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by tony
(tulsa)
How come my Campbell Hausfeld compressor only gets to 50 PSI?
I bought a compressor for 50 dollars its 3:5 20 gal. It runs but only gets to 50 psi is this normal?
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No Tony, it isn’t.
However, the problems with a Campbell Hausfeld air compressor that create this situation are fairly common. In fact, it is the same sort of problems that eventually face many DIY low-end, non-industrial air compressors.
The typical reasons are valves failing or internal gaskets letting go. Both of these require a pump dismantling to inspect and repair.
In the Troubleshooting section on this site you will find links to pages about why air compressors will not build pressure, and some things to check.
Please have a look, and after you have done these checks, please post your findings as a comment here so we can help nail this down for you, OK?
Another Campbell Hausfeld compressor quits working, this one at 60 psi?
by tim
(west virginia)
hello Bill,
i have a 5hp 150 psi Campbell Hausfeld compressor, i started having issues with the on -off pressure valve wouldn’t come on or would run even in the off position, i just installed a new complete valve, plugged in turned switch, came right on..went to 60 psi and quit.
on off switch didn’t help, i unplugged it, and went to checking wiring, didn’t see anything loose or burnt, drained all air from talk, plugged compressor back in. it went to the 150mark and quit like supposed to.
i released air to the kick on mark,120psi it kicked back on and went to 150.
next day the same thing, i started using air tool, got past the 120,it kicked on, but didn’t build air. i used all air n tank, unplugged compressor. after awhile i turned it on, started refilling went to 150.this keeps doing the same thing each time, have to do each time over n over, cant even use compressor..any help be appreciated thanks
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Hi there Tim…
When you say ” on -off pressure valve” I am understanding that to mean your compressor pressure switch?
The pressure switch reacts to the air pressure in the tank. When the tank pressure reaches the cut in pressure setting of the switch, the air compressor should start.
It should run until the air pressure reaches the cut out pressure, and then the switch should trip to off, the power stops flowing to the motor, and the compressor stops.
You use air, the tank pressure drops to cut in pressure, and the cycle repeats. This is the way it is supposed to work.
Your post makes me wonder a couple of things. When the compressor shuts off before reaching the cut out pressure level, is power still flowing through the switch to the motor circuit, or is the pressure switch tripping off at the lower pressure? If the pressure switch is tripping off, then you still have a pressure switch problem. If the power is still flowing to the motor, and the motor has stopped, then you have a capacitor or motor problem I believe.
When you say “it got past the 120, it kicked on, but didn’t build air.” this is a different issue. If the compressor motor is running, and the pressure in the tank is not increasing, then there may be a pump problem, may be an intake or pressure valve issue, may be a check valve problem, a gasket leak, many things. Even something simple like the intake filter is plugged, or your compressor isn’t powered properly because you are using a too-small extension cord.
Post more information as a comment here and we’ll continue trying to help you diagnose your compressor problem.
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Hi Bill,
I have an older Campbell Hausfeld compressor that won’t build air past 40 pounds. I think it’s the valves because it gets up to 30 pounds about like it always has but is really slow between 30-40. I took the oil fill plug out and it just sprays a few small drops of oil. It’s not what I would expect from ring blow by. I need to know the model number so I can get parts if I need them. It has no model or serial number on it anywhere.
How do you know it’s a C-H?
What’s on that plate at the bottom outlet side of the pump?
What’s the HP on the motor?
Just going by the cylinder fins. The tag is a cast in number L063A. I assumed it was just a casting number. The motor has been replaced and has no HP marked on it.
“…L063A. I assumed it was just a casting number.” Right.
“The motor has been replaced and has no HP marked on it.”
How ’bout a readable pic of the white sticker by the power cable?
I fail to see how a sticker on a replacement motor is going to help with a model number for the compressor but here ya go.
It’s a data point. Tells me it’s a “real” 2 HP motor, and likely the same as the original.
Thanks.
So I think this is probably a VT232605KB pump.
Other pumps in the same family are:
VT232604KB
VT232700JY
VT232704JY
Could be a valve problem, but more often when the pump seems to work at lower pressures and then slows or stops making more than 40-50psi, it’s a blown head gasket.
Good luck.
Thanks. I’ll look into those. Sorry it took so long to reply. Wife had heart surgery and been taking care of her.
Stuff happens. She’s OK, I trust?
She’s doing a lot better but still in a lot of pain. Not as bad a it was tho.Thanks for asking..
I have cambell hausfield 15 gall compressor will only pump to about 25 gall won’t go any higher I just bought it used it was leaking out the valve on top side of compressor a spring and kinda looks like a pop off vaulve but it’s not I got that stopped and it still won’t pump past 30
Sorry, “cambell hausfield 15 gall” doesn’t tell us much. Please give a model number and/or pix of your machine so we can help you.