Campbell Hausfeld air compressor too slow to build pressure

Published Categorized as Uncategorized 10 Comments on Campbell Hausfeld air compressor too slow to build pressure

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by tom wilhelm
(pataskala ohio)

It’s a 50 second cycle to build 120 to 150 psi and low cfm. 7.5 hp 80 gal 2 stage pump?

New Campbell Hausfeld 7.5 HP compressor with vertical tank
New Campbell Hausfeld 7.5 HP compressor with vertical tank

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Tom, if the air compressor is taking longer to the fill than normal, it is often a pump seal problem, a pump gasket failure, or an intake or pressure valve failing and the fill time can be related to the size of the tank as well.

An 80 gallon tank, and a 50 second fill to increase tank pressure by 30 PSI doesn’t seem all that long to me, but again, what was the fill time when you didn’t notice a lengthier time?

Are there any other symptoms that you have seen or heard on the compressor… not leaks etc.?

The troubleshooting page has links to pages about the various things that might cause this compressor issue, and if you have a look at those pages, they will provide some insight.

Please post a comment with what you found when you checked, will you?


by Pete Morgen
(Lincoln University, PA19352)

Slow Recovery on VT627505AJ L5/5/09-00114 VT470000AV

My compressor takes 4 minutes 22 seconds to recover from 95 psig to 140 psig. Is that slower than expected?

I use clear synthetic compressor oil that I purchased from a local compressor/fastener/nailer dealer. Why do you ship the machine with the fowl smelling animal oil in the compressor?

The machine is only 4 years old. I never spray paint with it. I occasionally run air tools. I suspect I might have left the animal oil in the machine too long initially. Should I plan on replacing the rings & gaskets? Thanks.
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Pete, a response:

Question 1) That seems to be quite a bit longer than it should be.

2) I don’t ship them with “fowl smelling animal oil in the compressor” as I don’t ship compressors at all.

3) The condition of the gaskets / rings / valves changes over time and amount of use. I doubt very much that the cause is “I might have left the animal oil in the machine too long initially” but I suppose it might be.

See the page in the troubleshooting section about the many reasons why an air compressor will run and not build pressure for some tips and checks to help diagnose your compressor problem.

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I have a CH air compressor model #HL421500. Has worked well for many years. I noticed it is running a lot lately and will not fill the tank past around 60 PSI. No air coming back out the air filter, suction is strong. I unscrewed the crankcase breather while compressor was running and there is a large amount of air leaving the crankcase. Is this a piston ring issue or a gasket failure somewhere?

If air is actually blowing mostly out of the crankcase (it’s normal to pulse in/out) then rings, probably.
Or maybe just a gasket otherwise. But a quick look says you may have to buy rings to get a gasket and vice-versa. If it’s just the gasket, you may want to try making one.

Have fun.

I have a CH 2hp compressor. How many lbs. of pressure should I have @ the head? It doesn’t fill as fast as I think it should, It holds pressure well & I went through the head. Cleaned the reeds & made new gaskets.
Just curious, can you use an automotive ring sealer (oil additive) on a compressor?

You got a model number? “How many lbs. of pressure should I have @ the head?” Depends on the pump. If you remember how big the space above the piston is, and what the bore and stroke is, you can figure it the same as engine compression ratio – maybe about 10 (times atmosphere~14.5 psi). Whatever it is, you can do a sort of compression leak test if you can get it to stop at TDC, or close. Of course any leak could be any of rings, valves and gaskets. And I’d expect the valves to leak, at least a… Read more »

Model # vt610202

I see that’s probably belt drive – have you checked the tension?
Also, I find vt610201, and vt610203, but no vt610202. Can you double check, please?

Anyway, can you measure the tank (diameter and weld-to-weld length, so we can find capacity), and time how long from empty to cut-out, and what pressure you have at that time?

Thanks.

You’re absolutely right it is a belt drive. and I understand exactly why you asked me about the tension. It actually is model number vt61202 they just used the parts list from vt610201 & used a ✝️ to indicate the parts that are different. The tank is 45 in. Diameter & 23 1/2 in. Long. The recovery time with the tank completely empty is 3 minutes 30 seconds. It seems a lot longer standing there waiting for it. Is this an acceptable time limit? Also there is supposed to be 0% air flow from the tank back to the Head… Read more »

Re:”Thank you for your time thus far Doug. It is greatly appreciated.” Sure, I love getting other people to do work ? You forgot to tell me the ultimate pressure, but if it was about 8 bar, then you’re getting about 4.6 cfm average. (also presuming the 45 inches is circumference, not diameter) That’s not bad for “2HP”, depending on the actual motor. Does it have a plate with voltage and FLA? Duty cycle? “Also there is supposed to be 0% air flow from the tank back to the Head correct?” After it stops, yes, as the unloader valve should… Read more »

I purchased a motor recently check the image for the specs.
I’ll post an update of what I find.

That appears to be a “real” 2HP motor.