Need some advice on fixing a compressor!!

[roseytvr]

Guys
I know this is not the place but can any of you point me in the direction of a forum where I can get some advice on diagnosing a problem with a compressor I have in the garage? I would take it in but its a big lump and I cba to move it!
Problem - it wont run on its own but at start up I can turn the fly by hand and it will start and fully compress. However once filled and used it wont recompress at all iyswim - i have to drain it and restart it by hand on the fly.
I know its a long shot but any pointers welcomed!!
Cheers

[pmessling]

sounds like a pressure switch or something now allowing it to turn on when being emptied.

[sheel]

Does it run when filled up, ie does it start when the pressure drops but wont compress, or will it not restatrt at all.

If it starts but wont compress when still holding pressure in the tank look towards a pressure relief valve, this will normally decompress the heads when the machine stops to avoid the motor restarting with the heads under pressure, visa versa this valve will need to close once the machine has started to allow it to start compressing again

If it does not restart at all your most likely candidate will be the pressure switch

HTH
Richard

[Simon says]

Does the motor have a start up capacitor on its body? Only if its failed the motor will be reluctant to spin up, if the non return valve is faulty you will hear the air wheezing through the compressor pump intake.better still post up a pic of the motor and the pump as there are many variations.

Edited by Simon says on Thursday 6th September 08:27

[Oldred_V8S]

Simon says said:

Does the motor have a start up capacitor on its body? Only if its failed the motor will be reluctant to spin up, if the non return valve is faulty you will hear the air wheezing through the compressor pump intake.better still post up a pic of the motor and the pump as there are many variations.

Edited by Simon says on Thursday 6th September 08:27

My first thought was capacitor. Look for a cylindrical device either metal or plastic, with a couple of connections on the end. If you don't not have a multi-meter then take it to someone like Maplins they will probably test it for you and supply a suitable replacement.

[roseytvr]

Hi

Thank you to each of you for taking the time to respond. I am guessing the white cylinder in picture 2 is the capacitor and having done a bit of research I think this is the likely culprit. The engine will not start without me spinning the fly and then runs until the cut out switch kicks in. Once I have used some air I cant replenish even spinning the fly, I have to drain and restart by hand again. It of course may be a couple of issues but I think the capacitor is the start point. Do I need to drain the capacitor before I start touching cables? If so how should I do it?

Cheers

[Simon says]

That cap looks swollen/distorted too from that pic so i think you may have found the culprit, as far as removal goes just disconnect from the mains and to power down the cap just short it out across both terminals with a piece of insulated wire or screwdriver but if its dead you are unlikely to get anything off + the motor drains it down prior to removal anyway that looks like quite an old Clarke comp you have there

Edited by Simon says on Thursday 6th September 21:59

[roseytvr]

Got her off - I guess the crack and melted gunge on the top may be a bit of a give away - hopefully nothing else to serious. 2003 model so hopelly a bit more life in it yet particularly as it only gets home mechanic use. Thanks Simon (and others) for your input. A trip to maplins tomoz for me.

[Simon says]

roseytvr said:

Got her off - I guess the crack and melted gunge on the top may be a bit of a give away - hopefully nothing else to serious. 2003 model so hopelly a bit more life in it yet particularly as it only gets home mechanic use. Thanks Simon (and others) for your input. A trip to maplins tomoz for me.

Well done, i thought in your 1st pic that maybe that gunge was some mastic to hold the wires tidy that starter Cap is shagged big time

Edited by Simon says on Thursday 6th September 22:08

[Oldred_V8S]

roseytvr said:

Got her off - I guess the crack and melted gunge on the top may be a bit of a give away - hopefully nothing else to serious. 2003 model so hopelly a bit more life in it yet particularly as it only gets home mechanic use. Thanks Simon (and others) for your input. A trip to maplins tomoz for me.

I may be guessing but I think you have found the problem. You should have no issue getting a replacement of the correct spec.

[roseytvr]

Thanks Paul. Unfortunately no good at marlins but hoping Clarke's can help me out

[jhfozzy]

If you're stuck, your local washing machine place will have a replacement.

RS components also do next day delivery for free and should have a match in stock. rswww.com.

[roseytvr]

One capacitator later and the jobs a good un! Thanks again guys

[Simon says]

roseytvr said:

One capacitator later and the jobs a good un! Thanks again guys

[Magic919]

My pressure washer just had the same trouble.