2hp 8 gal HF compressor issues.

[GREGJR]

Hi, My father in law has a HF 2hp 8 gal compressor that is having problems. The motor/compressor runs for about 8 seconds then shuts off. Regardless or how much air is in tank. After reset trips, a few seconds, I can press it and motor starts up again. Then it shuts off after 8 seconds or so. i tried to run it with empty tank and drain valve open. No difference. I realize it is a cheap compressor, but I would like to figure it out. Not many hours on unit. Any ideas? Thanks

 

[orezok]

Possibly a bad start/run capacitor.

 

[GREGJR]

Thank you, I did some tests and all things point to that.. one on order...Thanks

 

[JRobyn]

I've got that compressor. It performs VERY poorly on a 15A circuit or with any extension cord, even a 12 ga one. Try a 20A circuit and no extension to see if it makes any difference.

 

[Soundguy]

I've got that compressor. It performs VERY poorly on a 15A circuit or with any extension cord, even a 12 ga one. Try a 20A circuit and no extension to see if it makes any difference.

EXactly

I have that compressor too, and thought the very same thing.. bad start / run capacitor as it was stripping all over the place.

It simply doesn't like long branch run 15a circuits on 12/14-2 wire.. and it doesn't tolerate extension cords unless they are some home made cords that have something like 10g stranded wire and end up being as big as your thumb, or are home-made jumpers to go from outlet to pump made by putting hd ends on a piece of 10-2.

Int he end.. it doesn't like small wire and lots of plug connections.

as a test.. plug it into a dedicated circuit capable of 20a like your washer or refer circuit.. see what it does.