Thread: ANI Perkins Ross Air Compressor

3 phase , twin cylinder Ross Model XE2, Made by ANI Perkins


This air compressor got run with low enough oil to cause a sudden death rattle; caught quickly, but damage done.

It normally was used to supply air to a 30 ton brake press foot control circuit (for the last 40+ years) - sounds like overkill I know, but that's what it was used for.

The owner ( my uncle) would like to get a bit more life out of it, so I dissembled the motor.

It is a single main roller bearing ( which seems a bit tight) and two cylinders.

I expected the big ends to be trashed from the brief sound I heard in a quick on/off, but whilst smooth enough looking, the big end bearing furthest from the flywheel has a bit of slop

Have not measured anything yet.

The small end bearings seem worst , certainly not in the ten thou clearance range.

Can anyone suggests a good starting point for sourcing parts? I know this is old, and economically not worth throwing significant funds at, but...

The bearings are thick annular bronze ( I assume) not shells or poured as I was anticipating.
The piston are c. 4" and apart from the pin bores seem sound enough for ongoing service. I would expect them to be car or tractor in origin, maybe.


Can anyone suggests a good starting point for sourcing parts or info? I know this is old, and economically not worth throwing significant funds at, but...