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I have a Sanborn air compressor Magna Force 3hp that no longer runs. It’s no longer working due to something metal falling on top of it sending up a shower of sparks. What do you think happened and will it cost more money then what it’s worth to repair? Thanks, Justen.

I can’t say absent pix and a more complete explanation of what hit it and where it was hit and where the sparks were from and what it looks like now.
Can you take some pix and post, please… asks Doug from s.d.ca.

I can’t recall what the object was and exactly where it touched. All I can recall is that something fell off the trash can touching something up and sending up sparks.

Before this happened it was acting funny by tripping circuit breakers and cutting off before fully filling the tank with air. I’m assuming the connection with the foreign metal object finished it off.

From what I’m reading it’s a capacitor issue. The air compressor is now completely dead. Engine won’t turn, not even a hum. Completely quiet. Thoughts?

Huh. From the look of it, sparks should not have happened, unless they were strictly mechanical. No obvious problem that I can see in this pic.

I suppose you’ve tried the reset button? Do, if you haven’t.

If it still doesn’t run, or at least hum, then you want to check the power at the pressure switch. Undo the screw at the rear of the switch to get the cover off so you can check the voltage in and out.

If it does hum or run, you probably want to check the capacitors, just on general principles, but especially if it hums or runs and then stops unexpectedly.

You’ll find more info in the troubleshooting sections for compressor won’t start or run on checking the voltage and capacitors.

Let us know what you find, please, whatever the outcome.

Thanks, and good luck, Doug.

Doug, thank you for the incite, (insight) researching material about compressors has left me feeling over my head. I suppose the reset button is the red button off to the right side? I’ve also read some compressors have breakers, is this correct? From the looks of things, I have an older model. Is there a website I can draw information to better understand how the compressor works as well as the details about my particular model?

Robert D. comments, it looks like the capacitor cover on the left in the picture has been moved the screw is not through the cover and you can see the clean spot where it should be, it’s possible the capacitor cover is touching the connector’s and has it sorted out.

Thank you Robert D! This was the type of direct streamlined feedback I was hoping for. I found this compressor chained up in my basement when I bought the house. Forgotten for whatever reason and well used. Since they don’t sell these in the stores anymore it’s rather hard to compare to see how it would look new, Justen.