Air compressor(C&H) stuck. Tries but wont start.

P Marage

Hi folks... I have a basic horizontal Campbell Hausfeld Air Compressor(8 gal).
Simply put. I flip the power switch on, it hums for about 1-2 seconds then trips off. The pump never turns on. I only hear the capacitor trying to energize the pump.
Fluids have always been at recommended levels and its never been flipped over or mistreated. It sits in my shed, light use, tire pumping, small brad nailer ect.

Thanx in advance for any thoughts, Ideas and or solutions.

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I cant determine the correct category I should be posting this in but im sure many in construction who use compressors have had this problem so I chose this one..
(Admin feel free to move this thread or let me know where it belongs so I can move it)

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beenthere

Moved to tools forum.

DexterII

Bleed all of the pressure from the tank. If it does not start, with or without pressure in the tank, I would suspect the motor capacitor. If it does not start with pressure in the tank, but does start with no pressure in the tank, I would suspect the check valve.

P Marage

Thanx Dexter, do you know how to test the cap? I can hear it powering so it's working to some degree. Can a cap still power if it's faulty? I'm no electrician by any means but I thought they either worked or didn't, No in-between.

DexterII

And, just to confirm, this is with no pressure in the tank, correct? If so, your local motor shop can test it for you.

P Marage

Zero pressure in the tank.

Missouri Bound

What fluids? The compressor pictured is an oil less model. The motor itself is most likely unserviceable. And it's the contactor (pressure switch) you hear, not a capacitor. Unplug it, take the cover off and try and spin it by hand. If it sits in a shed it could be rusted up, or perhaps some wires were chewed by rodents. Post a model number if you can.

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beenthere

Key phrase. UNPLUG IT before trying to turn by hand.

Missouri Bound

beenthere....I edited my post to enforce that suggestion....and thanks for the idea

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P Marage

Thanx Missouri. I tried to turn it by hand and it won't. (assuming your talking about the white disk with fins on it, front side) Not sure about the oiless part because it has a plug with a dipstick and an oil tin displayed. I have never had to fill the reservoir as the dipstick reads full.
Model HL550100 (exact as photo)

Missouri Bound

I looked up your model number. I stand corrected, the pump clearly hasa dipstick which indicates it is not oil less. If you can't spin the fan it's either rusted up or it siezed for one reason or an other. The parts are ridiculously expensive to replace. If you have any mechanical savy you could try some minor dissasembly and see what went wrong. Does the pump itself show any signs of corrosion?

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oh'mike

Are you trying this on an extension cord?

Some of mine will only work when plugged into a wall outlet on a strong circuit.

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beenthere

Dang, you are on the ball, never thought about that.

DexterII

Yes, a very good point. Very easy to overlook, especially when it has worked previously, but just because it did doen't always mean it will. And the higher than normal temperatures around the country definitely put a strain on the flow of electricity.

oh'mike

I have a heck of a time ---my compressors both hate cords---and my small one would just hum in the cold weather until the oil warmed up---synthetic oil cured that issue.

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