Speedaire Compressor will not recharge

by Jorge
(Taylor, TX)

Hello,

I have a wheel barrow style Speedaire compressor. It is an oil less unit with a single piston.

The compressor builds up pressure and seemingly cuts off at the appropriate pressure; at least the pressure gauge indicates that (assuming it gives the correct readings). The problem is that when it reaches the low pressure mark the motor wants to start, I hear a humming noise from the motor and soon pops the breaker.

The compressor can re-start again if I bleed all the air out. That means I have to turn the switch off before it reaches the low pressure point, then bleed the air out and turn the compressor on to re-charge it.

I replaced the pressure switch and the check valve already and the problem persists.

Can you give me some guidance to get rid of the problem?

Thanks,

______________________
Bill says...

Hello Jorge. I think you've given me the tip I need to help you figure out what's going on.

You say that if you drain the air to empty, the compressor will restart, but if there is air in the tank, it cannot.

This suggests to me that you have an UNLOADER VALVE problem. Go to that page for details of what they are and how they work. I think you will find your answer there.

Cheers,

Bill