Tools, Sharpening and Power Machinery - Compressor

I have a 2 hp campbell hausfeld compressor when It trys to fill back up to my set tank psi as Im using it the motor starts then it stops and begins to hum it seems like it locks up. Sometimes It even pops a breaker. Any suggestions . Thanks

Sounds like a weak start capacitor ( about $3 ).

dennist 1:

Bowman is right it could be the motor capacitor but it could also be the motor windings.
There is a good chance it could also be the check valve on the compressor discharge line.
No compressor can start against tank pressure and there is a check valve, normally where the line enters the tank, that stops the air from leaking back.
If dirty it could cause your trouble.
Also there will be some means for the pressure to be relieved from the compressor head.
The most common type is a separate line that goes from the head to the pressure switch. Each time the switch starts the compressor it releases the air between the check valve and head.
The other type uses a small hole in a plug on the head of the compressor. It leaks a bit of air when running and then continues to leak when the compressor shuts off between cycles.

Try this: * Confirm there is a check valve at the tank first.*
When the compressor shuts off aftere filling UNPLUG IT.
Then, loosen the discharge fitting on the compressor head, SLOWLY and CAREFULLY.
If the check valve is doing it's job there will be a short release of air as the line empties.
If the air doesn't stop and empties the tank, that could be your problem.

Try this and let us know what happens.

I have the same problem when I use an extension cord. I made one up of 10 gauge wire and that stopped the problem all together. Also the outlet your plugging into may not be able to give you the juice it needs to restart under a load.

Gregs advise though sounds like something I'm going to investigate on mine if this weather ever warms up.

I made one up of 10 gauge wire and that stopped the problem all together. Also the outlet

Yep, thats the ticket, I think, on long extention cords to make up for the drop in power. I also had to change an outlet for one of mine in my shop. Startup demanded more than the one I was using could handle. I think that may have caused the start capacitor to go out on that one. I have another one I tried to run off a little generator that is supposed to handle 20 amps. On restart with air in the tank, it would throw the reset on the generator. Again, I think, not enough power.

Make sure your unit is plugged directly into an outlet and that there are no other high output appliances plugged into the same circuit.

okay guys thanks for your info on everything. it does appear that the check valave is bad. upon further inspection the spring in the valve worked its way through the bottom of the valve . the bottom plate is rusted through. the rubber seal was lodged in there sidways. where can I get this replaced and what oil should I use for the compressor?

Hey guys Thanks again. I got the part from a service shop and he laughed at it. he said there was alot of moisture build up and it eventually rusted out the bottom of the valve. hopefully the tank is still in good condition. also I got the oil from the store as well, there is a check window for the oil it has a red circle on it where should the oil line be in reference with that window?and to the final problem well it wasnt doing this before but when ithe motor is in operation they have a off switch on the pressure switch when I flip it over the motor stops but it still hums then eventually it clicks off . but I got to hold down. Should that operate like that or should it immediately turn off. Thanks again