[Shop-talk] Air compressor issue

[Pat Horne]

Mike, I assume from your description that you shut the compressor off during the week when you are not using it & the pressure bleeds of over the week & does a cold start when you are ready to work. 

I think I’d start by removing the cover from the pressure switch & making sure there isn’t some kind of nest or insect in there. Next, since the compressor is older, I’d clean the contacts on the switch. It can’t hurt unless you try to do it with power on! If it still behaves the same, with the pressure below about 100, lightly tap the switch with an insulated handle to see if something is sticking. If so, either clean & lube it, or just replace it, they’re not expensive. How does the switch measure pressure, internally via a pipe fitting or via a small line going to the tank? It wouldn’t hurt to pull the switch & see that there isn’t junk in the line. 

Good luck. 

Peace, Pat

Pat Horne 
We support Habitat for Humanity


On Jul 11, 2023, at 3:33 PM, Mike Rambour <lists at dinospider.com> wrote:

 Hi,

Having a problem with my 5hp Champion Advantage compressor.  I called TPTools where I purchased it in 2001 and they were useless, they want to send out a service rep to fix it ($$$).

The issue its having is first 2 or 3 cycles of the day when its cold, it cycles normally, comes on at around 120-125PSI and shuts off at 175PSI, after those 2 or 3 cycles it only comes back on at around 15PSI or even lower and it does this all day until next day.  I only work in the garage on weekends but I am in the bead blasting stage of my restoration so using the compressor heavily those 2 days a week.

 They said turn it off and drain all the air, then cycle it back on and listen for the "Hiss" (their word) when the compressor shuts off and listen for the hiss and keep doing that until the compressor does not cycle anymore, did I hear the hiss or not, did the motor hum when trying to restart ?   If that is the case the unloader valve is bad.  I do normally hear the hiss, I don't pay attention EVERY time though and the motor does not hum.

 Isn't it just a pressure valve ? this thing is over 20 years old and first time giving me issues.  But they want to send out a tech to diagnose and fix the issue meaning having to take a day off work and spend $$$ when it should be simple. I do agree with the guy that I don't want to throw money at the problem and swap random parts but I don't need a tech, just how to diag which part is the issue.   I am going to be blasting a lot over the weekend.

    mike

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