In the middle of body work and ..... - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

sixnine · 06-07-2007, 11:26 PM

...my air compressor won't shut off!!!! I was using my die grinder to knock down some spot welds. I was doing my usual work a few minutes, wait a few minutes (the die grinder is a cfm killer) and noticed that the compressor was running longer than it usually does. I stopped the grinder and waited a few minutes...compressor is still running and the psi guage isn't moving. The pump was extremely hot, so I manually shut it off, but now I'm stuck with a half body worked car until I figure out the air comp. How do I know if the cylinder is bad? Could it be a bad psi guage causing the auto shut off to not work correctly? The air in the shop is hot and humid, will that affect "pump up"? The compressor is a 7hp 60 gallon Kobalt model from Lowe's. I've only ran it about 10 hrs total. Anyone have any ideas?

GMCMAX · 06-07-2007, 11:36 PM

If it's not building up pressure, then it's probably a mechanical problem; the 5hp 60 gallon at work had the exhaust valve go bad and wouldn't build up, but it was like4 years old. The gauge only shows the pressure, it doesn't control the shut off.

stllookn · 06-08-2007, 12:45 AM

Could be the pressure switch as well. What is the maximum pressure that the gauge is reading? The gauge does nothing except indicate the pressure so it does not matter if it is off. The pressure switch controls the motor and pump.

wild one · 06-08-2007, 01:32 AM

Did you add oil to the pump before you put it into operation? All belt drive air compressors use oil in the pump for lubrication and are shipped without any oil in them. Also, in humid conditions you should open the valve at the bottom of the compressor every couple of hours to drain the built up condensation in the tank. Hope this helps,
Pete

06-07-2007, 11:26 PM	#1
sixnine Longtime Member Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Over Yonder (DFW) Posts: 171	In the middle of body work and ..... ...my air compressor won't shut off!!!! I was using my die grinder to knock down some spot welds. I was doing my usual work a few minutes, wait a few minutes (the die grinder is a cfm killer) and noticed that the compressor was running longer than it usually does. I stopped the grinder and waited a few minutes...compressor is still running and the psi guage isn't moving. The pump was extremely hot, so I manually shut it off, but now I'm stuck with a half body worked car until I figure out the air comp. How do I know if the cylinder is bad? Could it be a bad psi guage causing the auto shut off to not work correctly? The air in the shop is hot and humid, will that affect "pump up"? The compressor is a 7hp 60 gallon Kobalt model from Lowe's. I've only ran it about 10 hrs total. Anyone have any ideas? __________________ Rokcrln - *"I'm a major car addict so trying to go as low buck as possible is like asking a coke head to use flower to save money."* 1972 C10 Short Step -http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=261405

06-07-2007, 11:36 PM	#2
GMCMAX Active Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Lower Mid-East Ca. Posts: 326	Re: In the middle of body work and ..... If it's not building up pressure, then it's probably a mechanical problem; the 5hp 60 gallon at work had the exhaust valve go bad and wouldn't build up, but it was like4 years old. The gauge only shows the pressure, it doesn't control the shut off. __________________ Never try to teach a pig to sing; it wastes your time and annoys the pig! Gets More Chicks My lugnuts require more torque than your honda makes! 68 GMC, 4X4 conversion w/73 k20 running gear and springs, 350 4spd, 4.10's, D44 powerlok front, 14BFF govlock rear, 33" tires, lifted 4".

06-08-2007, 12:45 AM	#3
stllookn Saving 1 truck at a time! Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Kent, WA Posts: 6,465	Re: In the middle of body work and ..... Could be the pressure switch as well. What is the maximum pressure that the gauge is reading? The gauge does nothing except indicate the pressure so it does not matter if it is off. The pressure switch controls the motor and pump. __________________ '68 C20 Longhorn 50th Anniversary 400/TH400 '68 C20 Longhorn 50th Anniversary 468/TH400w/buckets '72 C20 Halfhorn (Longhorn w/o cab and front clip) '69 Flxible Cruiser (look up ugly in the dictionary)

06-08-2007, 01:32 AM	#4
wild one Registered......... Join Date: May 2006 Location: Livermore,CA Posts: 288	Re: In the middle of body work and ..... Did you add oil to the pump before you put it into operation? All belt drive air compressors use oil in the pump for lubrication and are shipped without any oil in them. Also, in humid conditions you should open the valve at the bottom of the compressor every couple of hours to drain the built up condensation in the tank. Hope this helps, Pete __________________ 1966 C10 panel-400 small block/TH 350 combo Nothing is fool proof to a talented fool! Popcorn: Pops at exactly 444 degreese Expands to 44 times it's original size Has a 4 year shelf life



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