Compressor Won't Recycle

Could you give us the model number?

-- Joe

Sounds like the pressure switch is going out. You can normally get those at your local hardware store. Same switch that is used on water well pumps. Just make sure it will adjust to the pressures your compressor needs to work with.

-- Tim-- http://www.tmuli.com

Adjust or replace the pressure switch.
I bought one at Harbor freight for around $.

-- Bert

Are you running it on old wiring or an extension cord?

I’m going to replace the pressure switch. Do I need to get the exact same one?

If not, how do I know which one to get?

thanks

-- 40 years of Heavy Construction in NYC

no, you do not need the exact same one, just make sure the connections match.
Again I got one at HF for a good price.
The way I did it : I checked the part number off one of their compressors on line and I ordered it by phone

-- Bert

The model number is WL651004AJ

I checked it out today and I checked the check valve by blowing and it only goes one way. I put it back together and started it up. I saw where the contacts on the pressure switch stay closed when it’s running and opened when I turn the switch to off. When it pumps to 50 psi, it cuts off but the contacts stay closed and I hear air blow off. I turned it off and waited, turned it back on and it got to 80, next time 90, 100. It would shut off and air would blow out but the contacts never opened. The hose to the check valve is hot but not as hot as the fins on the motor. I’m willing to order a check valve and a pressure switch, but is there a chance that it is the pump?

-- 40 years of Heavy Construction in NYC

My old pancake did the same thing I took it to my local repair place and it was build-up on the piston and they replaced my pressure switch cause it was going out to

-- As Best I Can

I had the same thing happen on a cheaper twin tank unit I own. Pressure switch.

-- Paul, Tennessee, http://www.tsunamiguitars.com

Loren’s question should be taken seriously. A compressor won’t “cycle” if it doesn’t get enough juice. Plug it into an outlet with a 30 amp breaker and NO extension cords and see if it cycles.

My dad bought a 33 gallon craftsman compressor and was about to return it for the same reason. It would fill to about 100psi then crap out. When it got low, it would not cycle. He had to empty it completely and fill it again. I went over to check it out. I told him to leave the compressor where it was and just run a longer hose for the tools. I replaced his 25 foot extension cord with a 50 foot air hose and it worked fine. The tank filled to 160 and it cycled on demand.

-- http://www.etsy.com/shop/KandJWoodCrafts

Sounds like pressure switch / blowoff valve. Not sure if you can get replacements from Husky, but you never know. Call their customer service and see if you can order the replacement parts…

I am of course assuming you have verified you are getting sufficient power from the wall socket.

-- Manufacturer of fine quality sawdust since 1984. Comments and advice on my shop welcome. Check it out at http://lumberjocks.com/dbhost/workshop. Gladly accepting shop build donations!

I’m plugging it right into a wall outlet in the basement shop. I can order the exact parts for the Campbell Hausfeld version.

-- 40 years of Heavy Construction in NYC

I’d clean-up what I owned first…don’t know your machine but will assume its a Square D pressure switch.

If Square D, I’d suspect a clogged pressure tube.

Unplug it and drain the tank (which you should do regularly anyway…my shop compressor sat in storage for a few years and it actually rusted through…when you do drain it you’ll be amazed at the orange junk that comes out).

Leave it unplugged and clear the pressure tube (probably a bit of carb cleaner will work). Leave it unplugged and hit the contacts on the points and the on/off posts with WD40. A light swipe with emery cloth might help also.

give it a shot then see if it helped. if not enough pressure, unplug it again and start goofing with the on/off posts (unplugged unless you plan on welding something or need a heart start). I think air guns work well at a range of 90-50 PSI (high/low). That range works to minimize the pressure on the tool and the recycle thing.

Well guys, I replaced the check valve and the pressure switch and I still have the same problem. The compressor gets up to 50 psi and cuts out, the copper hose to the check valve gets hot and it won’t turn back on until I switch it off and wait a minute. Then I pumps up to 50 psi again.

What else can it be?

-- 40 years of Heavy Construction in NYC

When you say it pumps to 50 psi, does it trip the circuit breaker? Or does it shut off like it would normally but as 50 psi? If the later try adjusting the pressure switch. If the former, check to see if the gauge is reading correctly. Also if its tripping the breaker, make sure its on a circuit by itself.