Compressor/motor stops after building to @ 40lbs.

by Josh Bauermeister
(Nebraska)

I inherited an older upright farm air compressor. I had the compressor pump rebuilt but didn't install it for about 1 year because I didn't need it. I installed it now and have tried to use it, but the motor will shut down after reaching 40lbs. I have blown several fuses in the process. The motor runs fine when the tank is empty but slows and shuts down when the tank gets to 40lbs. If I let the motor cool and push the reset switch then turn it on it doesn't have enough power to turn the compressor pump. If I dump the air in the tank the motor will again run until the tank reaches @40lbs.

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Bill says...

First, thanks for visiting and writing in.

Second, I think your motor may be failing. As the load increases, it keeps drawing amps to overcome the load and can't get the pressure up past the 40 PSI. Repeated efforts pulls enough amps to blow the fuses.

Or, you've might have a power supply problem.

What amp circuit are you using to supply the motor, and what's the distance from the panel?

Bill