Compressor Problem

old

Well-known Member
So I needed to air up a tire today. I go out to flip the breakers on my compressor to turn it on and all the motor does is hum then after a minute or so pops the breakers. I took the belt off and the motor tries to spin but does not get up to speed and trips the breakers again.
Any body have any ideas of what might be wrong. Cap. maybe?? Or the start switch in side has bad points??
Guess I can not complain to much about it I have had the same motor on this for over 20 years and it is a cheap Harbor Fright motor
 
Sounds like the same problem I have. The capacitor is shot. Found out it is going to be cheaper to buy a new compressor unit than a motor.
 
Look at the capacitor to see if it is(case) distorted/swollen. If it is you found the trouble.
 
"The capacitor is shot. Found out it is going to be cheaper to buy a new compressor unit than a motor."

Why are you pricing a new motor is it only needs a start cap?
 
Cleaning the starter points would be cheaper! But jumpering the capacitor could be done without tearing the motor apart on most motors. As I remember if you connect the two leads going to the cap together it should start, just not with a lot of torque. Any comments from someone more knowledgeable? I like to troubleshoot before I start buying parts.
 
I had this problem a few months ago with a drum sander. The centrifugal switch for the start windings was not making contact. If you spun the motor fast enough by hand it would eventually begin to accelerate and speed up. Took the end off and cleaned up the mechanism and it's worked ever since.
 
I did some checking today and the price of a new motor is about the same as replacing the the whole compressor but this it an old unit and I would prefer to keep it since it has severe me well for 2 decades. So guess I will have to pull the motor and trouble shoot more
 
Is there still pressure in the tank? If so drain it and then try, could be check valve letting pressure to top of piston. Then motor can't over come that pressure.
 
Motor trips the breaker with or with out the belt on so that can not be the problem
 

We sell tractor parts! We have the parts you need to repair your tractor - the right parts. Our low prices and years of research make us your best choice when you need parts. Shop Online Today.

Back
Top