Tools, Sharpening and Power Machinery - air compressor will not turn ?

I have an el cheapo harbor freight US660V (http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=55222) air compressor that I bought about 3 years ago to paint my boat w/ -- recently I went to use it and it made a terrible sound and did not spin -- the terrible sound was the electric motor not spinning because the compressor was seized. If I turn it by hand, I can spin the pulley easily about a full revolution each way before it just "stops" -- sometimes you can jiggle it and it will continue spinning. Any ideas what this could be? Could I fix myself? I'm guessing probably some kind of internal component -- rod bearing? Never had one of these apart.

It worked great when it worked : /

Thanks !

Welcome to the forums! Sounds as if it is a connecting rod on the compressor. You will have to tear it down to get to it, as I don't see a quick fix. Is the sound a clunking sound or does it feel like excessive pressure build up?

Thanks for the info -- I would say it is definitely a clunking sound. Would I be able to find a part easily? Would I need a gasket kit or anything to put it back together? I've torn down engines before but never a compressor...

Yeah, it's sort of like tearing down a car engine. Get all the parts, as well as all the gaskets, as you will surely tear them up upon removal, and you will get a better seal with new ones, anyway. Same theory, except you are taking in air via reed valves and compressing it with a piston.

Even if parts were available it would likely be cheaper and more reliable to just replace the pump.
For less than ninety bucks you can buy a new replacement.

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