Monthly Letter
from Mike Dziok.
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DID STUMP JIM FLYNN GET . . . STUMPED?!
 
Q: Steve Maddux from Texas wrote: “Where’s the sniffer valve on an O6E compressor located?”

A. I checked with three Totaline compressor wizards, and e-mailed Steve back this note: “All agreed that a sniffer valve was not on the 06 line semis, but is on the 05 line open drives. It is located near the frame above the hand hole cover. The function of the valve is to let the oil drain back into the crankcase without compromising oil pressure.”

But then…

Steve responded that there is indeed a sniffer valve on the 06E compressor; in 1968 and 1969 only, there was a sniffer valve on the end of the crank shaft.

So if Steve already knew the answer, why did he write? Turns out the retired and self-proclaimed Totaline
Compressor Man from Houston (aka Larry Crawford) had put Steve up to the question, and the two were in cahoots to stump me! I called Larry, who I’ve known a long time, to let him know I was onto them.

So yes, the Compressor Man from Houston got me. But I don’t mind getting stumped by Larry. He’s a great,
knowledgeable guy and I consider him a good friend. Since Steve posed the question that stumped me, I’ll be sending him a nice Totaline prize. And the next time I get a compressor question, I’ll check in with Larry — just in case.

Keep sending in your questions and try to Stump Jim Flynn…again!

James.Flynn@totaline.com

Every month, we ask readers to send Jim a question about Totaline and the industry. Contact him at
James.Flynn@totaline.com.

Download April 2008 Newsletter PDF >