my air compressor motor wont start up only hums.

by mary powell
(Dawson Creek,BC,Canada)

bought it in Aug last year. Used it 4 times, put it in shed until May and now it won't start. I hums a min,or so and stops. Whats wrong?

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Bill says....

Hello Mary. Be good if I knew the model and HP of your compressor, in case that had a bearing.

When you put it away, was the tank drained?

The humming noise is, I think, your compressor motor trying to start.

That it can't may be that the motor is seized, the unloader valve didn't dump any air locked over the piston, the pump itself may have seized, or you may have a start capacitor that has failed.

And, nothing to do with compressors, but I have a 7 year old nephew named Dawson. It seems that's where his folks where when he was conceived. I have to visit your fair city one day, though procreation will definitely not be on the agenda. :-)

Cheers,

Bill




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my air compressor motor wont start up only hums.

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Mar 11, 2012
 Brute 15 gallon
by: pierrot69

I have this same issue, I was using it and turned off and when I turned it back on nothing would happen. I tried the reset,but that didnt work. I found out that it had tripped the fuse in the house so I turned that back on and went to see if the compressor would work. The compressor wouldnt start, I tripped the reset and there is a humming sound that lasts 10 seconds and that is it. can you help?
Sep 07, 2011
 Solution?
by: Tim

I just picked up an air compressor for free from someone with this same problem, Is it something that can be opened up and fixed relatively easy, or is it a goner completely?
Thanks

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Assuming it's not a mechanical binding overloading the motor, it's power related; power supply, start capacitor, run capacitor or motor. If pulling a motor apart or testing a capacitor is within your definition of "easy", then I guess it is. You don't identify the make, model or motor HP, so I don't know if it's worth your while financially to spend the money for a cap and motor load test. Your call.

B.
Jul 26, 2011
 my air compressor motor won't start
by: mary powell

Well Mr.Bill, no one told me to drain the tank. The mice ate the owners manual the first week in the shop, so i had no book to read to tell me. Am a greenhorn with power tools, however i am getting better as i build my house.Everyday is a new learning lesson.
I want to thank you so much for answering my question. You have a good day, and take care when working around power tools. Another lesson learned one day. lol. thank you, Mary

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My pleasure, and I hope I somehow helped.

B.

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