Only getting 10psi

by Frank Sereno
(Morris IL)

I have a Sears Craftsman 3-gallon 1 HP oil lubricated model no. 921.153101 compressor.

If I stick my finger over the intake hole, I get vacuum. If I pull my finger away, I can feel air coming back out. I also have air blowing out vent pinholes on the oil fill cap. To the best of my knowledge, the compressor has not been run without oil. It probably has less than 3 hours use. I don't feel any air leaks on the rest of the compressor.

It cost about $100 so I don't know if it's worth repairing it. On the other hand, I have nothing to lose by tearing it down. Any thoughts on what is wrong with the compressor and how much it will cost to fix?





Bill says...

Hi Frank. Welcome to my site. I appreciate the visit and the question.

I suspect you've got a problem with your intake or exhaust valve, a blown gasket, or both.

To find out more about why compressors won't build pressure, check out this page, and the pages linked from it.

Cheers,

Bill


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Tank will not fill with air.

by Dan
(andover mn usa)

Coleman powermate, 27 gal tank, direct drive.

Turns on, seems to run well.

Builds up absolutely no pressure, no air comes out when relief valve is pulled.





Bill asks...

Hey Dan, thanks for visiting and writing in.

Did you get the chance to view this page with reasons why a compressor will not build pressure?

Do any of those reasons work for you?

Cheers,

Bill

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My air coompressor does not build up more tha 20 lbs if pressure

by john
(birmingham,al)

I replaced the regulator ,keep the tank drained after each use, I have trouble getting more than 20 pound of air.





Bill comments...

Howdy John, and welcome to my website.

I've moved your information request to the pages dedicated to discussing the "no pressure build" issue.

Please have a read of the comments and answers at the bottom of the page. I think you'll find many issues discussed, some of which will apply to your situation.

Thanks,

Bill

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Will not build presssure

by Bob Avenius
(Carme, IN )

Portable air compressor Model 3Z922B1 3/4 hp.

Pump runs just fine and when taking off copper pipe can feel air being pumped. Took apart Pressure regulator and under it was a plastic piece with a hole in it and a needle sticking through, that rested on pressure adjuster screw plate I took the plastic piece and the needle out and their was a spring that was broken . Could this be causing my problem? Its not the spring in the regulator. it seems that this spring pushes the needle against the plastic and acts as a seal while the pressure regulator screw down on it.





Bill answers...

Hello Bob. Thanks for writing in.

The regulator controls the pressure to the downstream air application. If the regulator is not leaking air when the compressor is trying to fill, then no, the compressor isn't the problem.

Have a look at this page on on compressors that don't build pressure and follow the link to the "cheat sheet" with all of the reasons I've been able to find.

Cheers,

Bill

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Tank will not build pressure

by Ken
(Alabama)

Ingersoll rand charge air pro 2.5 hp 110v electric with
20 gallon tank made about 1988. Will not build up pressure. Took off air filter and foam inside disintegrated and half missing. Must have sucked in compressor. Took off pipe from compressor to tank and it is pumping out pressurized air. However, I can hold my
finger over the hole and pressure seems to subside. When I release my finger it starts blowing air again.
What do you think?
Ken





Bill answers...

Ken, thanks for visiting and writing in.

There are only so many reasons why a compressor will run, and not build pressure.

I've recently finished a summary page that details all of the reasons that I've been able to find for why a compressor will not build pressure past a certain point.

Here it is: Why compressors won't build pressure.

I hope this helps.

Cheers,

Bill

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Compressor is Not Building enough Pressure

My electric air compressor can only build up to 60 lbs of pressure, why?





Bill answers...

Here is a summary page that details all of the reasons that I've been able to find for why a compressor will not build pressure past a certain point.

Here it is: Why compressors won't build pressure.

I hope this helps.

Cheers,

Bill

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Compressor runs - no pressor build up

by John
(England)

Air bowing out of inlet filter.





Bill answers...

John. So nice to hear from you. Thanks for visiting and writing in.

I've recently finished a new summary page that details all of the reasons that I've been able to find for why a compressor will not build pressure past a certain point.

Here it is: Why compressors won't build pressure.

It also covers the issue of why air flows out of the inlet filter.

I hope this helps.

Cheers,

Bill

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Simply click here to return to Compressor Will Not Build Pressure.