When i plug in my compressor it wont turn the pump with out help?

by kenneth mileski
(halifax massachusetts)

if i help the motor to go it will turn but otherwise nothing

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Bill says...

Hi Ken.

First check and see what else is on the same electrical circuit that your compressor is on. Make sure that none of those items are pulling power at the same time as your compressor is trying to start.

What helps the motor get going when you turn on the compressor is a start capacitor. This is like a battery for 120 Volts, but rather than trickle it out, it "dumps" it's charge into the circuit very quickly, providing the inrush current that your motor needs to get started, and which the existing circuit cannot supply. Once the motor gets going, there is enough juice in the circuit to keep the motor going.

I think you may have an issue with your start capacitor. I would take the motor off and go to an electric motor rebuild shop, and ask them to test it and the capacitor.

Cheers,

Bill