CRUD--Need Help with Air Compressor
 

Alright, my shop's air compressor quit pumping on me.

Compressor is a single stage unit (5 Hp Harbor Freight Chicago Pneumatic) with 5 Hp 220 motor on a 60 gal tank. The original stuff that was on the tank went out in 2009 so I got a new motor and compressor. It ran fine till this morning, when I heard the sound change coming from it.

Tank is holding the air that it has, so I think the switches and the little ball valve thingie are good.

Compressor turns freely. Oil had no particles that I could see in it.

Air filters are clean

What and how do I check the thing to see if I need another compressor or just some small pieces?


Thanks guys.

Re: CRUD--Need Help with Air Compressor
 

If the compressor turns over freely and it wont pump air, it sounds like the reeds may be stuck open in the heads. I dont know a whole lot about them but that is what happened to our compressor a few years back. Had a huy come out and put new ones in and it has worked great since.

Richard

Re: CRUD--Need Help with Air Compressor
 

I agree, probably a reed valve problem

Re: CRUD--Need Help with Air Compressor
 

if you want to check the compressor valves, disconect the power. (unplug it)
then remove the air filter so that you have access to the intake port. put your hand over the hole and turn the compressor in the direction that it runs with the other hand. if the valves are working you will feel it suck air in and stop, suck air in and stop etc. if the valves are stuck or broken, it will suck air in, push air out, suck air in, push air out etc... also, those valves are not like an engine valve, they are super easy to replace. they look like a small hockey puck. just unbolt the head, lift out 2 hockey pucks, replace with 2 new ones and put a new gasket on there and rebolt the head. you'll be done in a half hour tops. Trust me, when you get in there, you will be surprised at just how easy this is. the only thing you have to be cautious of , is to make sure and get then turned the same way that the old ones were. no big deal at all. best of luck to you !
Tony

Re: CRUD--Need Help with Air Compressor
 

Don't hold us in suspense did it make vacuum at the inlet filters?
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Re: CRUD--Need Help with Air Compressor
 

I just got home from work and soccer practice. I probably won't see my shop again till this weekend to test it.

Re: CRUD--Need Help with Air Compressor
 

Tony thank you

Yep it felt live the valves and when I tore it apart, there was one valve in each head broke off. Harbor Freight still stocks the parts, so the replacements are on order. So hopefully in a week I will have the thing back together and functioning again.


Thanks again for the tips

Re: CRUD--Need Help with Air Compressor
 

Cool.sounds like an easy fix nor too costly.
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