Bristol Compressor

Found this at the Ardingly bike jumble yesterday, couldn't resist for a tenner. Does anyone know anything about this compressor? I've got a fair idea what it is capable of but I'm just testing the water so far and would be interested to know if anyone else has any information about it.

Nice buy, a vee twin should have a good output as long as it's not to worn.

Stu.

This is a dive compressor, used to fill diver's scuba tanks and they were rated at 6000psi (over 400bar) when new I believe.
I had a feeling it was when I saw it and I thought it looked good for a tenner. The plan is to see if I can use it to fill my 300bar dive tank I use to fill my precharged air rifle (this could get pretty dangerous ). If this doesn't work then it will still look pretty on the rally field next to one of the engines and should make a bit of a draught.

The spanners have come out already but I'm waiting for pictures to upload.

Ah the puzzle comes together, it's good to buy something that can be used for something else at the same time being a rally exhibit. Nice find and I hope you get it sorted but please be careful as the pressures your talking about can make a nasty mess of people if not set up right with the correct pressure relief valves etc in place.

Stu.

Oh yes, I'm well aware of the dangers of pressures this high
When/if it does ever reach completion I will be seeking professional help with any testing procedures, this sort of thing could be fatal if it went wrong.
I've already been sent a manual which includes the complete strip and overhaul procedure and all tolerances/wear limits.
I did a bit of an inspection strip last night, what a strange machine, the final stage piston is about the diameter of your little finger and has 5 rings on it! (bugger to get the bore back on over that lot )
Here's the photobucket album I've started for this, I'm a bit too knackered to do a proper thread update right now but if anyone is interested, take a look at the pictures, I think the internals look OK.

http://s1111.beta.photobucket.com/user/Ianhw77k/library/Bristol%20Compressor

Had a quick glance at the pics and it all looks good from what I can see, I'd replace all the o-rings and any other sealing items, and have a look at the relief valve and give it a clean.
The final stage piston must be that small with 5 rings for the high pressure it can build up.

Looking forward to see this overhaul, if you have the time to write it up.

Stu

I think I'll start a new thread in the restorations section for this one.