Antifreeze in your pcp compressor?

[tommyb]

I have two compressors that use a closed circulating system with a radiator - although my comment could apply to an open system using a bucket and pump too.

I'm running a pre-mixed "ready to use" antifreeze designed for aluminum parts - not worried about freezing but don't want any corrosion -

This seems to be working fine and is really simple to get and use - no worries about water quality.

Having disassembled my units several times, both to do some mods and to check for any issues, I haven't seen any buildups or corrosion - and both cylinders have fairly complex water jackets.

just my experience...

Thanks.

In reading many of the responses in this post, I’m sensing that one can use either 1) filtered or distilled water with an additive to prevent corrosion or 2) an antifreeze blend (70/30 or 50/50) to help prevent corrosion; even if you don’t have temperature freeze concerns.

 

[AlanMcD]

The other thing you could do (outside the box thinking here) is store it in the garage in a way that it can't freeze. One thought is to keep it in a cooler, and take it out when you go to run it. It also would keep it nice and clean and prevent any bugs or spiders from getting into it when not in use.

I'm in Michigan and keep beverages in a good cooler in the garage throughout the winter, and our garage often falls below freezing. It is never an issue except when those "polar vortices" hit, usually once per winter - then I have to bring them inside for a few days or they will eventually freeze as the garage gets down to close to single digits then. In your case, the inside of the cooler will never get below freezing since the garage ends up not being below freezing except transiently.

 

[tommyb]

The other thing you could do (outside the box thinking here) is store it in the garage in a way that it can't freeze. One thought is to keep it in a cooler, and take it out when you go to run it. It also would keep it nice and clean and prevent any bugs or spiders from getting into it when not in use.

I'm in Michigan and keep beverages in a good cooler in the garage throughout the winter, and our garage often falls below freezing. It is never an issue except when those "polar vortices" hit, usually once per winter - then I have to bring them inside for a few days or they will eventually freeze as the garage gets down to close to single digits then. In your case, the inside of the cooler will never get below freezing since the garage ends up not being below freezing except transiently.

Thanks Alan

Good idea, especially if it were a smaller portable or GX CS4-i compressor. It would have to be a pretty big cooler for an E-5K 1 or 2. Or a Daystate Legerro or an Omega Air Charger.