Can someone tell me at what temperature would an air compressor be overheating? I just got my new Ingersoll Rand 5hp compressor running and want to make sure I have it properly ventilated.

This is the one - http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_6970_211720_211720

If it is in a well ventilated room there should be no concern.I had one in a small shed that was not ventilated and it overheated but this was a small room.

Thanks David.. The compressor is in my garage so it is a large room, only concern I have is I had to mount up against the wall. The large pulley is what moves air across the motor to help cool it and I'm not sure if this may have restricted its cooling ability. My temp gauge has shown up to 300 degrees on the head of the air pump, normal?

I think now that you say this was on the eaton air compressor instructions to keep them 18" away a wall, they also recomended changing oil every three months.If in your garage and you are doing bodywork keep an I on the filters...

I have the IR 5hp 2 stage version @ 175 lbs and it's 7 years old with hundreds of hours on it and the original IR syn oil in the crankcase.......I need to change it.....:o
That said, I haven't had any problem with it overheating to the point of auto shut off, and it has run nearly continuous for over an hour straight when using a blasting cabinet. Mine is about 12 inches from the wall and it does get very warm. Interesting that you have measured the head temp. I've only measured mine with my hand and it doesn't take more than a quick touch to know it's way hotter than I can stand.;) I doubt they have improved on the clips that hold the belt guard on. Mine broke from vibration rather early on and let the guard fall down on the belts. Needless to say, this isn't good for them and it has been sitting on the floor for several years now waiting for me to come up with a better attachment system. I guess the floor is as good as it's going to get. With the pulley's to the wall, there isn't any danger of personal injury. The compressor has been completely trouble free, dependable and runs every tool I have up to a 3/4" impact that gobbles air at an incredible rate while hammering at 650 ft lbs. I hope yours is as enjoyable for you as mine has been for me.......:thumbsup:

I purchased a infrared thermometer a few weeks back and Ive been measuring the temperature of everything in the house - the dogs, girlfriend, the compressor, etc... When you get a new toy, you gotta play with it right? :D

The pulley on the compressor is about 5 inches away from the wall right now so I am a bit worried its going to run a bit hot. And if I move it out any further, there is no way I could park a car on that side of the garage. So I just need to decide if that's ok, or if I want to live with it possibly overheating. I would really like to know at what temp these things start to overheat at for a little piece of mind. I guess I will shoot IR an email and see what they say.

Im amazed with the performance of this compressor. I went from a 30 or so gallon 2hp Craftsman to this one.. I was waiting on the Craftsman to catch up more than I was doing actual work. With the IR, I can run my DA continuously. The pump will kick on, charge up the tank then turn off without me even having to stop. My productivity has gone through the roof. :thumbsup:

I built a shed on the back of the garage with electric base board and cross flow air with a themostat to draw air across the compressors. It comes on when the shed gets to 100% or so if the temp is real hot out I open the door to the shed.I also piped out the drains with valves in the garage to drain the tanks in the garage.