This article will provide you with all the possible reasons as to why your Husky air compressor will not shut down, and troubleshooting tips to help you resolve this issue, along with existing reader problems and responses.
Table of Contents
Reasons A Husky Air Compressor Won’t Shut Off
Here are some of the most common reasons why your Husky compressor may not be shutting off:
- Air leaks
- Pressure switch problems
- Pressure relief valve failure
- Underpowered extension cord
- Motor problems
- Dirty filters
- Broken air gauges
Sometimes, an air compressor will continue to fill the tank after the cut-off level has been reached due to the potential that there is a leak in the system. You must confirm whether or not there is a leak by listening for hissing sounds around the whole system or looking for holes on the side of the tank. It may be possible to fix leaks with special equipment.
If, for some reason, your compressor will not shut off, it could be that you have a faulty pressure switch that is not switching when the cut-out pressure is reached. In some instances, unfortunately, the PRV does not work as intended.
If it gets stuck closed and the compressor motor keeps running, worst case the tank could eventually explode. The PRV could also become stuck open, which will prevent the tank from being able to reach its cut-out pressure, causing an air compressor to not turn off.
It’s possible that the use of an extension cord is hampering your air compressor’s performance, blocking it from being able to reach the cut-out pressure and thus causing the air compressor to not shut off. The simple solution here is to stop using the extension cord.
If the pressure inside your tank rises but then stops before it reaches the set cut-out pressure, but your compressor motor continues to run, then it is more than likely that you have a problem with the compressor pump itself.
It’s possible that your compressed air system’s filters are becoming clogged, affecting airflow and leading to your air compressor not shutting down. For this reason, you should inspect all filters and change any that need it due to dirt/debris buildup.
A broken air gauge is another common problem that could cause an air compressor to not turn off. When it’s working, the pressure gauge will steadily rise until it reaches the compressor’s cut-out setting.
Please visit our Air Compressor Won’t Turn Off – Fixing A Compressor That Won’t Stop Running for more details!
Additional Husky Pages
- Husky Air Compressor Won’t Build Pressure
- Husky Air Compressor Won’t Restart
- Husky Air Compressor Leaking Air
- Husky Air Compressor Not Reaching Cut Off Pressure
- Husky Air Compressor Will Not Stay Running
- Husky Air Compressor Keeps Tripping Breaker
- Husky Compressor Oil – Changing It, Which To Use & How Much To Use
Reader Questions and Responses
Husky Air Compressor Won’t Shut Off – Runs until the pressure relief valve vents off
Question
The compressor won’t shut off. Keeps running till the pressure relief valve vents off.
I replaced the pressure switch. Still does it.
The new switch was not an exact match. Lower cut in and out pressure. 3lbs different What else could it be?
Response
Jeff, the logical assumption is that it is the new pressure switch that has failed, and often that is right.
Do you know the new cut-out pressure setting of your compressor?
With the tank empty and drain shut, start the compressor. Monitor the pressure build in the tank until it surpasses the cut-out pressure setting of the new pressure switch by 10 PSI as per the tank gauge.
If the Husky compressor is still running at this point, then power HAS to be flowing through the pressure switch to the compressor motor, right?
That means that…
1) the new pressure switch hasn’t got an accurate cut-out and it’s much higher than you think,
2) the pressure switch has failed and failed “passing”, meaning power is getting across it even if it’s “trying” to cut power and
3) when the new switch was installed you’ve connected the cord power supply to the motor side and even though the switch is cycling based on the pressure, the power cannot be cut.
Double-check the wiring in the switch and let us know, will you?
Husky 7 hp 60 Gallon Air Compressor Won’t Stop Running
Question
I have a 7 hp 60 gallon Husky that won’t shut off.
When I originally picked it up, I couldn’t stand it upright, so I pulled the pump off the compressor body so that it would stay upright and carried the rest laying down.
When I tried it at its original location, it filled with pressure just fine and shut off properly.
Once I got it to my house, I put the pump back onto the compressor body, lining everything up with a new belt.
I kicked it on and it pumped but didn’t want to shut off.
I have since pulled the check valve to find it pretty much obliterated. I replaced it and rechecked the operation.
It still builds up to 135 psi as it should but won’t shut off.
When it reached 90 psi, which is the on pressure, it bogged down, then again when it hit ~135. I shut off the switch because I didn’t want to tempt fate. After reading more, I picked up a pressure switch. I couldn’t get the one rated 90-135 like was originally on the compressor but got a 90-125 with the same specs. 10 psi isn’t going to kill me.
I installed it and turned it back on.
It still builds pressure properly with the bogging down but won’t shut off. I have used a wired 220 30amp cord to a socket on the wall. Originally at the location, I picked it up from, it was wired directly to the breaker.
I’m not sure where to go from here. Any assistance is appreciated.
Response
Ed, you’ve done pretty much everything right.
Let me ask you, you say it bogs at 135 PSI but doesn’t shut off. Are you saying that the pressure in the tank (seen via the tank gauge) gets to 135 PSI and stays there?
If so, then I suspect the pressure switch is not “seeing” the pressure it needs to trip and shut off the power.
That being the case, one of the first things is to re & re the tank check valve. You have done that.
Next, since I don’t know if this compressor is near new, try running it without the intake filter on to see if that has any bearing on the operation of the compressor.
Assuming that the power supply is good as you say and that there are no issues with the motor failing, then the next thing that I would think needed addressing would be the valves, both intake, and pressure. That means a teardown, unfortunately. Other common issues include an air compressor bogs down.
Keep us posted, will you?
Question
Well, I re-tightened the airline going to the unloader valve. The air stopped escaping there. But the problem still persists. I took a video of it running. You can hear the motor bog again and even some clattering from the pump, which wasn’t necessarily there before. I ran it up to 125 PSI but the pump was making so much noise, I didn’t want to push it any further. Besides, it should have shut off at that pressure with this switch. It appears as I have to take apart the pump. Any thoughts?
Husky 1.5 HP Air Compressor Doesn’t Stop Running Reaches 155 psi
Question
I have a small 1.5 Hp Husky air compressor about 2 yrs old. It is a 155 max psi and was working great until recently.
Once it reaches just over 155 psi the release valve opens and pressure drops to about 60 – 70 psi.
This cycle keeps going with no end. I’ve tried looking for a switch to adjust the pressure but has none. Any ideas on what might be wrong with it. The model is H1503TP
Response
Mark, the device that turns the compressor on and off is the pressure switch.
If the compressor is not shutting off at the normal cut-out pressure, then the compressor switch is probably failing.
However, the PRV should not be letting go at “just over 155 PSI” either. That suggests that the cracking pressure has been compromised somehow, water from the compressed air perhaps, and it’s releasing too soon.
I would think that the PRV would not crack until at least 10 PSI and maybe 15 PSI over the normal cut out of 155 PSI.
Consider dumping all the air, removing the PRV, and rinsing it insolvent. Let it dry thoroughly, cycle it a few times by hand, and then reinstall it and run up the pressure again.
Any change?
If not, maybe acquire a new PRV, one that cracks at 160-165 PSI or so.
If you have any questions regarding why your Husky air compressor will not shut off, please leave a comment below, with a photo if applicable, so that someone can help you!
