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The motor hums, but will not turn over

by Jim
(Aliso Viejo, CA)

I have an old Rolair compressor. When I plug it in and turn the switch on the motor hums, but will not turn over. This happens regardless of how much pressure is in the tank.






Bill says...

I'd start with seeing if the capacitor is working. It may not be supplying enough power surge to get the motor going, yet the motor keeps trying, and the humming you hear is often the result.

Cheers,

Bill

Comments for
The motor hums, but will not turn over

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Jul 19, 2010
Compressor will not run
by: Ron

I have the same problem with my Coleman air compressor. However, I just took the capacitor in and tested "good." Any other possibilities?

Tx - Ron

______________________
The motor hums because it cannot rotate. It cannot rotate because it cannot get enough "juice" to fire up, or something is stopping it from rotating.

The something is often the load. Check out the Unloader Valve page for details about what they are, and how, when they don't work, they can stall a compressor motor.

B.


Jun 28, 2010
capacitor
by: Anonymous

dont test it with your tongue. If its gone bad, it will not have any power in it. If it is good It has power stored in it like a quick surge battery.

________________________
Don't test it with your tonque???? Who'd have thought anyone would? Good, if somewhat unusualadvice.

Bill

Apr 05, 2010
Hum but no air
by: Jerry

I have a Rol-Air PMP11MK200FI and the same thing happens to me. I turn it on and it hums. Eventually it trips the circuit breaker.

Is it probably the capacitor?

Thanks!

Jerry R

Mar 08, 2010
Capacitor
by: Mitch P

I have the same problem with a speedaire compressor. Motor hums or buzzes and won't turn over and start. How exactly do you test the capacitor?

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