Tools, Sharpening and Power Machinery - Craftsman Air compressor Bad motor

I have a craftsman air compressor that blows the circut in the electrical panel. I have by-passed the switch and wired the motor directly. One I plug it in, it runs for 3-5 sec and blows circut. I have tried in many outlets and even in the shop they are all deticated 30amp outlets. It worked fine when it was put into the shed and about 3-4 monthes later it would not work. It is a Craftsman model 919.167340, 1 1/2hp A.O. Smith motor with piston attached. I have contacted A.O Smith they told me to go to Sears, after explaining they found out it was made for Devirbiss Air. I called them they told me to call A.O. Smith. So the cicle and finger pointing started. I looked on Sears website and the motor/pump is $200.00. On sale new they range about $300.00. I was hopeing to fix myself. Any ideas.

If the motor is burnt you will at least need a motor shop to give you an estimate on repairing it.

Honestly, this type of compressor is made to be disposable and if you are considering replacing it do so with an oil filled, belt drive unit with a cast iron pump.

A unit like this in home use could last nearly a lifetime is used lightly.

Check the sticky at the top of this forum and a couple of previous posts on compressors.

I'm with Greg, I think I'd replace instead of repair.

30 amp outlets in your shop. I hope these don't have normal duplex receptacles on them. That would be a code violation. Maximum circuit for a duplex receptacles is 20 amps.

Motors will do that (draw excessive current) when they are old and tired.
And cheap ones will do this rather quickly...
But, what is a consumer to do ??

I had this happen to me last year. I had an electric motor repair shop nearby repair/refurbish the motor. It cost me $71. It has been fine ever since with more power than it ever had. I think you can also buy a new motor directly from devilbess. They are very easy to deal with -- much easier than sears.

Thanks for the info. I kind of figured it would have to go and get repair at a shop. Just thought I'd ask to see if it could have been something that was easly handled myself.
JoeD the shop is a Mececdes repair center so all is up to code. No problems there.
jllcredce I tried to to purchase from Devirbiss and was told call A.O. Smith as they don't sell it.

Many of the cheaper compressor manufactures use motors that have dual capacitors on them to make them start on smaller amp circuits.
If anything changes with these new overrated motors the system will not be able to keep up.
You might check the caps, relief valve that takes pressure off of the compressor when starting and the pressure switch contacts to make sure they are clean and not pitted.
Many of the non commercial home compressors are not worth putting too much work or money into.

Many of the cheaper compressor manufactures use motors that have dual capacitors on them to make them start on smaller amp circuits.
If anything changes with these new overrated motors the system will not be able to keep up.
You might check the caps, relief valve that takes pressure off of the compressor when starting and the pressure switch contacts to make sure they are clean and not pitted.
Many of the non commercial home compressors are not worth putting too much work or money into.

No truer words.
I wish I could find an old commercial compressor - these seem to last forever.... and people tend to keep them forever.

Thanks, How do you tests the Caps. There are 2 on the top of the motor.