Kobalt compressor runs for ten seconds then shuts off.

by James
(Yukon, OK)

The air compressor, Kobalt model 236005, will run for around 10 seconds when first turned on, regardless of the pressure in the tank. After shutting off, it will kick on every 10 seconds for less than a second and shut off again. While off, there is no humming noise or any other noise, it is completely quiet. I have ruled out the pressure sensor in the regulator by switching the wiring to go around it (I disconnected the wire that goes from the tank to the pressure sensor from the sensor and connected it instead directly to the on/off switch). I have had the compressor for about a year now, and used it probably less than average.

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Bill says...

James... you've ruled out my first thought, that your pressure switch is suspect, by wiring around it and feeding power to the on/off switch.

To make sure it's not the switch itself that is the problem, unplug the compressor, and rewire the supply right to the motor, bypassing the compressor on/off switch and the pressure switch.

If the problem persists, it suggests that your start/run capacitor is acting up, or that it's a motor issue. That it runs for only 10 seconds suggests to me that it is not a mechanical, but an electrical issue.

Good luck.

Bill

Compresser will not start.

by Phil
(Calif.)

I have a Kobalt 5.5 Gal portabel air compresser. I've had for just about a year and have used it about 6 times.
This morning I turned it on and it built up to 135 lbs of pressure and cut off as designed. But when I used it and the pressure dropped the compresser tried to start but wouldn't. It sounded like it tried to star but didn't and then it just died.

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Bill says...

Hi Phil.

What I think has happened is that your compressors UNLOADER VALVE did not function, the compressor motor tried to start against too much load, and either it clicked off on thermal overload, or pulled too many amps and popped your breaker.

Try this. Make sure you have power to the compressor plug. Dump all the air from the tank. Close the drain and try to start the compressor.

Post a response here to let me know what happened.

Cheers,

Bill