Well, I finally got my compressor up and running, but I ran into a couple problems. Full disclosure these problems were totally completely self created.
I returned the tee and plug from Amazon and ordered the tee and plug from Titan Fittings. As stated top notch product, quick shipping, and very reasonably priced.
The issue started when I went to install the tee and plug. I couldn't figure out how to get the gauge line off the gauge and input to the first gold filter (yes I know now how easy it is please save you slings and arrows, I beat myself up enough). I just started pulling parts off with no coherent plan and ended up down a rabbit hole. I pulled the high pressure line off of the gold filter block, and when I went to put it back together I cross threaded the connection from the high pressure line to the filter block. Needless to say this was bad and killed the compressor. If only I had called Brian, this could have all been prevented.
Now the good news. I contacted Tuxing and they replied within minutes (time change considered). I told them what I had done and the parts needed to fix my mistake. They were very helpful! I had to replace the filter block on the right filter, the fitting to attach the high pressure line to the right filter block, and the gauge hose. They had the parts at my door in less than a week for $45. I thought that was very reasonable all things considered. The other plus to my mistake is having the knowledge that should I need parts or service in the future for maintenance or what have you, this bodes well.
Okay, got the parts and with Brain's help proceeded to put everything back together. Did a quick test with the plug to make sure it was holding pressure (and to make sure I didn't screw anything else up), and then proceeded to fill my new Acecare tank (review coming).
I was able to fill my 6.8L tank, but it took almost an 1 hour and 15 minutes. And it struggled to get to the 300 Bar. Brain advised that the fill should have only taken about 45 minutes, so obviously something was still wrong somewhere. I still had a leak. Small enough to not be able to hear it, but for sure there.
Did another test with the plug and discovered and that there was a leak at the point where the hose attached to the back of the gauge. I couldn't hear it, and it actually didn't even really bubble when misted with water. As soon as I touched though it hissed nice and loud. It was not a good seal and when the compressor vibrated it allowed air escape best I can tell.
Now keep in mind this is the replacement hose Tuxing had sent me. I asked for a replacement hose as I feared I had kinked my original hose and possibly ruined it. I tried everything to get the slip nut on the replacement hose and gauge to seal, but it would not. At first I though I was missing an o ring, which it was. So I put an o ring in. Not sure it was right o ring, but I just picked one out of my replacements that came with the compressor. You see the hose that came on the compressor and the replacement were different. The original hose had a solid one piece nut, while the replacement hose had a slip style nut. You can see in the pic below that the new hose appears to be missing an o ring. Yup, tried that. Also included images of the back of the gauge for reference. Looks like it should work with the slip nut and o ring, right? Well no matter how tight I made it, it still leaked. I figured I'd try putting the original hose back on, and sure enough, sealed right up like a drum. Not sure if my gauge is different than the ones they use with the newer hose or what the deal is, but its sealed now so I'm sticking with it.
I also had an issue with the water tank leaking a little where the hose leaves the water tank to the pump. Contacted Tuxing again and again, responded right away. Their advice was to put some sealing tape around the stem coming off the water tank. I did that, and also put a zip tie on. But it was still dripping from where you see the red box. Contacted Tuxing again. Their advice was to apply more sealing tape. So I applied more sealing tape, some liquid silicone, and a zip tie. Finally got it to stop dripping. It's not pretty, but it works. I was worried about it dripping because it was dripping right onto the cooling fan connections and I was worried about the fans shorting out. Tuxing did finally admit that they were having some issue with the reservoir leaking on some units, but they weren't sure why. Guess I got one of the leaky ones.
Okay, now everything is good to go. I was able to top off my 6.8L bottle from about 200-300 bar in about 12 minutes, and I was able to fill up my Brocock Sniper XR (250BAR 480CC bottle) from empty in about 7 minutes. My temps were similar to Brain. Compressor displayed a temp of about 133 F max. I have noticed that even with the tee plumbed direct to the gauge, my compressor gauge and bottle gauge don't match. The compressor gauge is showing several hundred PSI low when the bottle is for sure filled. The compressor will actually overfill the tank. The tank is an Acecare 6.8L 300 Bar bottle. I set the auto shutoff on the compressor at 30MPA which should be 300 bar, or 4300+PSI. The compressor overfilled the bottle in an attempt to reach it's 30MPA cutoff. It actually blew the pressure disk in the relief valve on the tank (easy fix). I also noticed that the 300 BAR over pressure relief valve on the compressor (on the far side the second filter block) was hissing. So the compressor was fur sure at 300BAR, but gauge said it hadn't reached bar yet. Am I missing something, both the compressor relief valve and tank relief valve are telling me I'm at 300 bar even if the compressor gauge doesn't tell me that? I guess it's just gauge error? I guess it's not a big deal at the end of the day, just look at what the compressor gauge is at when the tank is full and make a note of that reading as 300BAR. Still learning and trying to figure all this out.
BTW I also understand air will contract as it cools and how this plays into everything.
I have about 3 hours on the compressor now and will do an oil change before I use it again now that it's good and broken in. I think I said it already, but I'm using the Filtertechs.com Tropics which is a Chemlube 800 equivalent.
I'm happy with the compressor. It's been a little learning curve for me. Downside to all the Chinese stuff is that the instructions are non existent so it's pretty much learn as you go and rely on people with 1st hand knowledge. Brain has been super helpful. As I told him I'm sure I would have figured it out eventually, but he for sure saved me lots of time and probably money in further errors. Another plus is that the Tuxing customer service has been great, and I have confidence that they will be there in the future should I need them. I would for sure buy again, and recommend to others.
