bag stole it. I used it to inflate 35" tires, which are way beyond the recommended use. Granted it did get a little warm, and had to take breaks, but it got the job done. I think I got mine for about $50 at costco. I can't find them any lower than $75 these days.

Nice MacGyver fix on that one Woody!

woody with a view - 4-13-2012 at 07:14 PM

paid $60 from amazon. $79 now.

woody with a view - 4-20-2012 at 12:38 PM

I just got an email from Earl at Q Industries offering me that part if i ever need it, or "anything else". pretty classy of Q Ind, i'm thinking Earl is higher up the food chain there.

Buy from these guys!

[Edited on 4-21-2012 by woody with a view]

Cyanide41 - 4-20-2012 at 04:01 PM

Apparently the price has gone up. Q Industries MV50 SuperFlow High-Volume Air Compressor

**EDIT**

Sorry, after further review of Woody's post, I see that he later already mentioned the $79 price. I will now go work on my reading comprehension. :light:

[Edited on 4-20-2012 by Cyanide41]

[Edited on 4-20-2012 by Cyanide41]

landyacht318 - 8-18-2012 at 01:31 PM

Amazon's price is back down in the mid 50's in the above link.

Yesterday I took mine apart to tap the head for 1/4 inch NPT standard air fittings, as the stock air cord is a joke of engineering and design. I found that the few times I ran the unit without the misplaced air filter really gunked up the internals.

Also the Allen bolts holding the head on were literally finger tight, as reported by other's online.



There was even a piece of plastic baggie that was sucked into the intake and stuck in the intake check valve which Woody fabricated a new one of.





It is possible to attach normal air fittings on this unit using an adaptor:

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/RUS-660440/

I chose to re tap the threads instead:


Do note that the original air hose will pass air whether it is attached to a Schrader valve or not.

Standard air fittings will not do this, and turning the unit on can quickly build up pressures to beyond the unit's or air cord's capabilities.

It takes about 3 seconds to fill my 25 foot coiled yellow hose to 120 psi.

I modified a locking Air chuck so that the unit cannot damage itself by overpressure by drilling through the nipple which depresses the needle in the tire's schrader valve:





Now I do not have to fiddle with the asinine stock threaded coupler when attaching the unit to my tires, or my Suspension helper bags. I used to lose 8 psi just removing the stock coupler from my airbags in the time it took to unscrew it.

I did a couple other mods to it too. The stock wiring has some very shoddy crimps which pulled apart alarmingly easily.



and no strain relief where the cord exits the back of the unit:



Anyway, now freshly cleaned and lubed with nice standard air hose fittings, and a cord grip on the back, I have full confidence in this unit and my abilities to repair it if needed.

I ran some 22 awg leads from the relay to the exterior for a 2.3 watt 12 volt 40 mm computer muffin fan that I feel will negate the 40 minute maximum run time when aimed at the head. But really this unit takes 4 of my tires( 30x9.5x15) from 32 to 45 psi in under 20 minutes. But it is certainly very hot by then.

Here is the final result, minus the fan.


If you want a quality air compressor out of the box, spend more for Viair brand. If you have some mechanical skills, this Chinese knock off is pretty simple to make reliable and convenient.

[Edited on 8-18-2012 by landyacht318]

woody with a view - 8-18-2012 at 02:41 PM

i love the chuck.

last time i was stranded on the hiway with 2 flats it didn't turn on!!! i took it apart and the wires where they crimp were just as yours show-not crimped well at all. i pulled them all apart before taking a good look at what went where and THEN thought, "oh Sheet!" i put them back together with wire nuts and it turned on! i was worried the motor might run backwards....

and during the ordeal on hiway 1 i then noticed the power cord, just like yours had pullled the plastic plug. i still haven't fixed that cuz it doesn't make too much difference to me.

BTW, you're prolly lucky the cops didn't find that baggie, eh?:lol:

landyacht318 - 8-18-2012 at 03:03 PM

You love the air chuck which came with the Mv-50, or my modification?

On mine, The only thing keeping the wires from pulling out the back were those horrific crimp nuts, I couldn't let that stand and happened to have a nice Cord grip handy. Now I'd feel confident swinging the unit around by it's cord, well not really, but you get the idea.

The compressor would probably still work if the polarity was reversed. I did take note before cutting the wires and recrimping them with proper crimps.

Regarding the plastic baggie, I have no idea what that was from, but have not seen such a color plastic baggie since I was last in Baja.

I don't touch 'papers' but perhaps the person I lent the unit to allowed one to get sucked into the intake. Wouldn't surprise me.

If so, it's been happily stuck in the intake valve for 4 years, which was the only time i ran it without the filter installed.

woody with a view - 8-18-2012 at 04:34 PM

i like yours. good stuff!

landyacht318 - 8-19-2012 at 11:25 PM

Okay, I think I've lost my mind.

Look what I did today:



The fan, she's not so strong, but caresses the head with a nice breeze. Comes on with the compressor motor automatically.

40 minute max run time?

Baaaah!

I also removed the quick disconnect ensuring it cannot exceed 120 psi and damage itself.

woody with a view - 8-20-2012 at 04:31 AM

awesome!

Hook - 8-20-2012 at 09:12 AM

Gotta do that chuck replacement. Mine has been down, due to failure of the brass pieces inside of the part that screws on the Schrader valve. Even when it was working, the end had to be parallel to the Schrader valve or it would leak air. This forced me to sit there holding it in place.

landyacht318 - 8-21-2012 at 11:36 AM

Hook, My original air chuck did the same thing, but with a little finagling each time, was able to get it not to leak, but change the pressure on the cord and pssssssssss.

Try unscrewing the 4 screws which hold on the black finger holder and see if that removes the binding/leaking factor.

