Compressor not starting

by Gurj
(UK)

Hi, i haven't used my belt driven air compressor for a few months now. I went out to use it today any it wouldn't switch on. I then changed the fuse in the plug socket and tried again. This time the compressor turned a couple of times and then stopped and blew the fuse again. It doesn't blow the breaker though.

Many Thanks

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Bill says...

How's the oil situation? The piston area might just have dried out a bit, and when it goes to start, the power draw exceeds the circuit capacity as the motor tries to start against load.

Check that the unloader valve has functioned, though if it's been sitting for months, that shouldn't be an issue.

Else, it may be the capacitor. This holds energy and releases it quickly to the motor as it tries to start, helping boost the power to the motor and reducing the amount of amperage draw on the supply circuit, helping prevent blowing breakers or fuses.

Unplug your compressor and then try cycling the compressor head by pulling on the belt. Make it it works freely, and this may help.

Cheers,

Bill