Air compressor won't build pressure?

by Chris Henesy
(Orlando, FL)

I have a CH compressor model FP2300. The motor runs but won't build pressure. I removed the motor housing and remove what appears to be a graphite seal on the piston. It does not appear that the graphite part provides a tight fit when the piston moves up and down. This is only speculation because I have not plugged it in and tried to look at the gap between the wall and the graphite part. I have been unable to find a complete parts list for the motor. The only parts list found is a basic list with motor assembly listed as a single item. Is this a fixable problem that is easy? If the seal is the problem, what is the correct term I should use when trying to find the part? Does anyone have a motor/pump parts list?

Thanks

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Bill says...

Hey Chris.

The piston ring is supposed to isolate the piston from the wall of the cylinder, and provide a lubrication of sorts, and a seal to keep the compressed air on top, and the oil in the sump below.

If the ring is worn to the point that it won't seal on the cylinder wall, that's the reason your compressor won't build pressure.

Unless, of course, you have a gasket failure elsewhere, or the intake valve is pooched.

Cheers,

Bill