Husky air compressor problem

[deerefan]

I have had a Husky air compressor from home depot for about a year or so now. The other night, it would not pump up higher than 60 psi. It has a 5.5hp motor w/ a 26 gallon tank. Any ideas? It is oilless motor, maintenance free. Can't seem to figure it out. /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

 

[gsganzer]

Two potential problems come to mind.
1. Worn cylinder rings (not likely if you have average usage in the past 1.5 years)

2. Stuck reed valve.

 

[Bird]

Or a broken reed valve. As I've mentioned before, if you have a manual and a place of obtain parts, you can completely rebuild one of those in well under an hour. Does the manual include an exploded view? And does someone else, such as DeVilbiss, build them for Husky and Home Depot? A broken reed valve was the first thing that happened to my oilless Craftsman and the parts would have cost about $13.00 if it hadn't been still under warranty.

 

[deerefan]

What type of noise did it make? Mine sounds like an exhaust leak. There are no air leaks when I shut it off.

 

[Bird]

When mine had a broken reed valve, it didn't sound any different except that it could run continuously and never get above 30 psi. I'd never be able to diagnose yours just from us trying to verbally describe the sounds, but you probably have a broken or stuck reed valve although it's possible that the teflon has worn off the cylinder or the piston ring is worn out. Any of those things are simple to fix if you have the parts.

 

[deerefan]

Thanks for the help, Bird. I was considering a new compressor!

 

[Bird]

Let's hope we're not overlooking the simplest thing first. /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif You say it sounds like an exhaust leak? Have you checked the pressure relief valve to make sure it isn't what's leaking? I wouldn't think that would be likely, but quite possible.

 

[RonR]

Deere, I hope you aren't thinking of PAYING for a new compressor! The cheapest compressor should last more than 2 yrs even under heavy use and abuse!

I have a husky in the garage that has seen sparse use--bought it in 1975 and although the tank has rusted out (and I patched it once), it still works. I had to get a bigger one to paint with, but this is still functioning. 30+ yrs!

ron

 

[kenmac]

make sure the line from the compressor to the tank is not cracked or loose at the fittings . There should be a fitting in the tank . The line from the compressor goes into this fitting. On my compressor it is a check valve & only lets air into the tank but, not . If this line or fitting is cracked , you would hear air leaking when the compressor is running but, not when it shuts off.

 

[Jagmandave]

I bought a Craftsman oiless and used it less than a week before it quit pumping. I took it back and bought a regular Capmbell Hausfeld that I've now had over 10 years and it still works as new. I prefer the old "oiled" type, it's a lot quieter too!

PS I'm betting on a broken reed valve too.......