Air compressor problems

GunnyIa · Jan 8, 2015

Seems like one step forward, two backwards! Bought a 1963 Devilbiss compressor with a 2hp Baldor motor that is 120/240 volt. Looked like it was wired for 120 volt. The compressor pulley can be turned easily by hand

Motor runs on 120v when not hooked to compressor, but will not turn the compressor pulley. It make almost one slow turn, stalls, jumps forward a little, stalls, then quits and hums.

Is it possible the motor was wired for 240v, and the PO used a 120v plug? Would the motor run at all on 120V if wired for 240v?

Appreciate any hints!

Gunny, in Iowa

Steve A W · Jan 8, 2015

Gunny
Take the cover off the box on the motor where the
wires go in.
There should be a wiring schematic on the back of
the cover.
Don't trust the p/o's plug.

Steve A W

.

Russ from MN · Jan 8, 2015

Anything is possible with all the Bubbas wiring things!
I have seen 120 receptacles wired up to 240 just
because someone was to lazy, cheap, or ignorant to do
it right.

old · Jan 8, 2015

Hard to say what some one may have done. Only way to be 100% sure is pull the cover where the wires hook up and have a look see to make sure how it is or is not wired up. If you do not do that and try 220/240 you could let the smoke out of the motor and also end up hooking it up wrong

JF in MI · Jan 8, 2015

Could be a bad capacitor

tomturkey · Jan 8, 2015

That looks like a aftermarket cord, check the plate either on the side of the motor on on the end. Usually has a diagram for each. Thank you for your service Gunnery Sergeant. gobble

gbs · Jan 8, 2015

yep run into a couple of well pumps with the same problem,check for a wiring diagram a lot of the older stuff had it on the id tag

GunnyIa · Jan 8, 2015

Thank you, Gobble. Much appreciated!

Brad Gyde · Jan 8, 2015

There are a couple 110 receptacles here at my place that are wired (or at least labeled as) 240. I bought the family farmstead about 2 years ago.. Grandpa says the building that is done that way was done sometime in the mid 50's.. Perhaps it was common practice all those years ago?

For the record, none of that old wiring is still live. I have slowly been rewiring all the buildings that will stay, and have just let the ones that will be knocked down go without power.. Can't see wiring up buildings in bad disrepair that I plan to level to build a new bigger building in the near future.

I agree check to see how the motor is wired.. Seems like the big compressor I have here too came with a 110 plug but was wired for the 240, IIRC (bought it at a farm sale just so I had a compressor here at my place so I don't have to run to parents or grandparents every time I have a low tire)

Brad

87nassaublue · Jan 8, 2015

There should be a schematic under the motor cover. Check to see how it's wired. It could also have a problem with the start capacitor if it's wired right.

tomturkey · Jan 8, 2015

Sorry for my typo SARGEANT

Stephen Newell · Jan 8, 2015

If the compressor was set up for 220v I doubt if it would turn at all. I think you need a new motor or have that one fixed.

As far as the compressor being Devilbiss, the pump is made by Campbell Hausfeld.

Dusty MI · Jan 9, 2015

In my book Baldor is a very good motor.
The problem could be the internal switch that disconnects the starting winding.

Dusty

Dusty MI · Jan 9, 2015

Sorry double post

gab · Jan 9, 2015

Had a similar problem with my comp. 20 years ago only I could take the belt off and spin the pulley with my foot and it would start. Electric shop charged me 20 bucks I think. Sticking start switch inside the end of the motor.

gab · Jan 9, 2015

Forgot to add when I bought this place it had a 110 outlet box in an outside building labeled 220, check your wiring.

Part Time Pete · Jan 9, 2015

Some dual voltage motors will run on 110 when wired for 220.I bought a Delta contractors table saw years ago that the owner had set up for 110. It ran, but started up slow and had no power. I checked the motor, and he still had it wired for 220. I corrected the wiring and it ran great.
Pete

buickanddeere · Jan 9, 2015

(quoted from post at 15:45:04 01/08/15) Seems like one step forward, two backwards! Bought a 1963 Devilbiss compressor with a 2hp Baldor motor that is 120/240 volt. Looked like it was wired for 120 volt. The compressor pulley can be turned easily by hand

Motor runs on 120v when not hooked to compressor, but will not turn the compressor pulley. It make almost one slow turn, stalls, jumps forward a little, stalls, then quits and hums.

Is it possible the motor was wired for 240v, and the PO used a 120v plug? Would the motor run at all on 120V if wired for 240v?

Even if the motor is wired for 120V, a 2HP motor on 120V is problematic. In particular starting a reciprocating compressor.
As previously stated the start winding, starter switch and capacitors are all suspect.
Go 240V or forget about it.
On 120V the code book calls for 30amp wire, a 45 amp time delay fuse, 80amp P fuse or a 50amp breaker.
On 240V the code book calls for 15amp wire, a 25 amp time delay fuse, 40amp P fuse or a 30amp breaker.

Appreciate any hints!

Gunny, in Iowa

GordoSD · Jan 9, 2015

That supersized replacement cord make me think 220V

87nassaublue · Jan 9, 2015

I totally agree with Old. When I used to do Xray equipment installations, the first thing we did was change the taps on the primary transformer to match the incoming power. You need to open the cover, check the wiring and see if it's wired for what you're connecting it to. You can assume nothing on old used equipment.

Dan Nelson · Jan 9, 2015

2 hp 220v motor can most likely be configured to run on 110v. Will draw around 22 amps on 110v so be careful what you plug it in to. Dan

buickanddeere · Jan 9, 2015

(quoted from post at 22:12:41 01/09/15) 2 hp 220v motor can most likely be configured to run on 110v. Will draw around 22 amps on 110v so be careful what you plug it in to. Dan

Are you unaware of my post dated Fri Jan 09, 2015 10:36 am ?

Air compressor problems

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