Cylinder head gets hot in seconds

by Rich
(NY)

I have a 1 hp 3 gallon craftsman compressor that only builds 40 lbs and keeps running.The compressor head also gets hot in seconds.I pulled the intake filter and it's blowing pressure out.The reeds look ok but I'm not sure how to tell if they're bad.

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Bill says...

Rich, the process of compressing air generates a lot of heat, and at typical compressor pump will normally get hot enough to cause a burn on the skin. So, if yours is getting hot, it may be normal.

What isn't normal is the fact that it won't get the pressure past the 40 PSI mark, and that the air is blowing out in the intake port.

If the valves were working that wouldn't be happening. That's the first thing you have to fix if you want your compressor to build air pressure to its normal levels.

The other is to read the many entries and info on the Troubleshooting page relating to "won't build pressure" for more tips.

Cheers,

Bill