My compressor won't hold more than 40psi and the motor stops.

by Kirk Adams
(Columbus,Ms)

It reaches 40 psi then the motor slows down and starts to jerk and not turn. it jumps back and forth trying to turn and sometimes it does I have no clue on these things just needs some help.

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Bill says...

Kirk, it's hard to be sure without actually seeing and hearing what's going on, but it sounds like you've got a load problem.

By that I mean that as the pressure builds in the tank the motor comes under heavier load. They are designed for this.

Unless, of course, the motor is failing, there is a mechanical load-building issue, or there is a problem with the check valve.

Clean the check valve first. (Power off and air drained before you start!)

If that doesn't make a difference, uncouple the motor and see if it runs OK.

Good luck,

Bill