Powermate 5hp compressor will start and attempt to turn over

by John
(Canada)

I have a Powermate 8-gallon, 5hp compressor.

I remember when it failed was when I was trying to fill up my son's full-size basketball inflatable. I noticed an electrical fire type smell come from the vents on the compressor.

Since that time, the compressor will attempt to start, but will actually stutter start. What I mean by that, is it starts and hesitates and attempts to start again. It will continue this cycle and eventually cut out. What is going on and how can I fix this ? Thank you !!

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Bill says...

John,when you say it "stutter starts" for a while, and then cuts out, do you mean that it shuts itself off on thermal overload? Is the motor really hot when it cuts out?

I'm not an electric motor mechanic, so I can't be sure, but it sounds like it might be a motor brush issue.

With a 5 HP compressor you're working with 220 Volts here, so if you are playing with the motor, be real careful. That voltage will kill you dead.

It were me I'd take the motor in to an electric motor rebuild shop to be tested, and I expect, rebuilt.

Cheers,

Bill