I hate it when a tool I have doesn't work. When it comes to my air compressor, if it doesn't work, so doesn't a whole bunch of other tools.
This website gets a lot of email about DIY type folks that have problems with their air compressors. They need help. So here it is, troubleshooting your air compressor.
In order to try and make sense of the issues about troubleshooting (and there are many) I'll do up a page for each topic and reference it below. On those pages I'll put a form which you can use to add your problem if it isn't already covered by other comments and suggestions.
If you don't see your topic listed below, then scroll down to the form and add yours, will you?
And if I can insert a shameless plug here, if you buy my ebook The Home Compressor, much of this information about troubleshooting your compressor, and more, is in there. Here is The Home Compressor page.
Got a question, comment or a tip on troubleshooting an air compressor. Post it here.
Please see below.
How to replace Counter weight/bearing assembly Craftsman 30 Gal Non oil #919.165050
Counter weight/bearing assembly broke at Rod. Got new counter weight/bearing assembly. Rod is in good condition.
HOW TO REPLACE? Do I need to remove piston?...
Hydrovane 23
I bought a used Hydrovane 23 a few weeks ago which has only 900 hours on the clock. I bought genuine filters and oil etc and gave it an oil/filter change ...
Auto stop/start on hydrovane 66
How and where would i fit a pressure cut off switch on a hydrovane 66 as the compressor is in one one room and the tank is in another and the only to stop ...
Sears 30 gal Air Compressor blows fuses
I hav a 30 gal compressor every time i turns it on it blow fuse in the house.....plase help me and give me some ideas on what maybe the cause...
Bill ...
Make repairs to an older Sears Air Compressor
I am trying to clean up and make repairs to an older Sears Air Compressor (model # 919.174320).
The handle is broken, the electrical cord frayed, etc....
Compressor pump blowing oil out the breather hole.
Bill,
Ok let me try this again.I am talking about the thing the arrow is pointing to.
Johnny
Bill ...
Compressor motor just hums when plugged in and trips the breaker.
I have an alton AT 01204-6 2-1/2 horse 6 gallon air compressor. It use to work fine. Now it just hums when plugged in and trips the breaker. What can I ...
My task force air compressor won't pump air out of hose
I have a task force air compressor and every component of it seems to work fine, except the fact that it won't pump the air out of the hose after ...
Air Compressor RPM"S fluctuate
just bought an 80 gallon kobalt air compressor and had it wired up. worked great the first day and broke it in like in the owners manual. the next day ...
Speedaire model 4GB42 portable air compressor
Runs great for about an hour,then stalls and will not keep running until it cools down. it doesn't appear to be over heating? Once it cools,it will run ...
cambell hausfeld 28 gal air compressor,suddenly got real loud
After doing a complete rebuild,piston,sleeve,valve plates and gaskets.the air compressor cycled about 4 times and while pumping back up it all of a sudden ...
UNLOADER VALVE
I HAVE AIR LEAKING OUT OF UNLOADER VALVE WHEN COMPRESSOR KICKS OFF AIR KEEPS BLEADING OUT OF UNLOADER ON SWITCH TILL MOTOR KICKS BACK ON WHAT CAUSES THIS ...
air compressor won't pump air
my air compressor motor runs but will not pump air.
mod # 919.165200
____________________________
Bill says...
Won't pump it out the hose,...
a ridgid double stack 5 gallon air compressor
My air compressor spits out the dip stick when the air pressure stats to build up. Why does it do this and how can I fix it?
_______________________________
...
Yammering noise when unloaded
Have an Atlas-Copco GA122 (30hp). Builds pressure just fine, and unloads at the correct set value. When it hits the unload setting (116psi) and starts ...
intake valve
Builds pressure to about 35 pounds then wont build any more and keeps running, but if you turn the unit upside down and kick it, it will fill the rest ...
ingersolle rand 125 pull behind,1980,s
motor shuts down when the air valve is opened,could this be a serious issue
____________________
Bill says...
James, it sure is if you are trying ...
Compressor takes forever to fill....?
5 hp air compressor takes 30-45 minutes to fill 33 gallon tank!
It's a sears model and I am not sure if it is supposed to take so long. Could it be ...
