A common problem often found on Central Pneumatic air compressors is them not being able to stay running. This article will provide you will all the possible reasons as to why your Central Pneumatic air compressor won’t stay running, along with existing reader questions and responses related to the issue.
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Table of Contents
Reasons Central Pneumatic Air Compressor Won’t Stay Running
At times you might have to face an issue with Central Pneumatic not staying running, where the power light is on, and it might seem like the air compressor is on. But the Central Pneumatic air compressor will not be working and there will be no pressure in the air compressor. This is a simple error that might be caused due to some sort of electrical problem.
First, check all the wiring. Once you have figured out all the wiring issues, if there are any, and have ensured that the plug is in properly, you will need to press the reset button on your air compressor and hopefully, that will solve the problem for you. Otherwise, continue reading!
An air compressor may work fine on an outlet using the supplied power cord, but if plugged into an extension cord that has insufficient power your central pneumatic air compressor won’t stay running. If you must use an extension cord, make sure it is made just for this kind of application.
Another problem might be your unloader valve not working correctly. This relieves the pressure inside the pump after the motor has stopped. It would sound like the pump is working extra hard at start-up.
An air compressor not staying running could also stem from one of many issues, such as an air leak, an oil leak, or a broken part. In some cases, you might have insufficient pressurization or airflow.
You could even have a faulty run capacitor that fails during running after the start capacitor gets the compressor going. If this keeps tripping, causing the motor to shut off, you will likely need to replace the run capacitor.
It may even be as simple as the compressor overheating, meaning that the thermal overload is tripping and the compressor is shut down to protect the motor, allowing it time to cool down. Visit our Air Compressor Reset Button Always Trips – Air Compressor Keeps Tripping Overload guide for more information!
Additional Central Pneumatic Pages
- Central Pneumatic Air Compressor Won’t Build Pressure
- Central Pneumatic Air Compressor Oil – Choosing Oil, How Much To Use & Changing Oil
Central Pneumatic Air Compressor Won’t Keep Running – Central Pneumatic Air Compressor Troubleshooting
Question
My compressor runs for a few seconds then cuts out?
I put a new pressure regulator switch on lf-10h same as the one that was on there still does the same thing.
Have to keep hitting the reset button to build up more pressure I have plugged into a 20amp circuit with nothing else on that breaker.
Response
My first thought would have been the pressure switch too, Tom.
However, when you say “have to keep hitting the reset button to build up more pressure” that is suggesting to me that the motor is overheating.
Good that you have the 67847 plugged into a 20 amp breaker.
Tell me as a comment, do you feel that the motor is overheating?
If so, time to check the run capacitor I think. See how to test a compressor capacitor here.
Central Pneumatic Air Compressor Keeps Shutting Off – Central Pneumatic Air Compressor Troubleshooting
Question
I have a central pneumatic air compressor #67847. I just bought it used.
When I went to turn it on, it would run for 20 secs then shut off, maybe building up to about 40 psi. I have to hit the reset button to kick it back up but it won’t build pressure past that. it’ll just run for a few then shut off again.
Then I checked the fluid levels and realized they filled it past the full mark, the oil was black which was a bad sign also.
Turned it on again and it reached past 90 psi but it popped the reset a couple of times during that process, and sometimes when I hit the reset it will hum and then pop the reset again.
The pressure switch is broken also because it’ll stay on even though the lever is in the off position, what can be the problem.
Response
Lou, probably a couple of things.
Check the unloader valve to make sure it’s working, and do that by seeing the compressor starts OK with the tank totally empty.
While you may have a pump problem, I’d check the start capacitor next. See that page on this site.
Central Pneumatic Air Compressor Won’t Keep Running – Central Pneumatic Air Compressor Troubleshooting
Question
Ok, I have a 67847 about 3-5 yrs old.
compressor does not like low voltage…
Hence 50ft ext cords.-;) 12awg only.
Mine would stall on roll-up if on a long ext cord. (Low voltage)
Low voltage = high current more than 14 amps than the overload or thermal protector trips.
Response
First, empty all the air from the compressor.
Changed the oil by draining it from the sight glass.
Add new oil only to the level just at the middle of the sight glass.
Ran compressor with amp clamp meter reads 120v @11.82amps at zero psi.= unloaded
This is important to understand.
The Tank is the load for the compressor.
0psi = unloaded. 125psi= full loaded
The compressor is the load for the motor.
11.82amps=unloaded. 125psi= less than 14amps
A motor pulls whatever amount of current amps it needs to turn at full rpm.
Let’s say the motor turns at 1750 rpm @60hz 120v.
Tank fills up so 11.82 amps increases but remains below 14amps until the pressure switch cuts out at 125psi.
If you have low voltage you will exceed 14amps.
Then trips the protection overload.
If your pressure switch contacts are worn out
Due to on /off work cycle use that will cause low voltage.
If the piston rings have damaged the walls of the cylinder this will increase the load by friction since oil can not lubricate. It will trip the protection.
If you have always used your air compressor and it slowly starts or trips off as you start with or without the ext cord. Then it’s perhaps time for a new capacitor.
A capacitor makes up for low voltage upon the motor starting. However constant slow starts indicate low voltage.
Capacitors do have a limited operating life.
I hope this helps. But hey… for $179.00 it’s all fun huh?
If you have any questions regarding Central Pneumatic air compressors not staying running, please leave a comment below, with a photo if applicable, so that someone can help you!
