Compressor never builds up more than 30 psi and then electric motor comes to a slow stop

by Anthony
(Texas)

Ok I'm going to be as detailed as possible with this because I want to help you to help me, and also really need this tool working.

I have just bought a used Campbell Hausfeld 60 gallon, 5 Hp upright air compressor, approx. 4 years old. When I picked up the compressor we laid it down in the bed of my truck for about two hours before standing it back up in my garage.

Today I went and bought what I believe was the necessary electrical outlet, wiring, and breaker. According to the compressor's outlet plug it shows a 3 prong, 250V, 50Amp plug. So I wired everything in to the garage's breaker box, ran the wires and installed the new outlet.

Since the compressor had been laid down for a while I made sure to top off the motor with compressor oil and also drain the tank. I plug the compressor in and turn it on. It runs fine for about 2 or 3 minutes and then begins to slow down and chug, hearing the electric motor buzzing and straining then finally coming to a complete stop triping some kind of internal breaker. It never built up more than 30 psi. I tried flipping the switch from auto to off and back again but nothing. I tried pressing a red reset button on the electric motor and nothing. Also the electric motor felt pretty warm.

So about 5 minutes later I try the red button again and the compressor kicks back on but turning very slowly for a few seconds, then stopping and making the electrical buzzing again. Then the internal breaker triped again and cut the compressor off. I bled the tank out, restarted the compressor again and it ran fine again for about 2 or 3 minutes and then it did the same thing again, coming to a stop.

So I called the gentleman I bought the compressor from and told him what happen. He said that the compressor had never did that with him and for me to check the head on the compressor motor. I pulled the head off and looked at that valves and everything but saw nothing abnormal to me. Just a little bit of carbon. I clean the head out with some brake cleaner and put everything back together and restarted the compressor, but same result again.

He called me back again a short time later and said that the problem could be with the check valve, and to disconnect the small pipe from the motor going to the check valve. I did that and restarted the motor. This time it was spinning very fast, much faster than before. It ran that way for about 5 minutes but then out of nowhere tripped the internal breaker again. So I tried cleaning out the check valve and reinstalled it and the pipe going to the motor, but same result, motor came to a slow stop and would not build up more than 30 psi.


As of now I'm stuck between 2 possibilities, an electrical problem or a valve problem.

Is it maybe the compressor not getting enough power?
I did install a 3 prong 250v, 50A, outlet.
I did run about 30ft of 10 gauge wire to the breaker.
I did install a 50A breaker in the box.
I did make a splice in the wiring with screw on pig tails
The lights do seem to flicker slightly with it running.
Why does the sticker on the compressor say 230v, 15A, when the plug says 250v, 50A?
Could the electric motor be going out?

Is the check valve my problem?
Running without it the compressor spins very fast for a while and then cuts the internal breaker.
Putting my finger over the pipe while it is running slows the compressor down quickly bringing it to a complete stop and you can hear the electric motor begin to buzz and strain again.

Well I'm kind of lost at this point and it's becoming very frustrating especially due to my lack of experience with house hold wiring and small engine compressors.
Any help is thankfully appreciated.
Also working on cars with just hand tools gets real old real fast.

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Bill says...

Anthony, I share your frustration and exasperation with a piece of equipment that won't run right.

Your technical skills outstrip mine by a wide margin, and I am impressed with what you've done to solve your compressor problem.

If you put your finger over the hole in the air line from the compressor head to the tank, you are building up back pressure in the compressor head, this adds load to the motor, it overheats or draws too much amperage, and the breaker pops.

You are simulating what is happening as the compressor fills the air tank, but very quickly.

If the pressure in the tank got to 100 PSI for example, and assuming that the check valve was working fine, if your motor experienced the same issue, for me it would point to an electrical supply problem, or a motor wearing out problem.

The speed with which you experience the problem will indicate what the problem will likely be.

If you cleaned the check valve of the gunk that likely immersed it when you put the unit on it's side, and it's working properly, (Blow through it to see. Your breath should only flow in one direction)then you need to look upstream of the check valve.

I'm sorry, I'm not qualified to provide advice on electrical matters, but I can see nothing wrong with your electrical hookup from what I've read.

Cheers and good luck.

Bill