My air compressor psi and motor.
My 2 stage compressor reaches 60psi and thd motor slows and gets hot. Wondering if the motor is tierd. I have a champion r-15 pump and running 5hp 220v ...
Air coming out of my dump tube
I have a Campbell Hausfeld WL6003 home compressor with a 20 gal tank. My problem is that the air keeps coming out of the dump tube, I already replace the ...
overheating at the first stage.
On a two stage compressor the first stage cylinder is overheating, what can be causing that?
Bill says...
Hello John.
The cylinder heads ...
Ingersoll Rand T30 5HP 230 volts Air Compressor (Phases:1; Hertz 60)
Above air compressor recently began making a "snapping" sound when machine starts running. What could be causes??????? Serious, not serious . . . thanks!...
compressor only runs for 5 sec. at a time
The air compressor will only run for 5 sec then shuts off even when first turned on.
It will then wait for several minutes then turn on again for 5 ...
Compressor/motor stops after building to @ 40lbs.
I inherited an older upright farm air compressor. I had the compressor pump rebuilt but didn't install it for about 1 year because I didn't need it.
I ...
PRV Valve opening
I have a 25 HP speedaire compressor that when it comes on the PRV valve on the head of the center cylinder automatically opens and stays open until the ...
running slow and fast
Compressor starts fine until 50 PSI. then slows down quit a bit and speeds back up, back and forth until cut off at 135 PSI.
Last Winter, the belt broke,...
Compressor stalls
I have a old Sears model 106.153784 2HP 220 Volt compressor and the motor stalls when it gets up to around 50-60 psi. Seems the pressure is backing up ...
Speedaire model 5F237A (or motor model)
When I turn on my compressor it begins to smoke. Does it need oil? I have never put any in it since it was an electric motor.
Bill says tell ...
Sears air compressor problem
The motor does not appear to be shorted--I am an electrician and have tested the winding and capcitors.
The compressor appears to free wheel nicely-...
compressor builds pressure but none comes out
(I have a) small task force air compressor.
The compressor will build pressure and indicates on gauge 125 psi.
Second gauge for outlet indicates ...
Repairing/ Replacing a cylinder head.
I have an older Sears home-type compressor (2HP 7-8 gal tank) It wasn't operating properly and I found a broken reed valve on the pressure side of the ...
Old Teldine diaphram compressor rebuild problem.
I am rebulding an old compressor that i use for breathing air on a gold dredge. It is a teldine and is no longer made. being a machinist I am able to make ...
Setting up the hoses for 5000 PSI
I have a compressor regulated at 5000 psi for the use of filling a paintball tanks and not seem to get the hoses to regulate any pressure. Is there any ...
Regulator will not shut off the compressor !
I have a old compressor M/D 32396 stage CCW, the regulator will not shut off the compressor it keeps running until the pop off vale go's off what part ...
Unloader Valve - Square D 9013FHG pressure switch - where to get?
Where can I find a unloader valve, part number and place to purchase, for a Square D 9013FHG pressure switch for a 5hp air compressor.
Thanks,
Steve
...
What type of oil do you use in the compressor reservoir?
ON THE OUTSIDE OF THE AIR PUMP NEXT TO THE WATER RESEVORSE
Bill answers...
While all compressor companies that sell their own brand of compressor ...
the compressor is working, but there is no air coming through why ?
i leave overnight running without oil, next come in to work found it burning, dont what happen still runing but there is no air
th2i@hotmail.co.uk thank ...
Compressor is very loud and does not reach max psi only 50psi
A c/h extreme 3hp/4gal dual stack tank.
the compressor runs and only will build up to 50psi has a max of 150psi also the motor/pump is very loud.
The ...
Compressor cut off
I was given a air compressor that would not reach its max air capacity. It would run continuously and olny reach 45psi. I found a leak at the line going ...
Replacement compressor motor?
I have a bad electric motor and need to get a new replacement. Can I get one by giving the specs on the motor?
Hi Mr. Bentjones1977:
You might ...
how to change oil in sears 25 gallon air compressor
Sears 25 gallon air compressor Model : 919.721820 purchased it used and just for the safe side would like to replace the oil, or if I can get access to ...