Compressor issue

[1930]

I picked up a couple of compressors, one is electric the other gas. The electric starts up fine from my temporary power source a hundred feet away with a 100 ft 15 amp extension cord but as soon as it needs to automatically re start itself cause the air pressure drops it will not start, it just sits there making an unhappy noise until it blows a fuse or damages the outlet it’s plugged into.
What might be the problem?
It operates fine when plugged directly into the same outlet.

 

[Peter 315]

The check valve is leaking back so the compressor wont start with a load on it .....

 

[MattB4]

Voltage drop due to your 100ft extension cord. You would need a larger wire gauge to keep teh voltage up so that starting current under load does not cause the compressor to stall.

 

[MTGreen]

My money is on voltage drop with the long cord and needing greater amperage on startup. Suggest larger conductor extension cord to fix the problem. Should be at least 12 gauge per the attached chart for 15amp continuous.

What Peter mentioned above about the check valve could also be contributing

 

[4570Man]

You need a big extension cord to go out 100ft. It’s loosing too much voltage over that distance. The easy solution is to use the gas compressor you have sitting there. Or leave the compressor at the power source and run more air hose.

 

[LouNY]

A completely unloaded start as compared to a low pressure start.
Either the much heavier cord as suggested or a 220 volt extension cord and wire the compressor to 220 Volt.

 

[groundcover]

Run a longer hose and a shorter cord .

 

[5030]

Voltage drop due to your 100ft extension cord. You would need a larger wire gauge to keep teh voltage up so that starting current under load does not cause the compressor to stall.

BINGO...........

 

[1930]

The check valve is leaking back so the compressor wont start with a load on it .....

There is something leaking, don’t know where the leak is or if there are multiple.
I put my ear to the compressor this morning and it sounds internally ( in the compressor itself)
Is the check valve located internally?
Maybe I’m just not distinguishing where the noise is coming from.
Can you or someone elaborate?
Thanks

 

[WranglerX]

Generally auto start compressors have a "unloader" valve that releases any pressure in cylinder(s) when compressor reaches set pressure.... IF your unloader valve is leaking pressure back into cylinder due to faulty valve in unloader, yes its going to be very difficult for compressor to start against the pressurized cylinder.... If it were me first thing I would do is check condition of the loader valve....

IF the is no unloader valve, there may be a check valve somewhere between head of compressor and tank, it may even be built into compressor head..... Better pic of compressor without hose draped all over it would give us people on other side of computer screen better idea of design/construction of "compressor"...

 

[1930]

I’ll have to post more pictures I guess, check valve could be in several places.

 

[ultrarunner]

What happens when you plug direct with no extension cord?

My 100' cord is #10 and my compressor is happy...

 

[MattB4]

One other comment. You mention that your power source is temporary. If it is not up to snuff there can be additional problems with load carrying capability. Though the compressors unloader valve helps a bit for startup you still have the pressure in the tank working against you. Empty tank provides the least starting resistance.

 

[1930]

Generally auto start compressors have a "unloader" valve that releases any pressure in cylinder(s) when compressor reaches set pressure.... IF your unloader valve is leaking pressure back into cylinder due to faulty valve in unloader, yes its going to be very difficult for compressor to start against the pressurized cylinder.... If it were me first thing I would do is check condition of the loader valve....

IF the is no unloader valve, there may be a check valve somewhere between head of compressor and tank, it may even be built into compressor head..... Better pic of compressor without hose draped all over it would give us people on other side of computer screen better idea of design/construction of "compressor"...

Thanks, will post better pics in a bit
I do think this may be the issue
Not to dismiss any other theories but it gives me the impression of being hydro locked so unloaded valve is a good start, I’d also agree that the 100 ft cord and amperage drop isn’t helping, I did run my small camper with all accessories at one point of my temporary power pole so while it may not be at optimized efficiency I believe it should suffice
It would be nice to see an amp rating on the motor sticker

 

[not2old]

Someone has already suggested the best solution for a temporary use. Plug it in near the receptacle and use a longer hose. Having extra hoses is always a good idea and I use mine frequently. If the compressor has an unloader and it isn't working I would repair it. It is less likely to damage the motor or controls and it will last longr.

 

[1930]

When it shuts down it blows air back out the intake tube. Hard to even cover it shut with my thumb.
Soon as air stops leaking out intake tube I can plug it back in and it starts fine

 

[4570Man]

There is something leaking, don’t know where the leak is or if there are multiple.
I put my ear to the compressor this morning and it sounds internally ( in the compressor itself)
Is the check valve located internally?
Maybe I’m just not distinguishing where the noise is coming from.
Can you or someone elaborate?
Thanks

The valve on my gas drive compressor that controls the engine speed leaks a decent amount of air when the engine isn’t running. I guess it probably leaks all the time but you don’t hear it when it’s running.

 

[chim]

Page 10 of the OM says to use #8for 100' on a 1-1/2HP model.

https://www.rolair.com/sites/default/files/2022-09/5715%2C%206715%2C%206820K17D%20Owner%27s%20Manuals%20-%20Full-Size.pdf

 

[4570Man]

Page 10 of the OM says to use #8for 100' on a 1-1/2HP model.

https://www.rolair.com/sites/default/files/2022-09/5715%2C%206715%2C%206820K17D%20Owner%27s%20Manuals%20-%20Full-Size.pdf

And I assume they intend for that 8 gauge to be screwed directly into the panel. Even if you had an adequate duty extension cord and the wall it’s pulled into is 14 gauge it might not work correctly.

 

[5030]

Only thing you'll accomplish by running low amperage on an extension cord is, you'll roast the motor.