61693 quit working on 3rd use

by Gordon Brooks
(Woodbridge, VA)

I purchased a Harbor Freight 21 Gal 2.5 hp compressor (item# 61693) at one of the stores sales. It was purchased for $110, but the cashier rang it up by price instead of the item number (therefore I could not return it).

When I got home I found a spot to put it, looked at the manual and wanted to operate the compressor to see how loud it was in comparison to my old 5 gal compressor.

Following the instructions I ensured it was in the off position, connected my air line with blower attachment, ensured the drain valve was closed on the bottom of the tank, checked the fluid level (which has an indicator on the side of the motor), plugged it in to my garage's GFI outlet, then turned the it to the on position.

I ran it until it reached 80 PSI. I blew air through my blower attachment and when done I drained the unit. A week later my son asked if I could inflate his basketball, using the same steps above I inflated the ball and drained after use.

The next day I wanted to use the compressor for the main reason I purchased it, my pneumatic tools!

Following the steps I described above, the compressor got to 50-55 psi then shut off, after a second or 2 the reset switch would activate.

I pressed it and attempted to let the compressor build pressure, but it tripped automatically. I turned it in the off position an removed the oil cap, a little bit of steam began to rise from the tank. So I drained and unplugged the unit and decided to wait until it cooled off. The next day, following the steps above, I attempted to use the compressor again and it sounded like it attempted to turn over, but quit and would trip the reset switch. I have tried several times since and the compressor refuses to turn over. I do not know what it is.