Hi,

I have an old Sears 1 HP air compressor model 919-15039. I believe the motor needs to be replaced since when I run it I can see sparks flying around inside, plus it smells like something burning and the air pressure and speed of the motor fluctuates. I have no guarantee, of course, that the motor is the problem but it seems likely.

Buying a new motor for the old compressor costs anywhere between $219 - 300, whereas I have found a new Nelson-Cable compressor that looks good (gets real good reviews anyway) for only $126. Given that it seems new appliances, etc. are often not made as well as older ones and often don't last as long, I've been vacillating between fixing the old Sears or buying the new Nelson. Cost-wise, it's a no brainer, but I'm more concerned about durability. The new motor does not come with a belt., so I'd need to transfer over my old belt (which is in great shape) or buy a new belt. I've never had a compressor with a tank on it before. My old one is essentially just the top part of many of these pancake compressors I've been researching. I like the old one since it so small. It's entirely possible I may really like having a pancake compressor however.

Any suggestions? The other issue is that I need a compressor fairly soon and ordering the new motor could wind up being a longer lead / shipping time than I can afford right now. I could wind up putting in the new motor and still have issues with the Sears since everything in there is also 22 years old. The end bell assembly in that Sears is sure a heavy duty and solid unit. I'm wondering if the motors in the newer ones are even all metal like mine appears to be?

Thanks for any ideas....gotta decide very soon on which way to go. I can get the new one fairly quickly through Amazon or many other sites.

Regards,
Keith

I would go with the above suggestion that a new one seems to be the more sensible choice in this situation. Since durability is your primary concern, and there are quite a few brands that produce compressors that fit your need. They also tend to use more modern technology that, if nothing else, pulls less power than the older ones. Check this online compressor store, for instance.

You can compare compressor specs and even get great deals and local service when you buy from here. I see a Thomas Pancake compressor that seems like a good investment, and this Powermate compressor.

Don’t rush into it though - assess your options, read some reviews, and then pick the one that works best.