Can't get pressure above 40 psi on a 5 hp Steele

by Bob
(Brattleboro, VT)

Wednesday I noticed I was using the air,but the pump wasn't cycling on and off like it usually does. Did Not come on.

On Thursday I noticed it would come on, but would stay on.

On Friday, I took it back to where I got it to discover that the 90 day warranty had expired on Tuesday.

I checked the head bolts, they seemed loose. Can't find any specs for a Steele but I found 8lb torque for a Sears 5 hp.

I went to torque them to 10. But one bolt is so close to a part of the head that even my thin wall socket won't go in there. So I filed a little of the head away. Torqued them to 10. No difference.

Checked for leaks with soapy water and found a leak at the pipe from the head to the tank. Took it all apart and replaced using Teflon tape.

I think the valve there is the pressure relief valve. That seems to be leaking too.

One suggestion was the reed valve, although it looks fine.

Place I got it sold me a pressure regulator with gauge. I don't think that's it and will return it unopened today.

I'm tempted to replace what I'm calling the pressure relief valve, with a plug, just to see if that makes any difference.

______________________
Bill says...

Bob, from the sounds of it, you got a lemon!

Your post covers a wide range of possible compressor issues, not just one.

First, do not plug anything on your compressor that is not plugged at the factory. I can't see what you are referring to as the PRV, and if it is the PRV that you plug you are disabling a critical pieced of safety gear.

You say "Wednesday I noticed I was using the air,but the pump wasn't cycling on and off like it usually does. Did Not come on.". That could be a whole bunch of issues and you need to provide specifics about this issue to try and nail it down.

Your preceding quote and this one "On Thursday I noticed it would come on, but would stay on. " suggest to me that it might be a power supply issue, or a pressure switch problem.

Incidentally, if you want to know what parts I talk about when I refer to them, see their pages on this website.

If what you mean by a pressure regulator is what I mean then no, the compressor not starting would not be caused by this part, and if it were me, I'd take it back too.

Check out the TROUBLESHOOTING page for the link to "will not start" for more things to check.

Cheers,

Bill