Small Air Compressor - Initial Set-Up

[Wagtail]

I've recently bought a small replacement air compressor. I've assembled it according to the instructions yet it is not running up to a 'useable' psi. The power source required is a standard (Australian) 220V 50Hz.

My only thinking is that, perhaps, I need to leave it 'plugged in' (not running) to charge up the capacitor.

Am I on the right track?

 

[newbury]

Need more details, like model etc. but I've always just plugged them in and they ran. Also mine always came assembled.

 

[old and tired]

Check your manual again to see if you need to run a break in period... I had a cheap one which required leaving it on for a certain amount of it running (not sure what needed to be seated...)

 

[SPYDERLK]

I've recently bought a small replacement air compressor. I've assembled it according to the instructions [[[yet it is not running up to a 'useable' psi.]]] The power source required is a standard (Australian) 220V 50Hz.

My only thinking is that, perhaps, I need to leave it 'plugged in' (not running) to charge up the capacitor.

[Am I on the right track?]

[[[ What does this mean?]]]
[No.]

 

[masseyrider]

I've recently bought a small replacement air compressor. I've assembled it according to the instructions yet it is not running up to a 'useable' psi. The power source required is a standard (Australian) 220V 50Hz.

My only thinking is that, perhaps, I need to leave it 'plugged in' (not running) to charge up the capacitor.

Am I on the right track?

I've only ever purchased 3 new compressors.
The only assembly they ever needed was attaching things like wheels and handles etc.
The other was putting oil in the compressor.
Never a problem otherwise.
Ask the place where you bought it or call the 800 number of the manufacturer.

 

[Wagtail]

[[[ What does this mean?]]]
[No.]

OK, 'usable psi' means just that... it attempts to pressurise the tank, the psi on the gauge rises to, maybe, 10psi... which is an unusable amount for what I require.

And, yes, the assembly was was simply attaching the handle/wheels & such out of the box... my last compressor worked 'straight out of the box'.

The brand is from a local hardware store (A$100.00) and rated for 150psi.

I'll check the oil level. Ta for that.

As to the "No" answer to my "am I on the right track"? Why do you think I started this thread.

 

[KennyG]

Off the wall question - is the drain valve closed? I've forgotten to close mine before and couldn't figure out why the pressure wasn't coming up.

 

[Wagtail]

Off the wall question - is the drain valve closed? I've forgotten to close mine before and couldn't figure out why the pressure wasn't coming up.

Not off the wall at all! I always drain the tank after use and went out to ensure that the valve is shut. Perhaps it was sticking... we'll see.

I will get back to everyone once I get this thing going.

 

[LittleBill21]

10 psi? either valve is open, or safety valve is open, or compressor is shot

 

[WinterDeere]

You did a really poor job of explaining the problem, and I can't even imagine what you mean by charging a capacitor... on AC power.

Is it running indefinitely, and just never reaching the pressure that would cause it to turn off? If so, then it is one of a few things, in rough order of probability:

1. No outlet fitting connected, it's just open. Many compressors come without an outlet fitting, since there are so many standards, they let you buy and attach whatever you intend to use. Feel for leaking air at one of the ports downstream of regulator.

2. Open or leaking drain cock valve. Put hand around drain, and you'll hear and probably feel if this is leaking or open.

3. Open or leaking emergency pressure blow-off valve. Same thing, put your hand around it, you should hear and feel air rushing out.

4. Belt or coupling between motor and compressor is missing or derailed.

5. Compressor itself is defective. Is this a piston type, diaphragm type, etc? If piston type with oiled crankcase, did it come pre-filled with oil?