The following air compressor troubleshooting tips can help solve some of the most common problems that are known to occur with air compressors. If you shut down the compressor when the tank is filled with air and then find that the pressure gauge is showing a drop in pressure, you know that the compressor is leaking air. If you plug in the compressor, the pressure switch response to the air leak and dropping compressor pressure will be to start the compressor again.
If you shut off the air compressor on full charge, yet the gauge drops while the compressor is deactivated, you definitely have an air leak. Air leaks from under the hood are sometimes encountered on smaller air compressors. Many newer air compressors – particularly those on the lower-cost end of the spectrum – blow air with fans made of plastic, which is less expensive than metal but is also more easily prone to wear and tear.
Limit air usage to compressor capacity by using fewer or smaller tools. Air leaking from inter stage safety relief valve when compressor is pumping. Remove the compressor cylinder head and inspect for foreign matter on top of the piston, clean, add a new gasket, and reassemble the head. 4.
An air compressor failing to start is one of the most basic problems you may encounter when operating the machine. If you deactivate the air compressor once the tank is full and notice that the gauge indicates lower pressure, you have an air leak. For quality air compressor products and services, contact Commercial Air Compressor.
This is especially important considering that the safety valve opens to relieve excess air pressure in the case that the pressure switch fails to turn off the compressor at the cut-out pressure setting. The most common reason behind a reciprocating compressor’s inability to reach sufficient pressure is a defective reed valve – which can exhaust air out from the air inlet on single stage models or, through the intercooler safety valve in the case of a defective reed valve on a two-stage piston compressor instead of passing it through the intercooler, through the second stage piston, and out through the discharge. Effective pump rings seal the air in the cylinders, prevent excess oil from passing downstream, and are critical in ensuring an air compressor’s ability to build pressure – if pump rings are worn, the pump will be unable to effectively compress air which can greatly reduce the volume of air the pump can produce.
Check The Compressor Switch If Air Compressor Won’t Turn On. When my Campbell Hausfeld compressor stopped working, the power switch couldn’t turn on the compressor. The compressor will not start when an in-line fuse inside your air compressor is faulty. Porter-Cable Air Compressor Won’t Turn On. After using a portable PORTER-CABLE air compressor for home garage applications, the pressure switch had some faults.
The check valve prevents tank air from back flowing to the pump. To test the check valve, let the air compressor fill the tank until the pump shuts off. The pull the ring on the safety valve to bleed air from the tank to reach the cut-in pressure, so the pressure switch tires to restart the motor to refill the air tank.
Parts are readily available for most compressors, and with some basic air compressor motor troubleshooting, you should be able to nail down what’s wrong on your own. If your air compressor brand is not listed, please use the search box top left to find an answer to your specific air compressor troubleshooting question on this site. If you can help another compressor user by commenting on their compressor problem, that would sure help all of us, and we all thank you for that.
my air compressor is not working Related Question:
What causes an air compressor not to work?
An air compressor problem could stem from one of many issues, such as an air leak, an oil leak or a broken part. In some cases, you might have insufficient pressurization or air flow. In other cases, the compressor might fail to start up or stop running as prompted.
How do you fix an air compressor that won’t start?
If the compressor won’t start with air in tank, replace the check valve. If the compressor won’t start with an empty air tank, replace the pressure switch if it isn’t activating the pump motor. Replace the pump motor if it doesn’t start when activated by the pressure switch.
How do I reset my air compressor?
To reset your reciprocating air compressor, allow time for the compressor to cool down and then push the reset button before attempting to turn the unit on again.
Can an air compressor be repaired?
Air compressor repair can be simple. The air compressor unloader valve is what makes the “psssssst” sound when the motor shuts off after reaching operating pressure. It’s actually venting the residual pressure from the compressor head so the motor doesn’t have to work as hard on the next startup.
Do air compressors have a fuse?
Blown Fuse or Tripped Breaker Some air compressors have reset switches while others will have in-line fuses that need to be checked. To find them follow the line of power from the air compressor back to the outlet. If you find a blown fuse or tripped breaker go ahead and either replace the fuse or reset the breaker.
Is there a reset button on compressor?
A reset button can be found inside the air conditioner’s compressor. Typically, the button is red in colour and modest in size. 1. First, you have to locate the reset button.
Is there a reset button on AC compressor?
Most air conditioning units are equipped with a reset button. These buttons tend to be red and quite small. If you’re having a tough time finding it, consult your owner’s manual. (If you can’t find it, most are published online for quick reference).
Can an air compressor explode?
Yes, air compressors can blow up. Air compressor explosions are most commonly caused by substantial corrosion of the compressor tank. Excessive condensation leads to corrosion, and you can avoid this outcome by monitoring and servicing the compressor and its auxiliary components.
Do air compressors need to be plugged in?
You can unplug it and use the air in the tank but once the air is depleted you will have to plug it in again to fill it back up. 3 of 3 found this helpful. Do you? Yes, provided the tank has been charged, however we recommend draining the tank after each use.
How long does an air compressor take to fill?
The greater the CFM the quicker the compressor can pump air into the tank. The larger the tank the more air needs to be compressed to fill it. Typically you will find that it shouldn’t take any longer than 2-5 minutes.
How do you tell if a compressor is burnt out?
But perhaps the simplest method is the “odor test.” The smell that comes when a hose is connected to the system is both pungent and revealing. Once sniffed, it’s never forgotten and is one of the best indicators of a compressor burn-out.
Is it worth repairing an air compressor?
On the other hand, replacing your compressor may be the most viable solution in circumstances like: If it has broken down once, then it is more likely it will happen again. Compressors are becoming more energy efficient all the time, so the cost of a new unit could soon pay for itself in electricity savings.
How much does it cost to replace an air compressor?
According to data by HomeGuide, the average cost to replace a home air conditioner compressor is about $600 to $1,200 under warranty, or $1,300 to $2,500 when it’s not under warranty. Many HVAC contractors charge $100 to $150 per hour plus the cost of parts to repair a home AC compressor.
Is it worth it to fix compressor?
The verdict. As a rule of thumb, if replacing the compressor will cost you about half the price of the refrigerator you have, then it will be much wiser to replace the entire fridge itself than having it repaired.
