air compressor issue

[steve-in-ga]

I've got a husky air compressor in my shop and it has started running sluggish and will not build up enough pressure anymore to cut-off automatically. The motor will slow down and almost stop before I shut it off manually. Seems worse when it's cold out. It has an Emerson single phase motor wired for 120v connected to the compressor by way of a belt. I'm trying to determine where the problem may be.

 

[leroy in ne]

If this is a piston type compressor have you checked/changed the oil. I highly recommend Amzoil 0w50 compressor oil as it solved a fuse blowing problem at temps below 20 degrees that occured with recommended 20 weight non detergent.

 

[leroy in ne]

also check your power cord for loose connections and or damage such as broken strands and no extension cords.

 

[Stephen Newell]

I would start with checking the electrical. If it's portable, try plugging it into another outlet closer to the main box. If that doesn't help it check the cord. How old is the air compressor?

 

[DoubleO7]

Run it again until motor bogs way down again.
Take belt off and power it up to see if motor is still bogged or free running normal.

Turn compressor by hand also.

Is either motor or bottom of compressor to hot to keep your hand on them?

 

[K Effective]

I had the "head gasket" fail on mine- allowed air to short circuit from exhaust to intake side on one cylinder. The other cylinder was fine, but it would just run forever not making enough pressure to trip the switch. The motor would then eventually trip on thermal overload. When running, I was able to feel air sucked into one air filter inlet, no flow in to the other.

I made a new gasket and it has run fine ever since.

 

[Steve A W]

What is the pressure when this happens?

 

[RM-MN]

Check the belt. As belts age they can get a glaze on them. A slipping belt will take lots more power than one that is gripping properly.

 

[steve-in-ga]

You nailed it. It was the compressor and not the motor that was slowing down due to a loose belt. Runs like new again now.

 

[Russ from MN]

The quick way to troubleshoot a belt slipping is to hold a wrench or some smooth object on the belt to tighten it, if you feel comfortable doing this. As long as your doing compressor maintenance, if it's oil lubricated you should check the oil, or even better change it.