Air Compressor troubles

Joined
Mar 12, 2004
Posts
18
Loc
Massachusetts
I don't know if this is the right section for this topic, but here goes...
I've got a Campbell Hausfield compressor (since 1998) which has all of a sudden decided not to shut off when it reaches working pressure. I thought at first it was a faulty emergency release valve as this kept going off, but realized that this was not the problem. Should I try to fix it or get a new one?
Thank you in advance.
 
any more i just opt for a new machine.

make sure you get an oiled compressor not an oilless.
 
It sounds like the pressure switch assembly. This is often a small box with a handle that lets you turn off the power to the compressor. The power cord often leads to this assembly. It senses when the tank pressure reaches a certain level and works like a relay to interrupt the power flowing to the motor. When the pressure drops, the contacts close to turn the motor back on.

It probably costs about $30-$60 if you replace it yourself. (you will have to remove the electrical wires from the assembly, unscrew the broken unit, put a new one on with teflon tape, and re-wire it.)

Our previous (Sears) compressor had the same issue and we had to replace the pressure switch a couple years ago. We have since switched to a silent one from AMS.

Mike
 
Only other obvious issue which you probably would hear is if you have a leak in the line somewhere which would not allow the unit to build up back pressure.

Dave Makielski
 
I think Mike's diagnosis is spot on as is his repair advice. Grainger's is a good source for anything pneumatic - they have parts for all makes of compressors. Note that the pressure switch is an integral part of the system designed to avoid exploding tanks.

Peter Bowe
Saline Picture Frame Co.
 
depending on the size of the compressor it would probably be faster & cheaper to replace the whole darn thing. Peter your right on the money about the pressure switch being integral to the safety of the compressor. Most of these are factory set and unless you get the proper part designed for your compressor it could be a time bomb.

Compressors run from under a $100 to a top of about $500 (not counting silent compressors).

I just don't see it being worth your time to screw with it.
 
Yep, what everyone else said. If its one of those pancake or other highspeed, oilless compressors, consider yourself lucky that it lasted this long. We averaged one per year of the oilless, pancake style. Finally woke up and bought a belt driven, oiled compressor. Much quieter and lasts forever.

One quick check if you're mechanically inclined.... sounds like it could be something as simple as the contacts being welded closed. Separate the contacts, burnish them and see what happens. There's a chance that the pressure sensing component is functioning but that the contacts are welded closed.
 
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