Tools, Sharpening and Power Machinery - Compressor won't start
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DZiner
08-08-07, 11:50 AM
Forgive me, forgive me, forgive me... I've read through as much as I can on the site here about compressor repair/diagnostics before resorting to this....
I have a King 5hp 20 gall that just wouldn't start last weekend. I've tested past the switch and the thermal breaker, but now I'm at a loss as to what next. The fan will turn and it is oiled. Air does pump out the oil fill cap with manual turning of the fan....
I'm really sorry to hit you with yet 'another compressor issue'....
Rick
I have a King 5hp 20 gall that just wouldn't start last weekend. I've tested past the switch and the thermal breaker, but now I'm at a loss as to what next. The fan will turn and it is oiled. Air does pump out the oil fill cap with manual turning of the fan....
I'm really sorry to hit you with yet 'another compressor issue'....
Rick
GregH
08-16-07, 04:59 PM
Not sure how you tested the switch.
If you are testing this electrically you need to start from the beginning which is the cord to make sure that there is 120 volts if that is what it operates on.
You can test the switch with a volt meter but you need to know how to use a meter.
If you probe across the the contacts that open to turn off the motor you should have zero volts if is plugged in.
If you have voltage across the switch contacts they are open which will not power up the motor.
Some compressors use a pressure switch that has an on/off switch on the top of it.
If the cover is off or loose the switch will not make contact even if in the on position.
Also, be careful with your readings if using a digital volt meter as they are subject to stray voltage and sometimes need interpretation.
If you are testing this electrically you need to start from the beginning which is the cord to make sure that there is 120 volts if that is what it operates on.
You can test the switch with a volt meter but you need to know how to use a meter.
If you probe across the the contacts that open to turn off the motor you should have zero volts if is plugged in.
If you have voltage across the switch contacts they are open which will not power up the motor.
Some compressors use a pressure switch that has an on/off switch on the top of it.
If the cover is off or loose the switch will not make contact even if in the on position.
Also, be careful with your readings if using a digital volt meter as they are subject to stray voltage and sometimes need interpretation.