Help with an air compressor?

renloy · Posted: July 6, 2009, 5:31 pm Post subject: Help with an air compressor?

My buddy gave me his old 3hp 20gal craftsman air compressor. The problem is that I think there's something wrong with the regulator. The compressor builds pressure but when I turn the compressor off and open the regulator to release the pressure the air doesn't come out. The only way to release the pressure is the safety valve. Any ideas?

nudude53 · Posted: July 6, 2009, 5:42 pm Post subject: Re: Help with an air compressor?

Northern Tool sells all of the parts necessary to fix it. Regulators, pop-off valves etc. So does Sears.

renloy · Posted: July 6, 2009, 5:46 pm Post subject: Re: Help with an air compressor?

So you think its the regulator?

nudude53 · Posted: July 6, 2009, 5:53 pm Post subject: Re: Help with an air compressor?

It's hard to tell without messing with it. The regulator should adjust the pressure to the hose. The shut off pressure is adjusted in the switch. The pop-off valve simply relieves the pressure between the compressor head and the shut off switch.

renloy · Posted: July 6, 2009, 5:59 pm Post subject: Re: Help with an air compressor?

Yeah it adjusts the pressure up, but won't drop below 50 ish psi. I turn the knob all the way counterclockwise and the pressure just stays at 50. Unless I'm really confused isn't it supposed to release the pressure when I do that? Sorry about the stupid questions, but I'm new to the air thing

nudude53 · Posted: July 6, 2009, 6:12 pm Post subject: Re: Help with an air compressor?

It won't give you a true reading unless you have air being used. If you are releasing pressure out the hose and it won't fall below 50 psi then it's probably bad.

renloy · Posted: July 6, 2009, 6:29 pm Post subject: Re: Help with an air compressor?

Thanks

pumps · Posted: July 6, 2009, 9:23 pm Post subject: Re: Help with an air compressor?

If you had a model number you might be able to get a manual and an exploded parts view and list from sears.com.

TwistedLeather · Posted: July 6, 2009, 10:16 pm Post subject: Re: Help with an air compressor?

Does the gauge indicate 0 lbs when the compressor is completely empty? Like someone else stated though, you have to be using the air a little to get an accurate reading. Most larger compressors won't work very well at extremely low pressures, but a secondary regulator downstream from the compressors regulator would probably help a lot. I have two downstream regulators(not in the same line) coming off my main regulator. It really stabilizes the lower pressures.

Butch.

renloy · Posted: July 7, 2009, 12:18 am Post subject: Re: Help with an air compressor?

The tank gauge shows 0, but the regulator gauge never goes below 50. Like I said... my understanding is that when you turn the regulator counterclockwise all the way the pressure is supposed to release to 0. Mine isn't doing that at all. I have to use the safety valve to get the tank pressure down to 0

yamaman · Posted: July 7, 2009, 7:02 am Post subject: Re: Help with an air compressor?

The pressure indicator will only drop if you are drawing from the supply.

If you hook up say a spray gun, you adjust the pressure with the trigger pulled, so air is flowing through the gauge.

Have you used the compressor at all yet (aside from just running it)?

It could probably use a good service. Remove all the fittings & spray some CRC all through it, clean up all the fittings & use teflon tape to reassemble. Check compressor oil, air filters, dust build up in the electric motor.

One thing that often gets left out is draining the tank of water, if it's awkward, people don't do it! While your at it, plumb in a handy drain tap. Cheers

What Happened to 650rider.com?

Yamaha xs650