Looks like a very thin flat screwdriver can fit inside the adapter to take it apart too.

But probably easier to just get a 1/4 npt tap and re tap the head

woody with a view - 4-30-2016 at 02:17 PM

my airtanks are empty so i pulled out the mv50 to fill a low tire.from 15 to 30+ lbs and all of a sudden the compressor started running really fast!

WTF?

same sounds as last time when i found the flapper broke. haven't had the time to open it up but if i was you, i'd never buy one of these again!

David K - 4-30-2016 at 04:59 PM

Well, while my newer MV-50 popped when I P-nched the air tube while it was running, but my 2006 Harbor Freight $49.95 air pump still works. I just liked the MV-50 smaller size, canvas carrying bag, and almost as fast operation. The Harbor Freight unit (General Pneumatic) has a pretty bulky plastic case.


Harbor Freight


MV-50

msteve1014 - 4-30-2016 at 05:11 PM

Quote: Originally posted by woody with a view  
my airtanks are empty so i pulled out the mv50 to fill a low tire.from 15 to 30+ lbs and all of a sudden the compressor started running really fast!

WTF?

same sounds as last time when i found the flapper broke. haven't had the time to open it up but if i was you, i'd never buy one of these again!

You buy cheap crap, you need to be ready to repair or replace it, sometimes on the side of the road.
Buy something good, it just works and you keep driving, or surfing, or fishing.
Life is too short.

MMc - 4-30-2016 at 05:16 PM

Quote: Originally posted by msteve1014  
Quote: Originally posted by woody with a view  
my airtanks are empty so i pulled out the mv50 to fill a low tire.from 15 to 30+ lbs and all of a sudden the compressor started running really fast!

WTF?

same sounds as last time when i found the flapper broke. haven't had the time to open it up but if i was you, i'd never buy one of these again!

You buy cheap crap, you need to be ready to repair or replace it, sometimes on the side of the road.
Buy something good, it just works and you keep driving, or surfing, or fishing.
Life is too short.


Yep!! buy the good stuff maintain it. Use it for a long time!!!

Barry A. - 4-30-2016 at 05:20 PM

I agree Steve1014---------------I have had a QUICK-AIR ll over 10 years, and tho pricey it has never let me down, and is pretty fast.

woody with a view - 5-1-2016 at 07:20 AM

at least i know how to fix the POS! I'm getting my air tanks refilled ASAP.

David K - 5-1-2016 at 07:44 AM

Woody, how many Pacificos to fix mine?

woody with a view - 5-1-2016 at 08:07 AM

it's pretty simple. take the 4 screws out of the top part and you will find the broken tab. follow the pictures in the top of this thread. i figure it's about a 3 beer repair. it'll take about 30-40 minutes if you drink slow.

mtgoat666 - 5-1-2016 at 08:18 AM

you get what you pay for.

larryC - 5-2-2016 at 09:04 AM

Quote: Originally posted by mtgoat666  
you get what you pay for.


Not always.

woody with a view - 5-2-2016 at 09:24 AM

Just like I thought, the intake flapper was broken. It would be a simple fix except, in their quest to squeeze out more profit, they've gone and pressed in the pins holding the flappers. No more screws, so I just chucked it in the dumpster after cutting off the wire and clips.

They've got enuff of my money. I used to love these compressors, not any more!

I'll see you this weekend Larry.

Bajaboy - 5-2-2016 at 09:38 AM

Quote: Originally posted by woody with a view  
Just like I thought, the intake flapper was broken. It would be a simple fix except, in their quest to squeeze out more profit, they've gone and pressed in the pins holding the flappers. No more screws, so I just chucked it in the dumpster after cutting off the wire and clips.

They've got enuff of my money. I used to love these compressors, not any more!

I'll see you this weekend Larry.


Woody, Shoot me a message tonight and I will gift you a quick air 2.

woody with a view - 5-2-2016 at 09:46 AM

10-4.

Barry A. - 5-2-2016 at 08:19 PM

Quote: Originally posted by Bajaboy  
Quote: Originally posted by woody with a view  
Just like I thought, the intake flapper was broken. It would be a simple fix except, in their quest to squeeze out more profit, they've gone and pressed in the pins holding the flappers. No more screws, so I just chucked it in the dumpster after cutting off the wire and clips.

They've got enuff of my money. I used to love these compressors, not any more!

I'll see you this weekend Larry.


Woody, Shoot me a message tonight and I will gift you a quick air 2.


Wow, that is incredibly generous Baja-Boy. That Quick-air compressor runs in excess of $300 new----------grab that offer, for sure Woody!!! :O

woody with a view - 5-3-2016 at 06:21 AM

Zac's a nice guy, for sure! I'll be taking him to watch the Padres beat his Dodgers in a couple of weeks.

4x4abc - 5-3-2016 at 08:06 AM

Quote: Originally posted by woody with a view  
Just like I thought, the intake flapper was broken. It would be a simple fix except, in their quest to squeeze out more profit, they've gone and pressed in the pins holding the flappers. No more screws, so I just chucked it in the dumpster after cutting off the wire and clips.

They've got enuff of my money. I used to love these compressors, not any more!

I'll see you this weekend Larry.


why not replace the pins with screws?

wessongroup - 5-3-2016 at 08:24 AM

^^ what he said

MMc - 5-3-2016 at 08:39 AM

Why would you spend hours fixing a cheap air compressor. Drill and tap the holes. then replace the tab.
The reason folks buy them is because they are cheap.

woody with a view - 5-3-2016 at 10:01 AM

There is a recess piston the only accounts for the pins, not a screw head. A machine shop could prolly figure it out but I'm just an average knuckle dragger!