Air compressor problem
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 153
Likes: 2
From: Belle Mead, N.J., U.S.A.
Air compressor problem
I have a 60 gallon 240V Sears compressor. My problem is that the pressure gets to 60 psi and that's it. Cutoff is at 150 psi. The check valve is clean. The tank holds pressure. There are no leaks at any fittings or at the pressure switch. I changed the regulator thinking I had a bad regulator, but problem still exists. I took off the outflow pipe and ran the engine to make sure there was good outflow. Any ideas?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 2,989
Likes: 198
From: Meriden CT
1st problem is that it's a Sears compressor. I consistently got poor performance from any Sears/Craftsman product. Just last night I paid $40 
for a Craftsman garage door opener remote control that took a crap. That said, it must be that pressure switch. I think it's like a water pump in that it starts at whatever "low" it's set at and turns off at the "high" setting.
for a Craftsman garage door opener remote control that took a crap. That said, it must be that pressure switch. I think it's like a water pump in that it starts at whatever "low" it's set at and turns off at the "high" setting.
Racer
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 487
Likes: 0
From: Jacksonville FL
Are you saying that the compressor turns off at 60psi or that it gets up to 60psi and the compressor keeps running with no increase in pressure?
If it turns off at 60psi and you can not adjust the regulator, you need a new regulator. Those are cheap and it's an easy job.
If it pumps up to 60psi and no higher but the compressor keeps running, you probably have a broken reed valve or an internal gasket leak under the head. That’s a little more complicated, but not too bad if you can get the parts.
If it turns off at 60psi and you can not adjust the regulator, you need a new regulator. Those are cheap and it's an easy job.
If it pumps up to 60psi and no higher but the compressor keeps running, you probably have a broken reed valve or an internal gasket leak under the head. That’s a little more complicated, but not too bad if you can get the parts.
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 10,362
Likes: 5
From: San Diego - Deep Within The State of CONFUSION!
I have a 4 year old sears compressor. It wouldn't pump up this past summer, past about 40. It was only a 20 dollar part, available from Sears to fix it. In my case, it was the aluminum tube that rises from the tank inlet to the outlet at the pump. Sears parts had 'em in stock and shipped same day. The fix took fifteen minutes and now it works fine.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 7,720
Likes: 12
From: Chattanooga TN
Sears does not make any of this. Saying all Sears stuff is bad is not really fair. If you cannot make more than 60 psi and it is still running, you may have a bad reed valve or check valve or piston ring issue depending on how it is made.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 2,989
Likes: 198
From: Meriden CT
Sell it as is for what you can get and go buy a real one.
Last edited by SH-60B; Nov 7, 2008 at 02:01 PM. Reason: Get rid of it.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 2,143
Likes: 195
From: Englewood FL
I just had a similar problem with an Ingersoll Rand Compressor that
is 9 months old. The service technician replaced the valve assembly.
He showed me that a very small piece of metal had
become lodged in one valve preventing the valve
from closing. The compressor has two cylinders but one valve not
closing all the way resulted in the compressor only getting to
80 pounds.
Most sears products come with an exploded parts diagram with
part numbers. One nice thing about Sears is their parts
direct for ordering replacement parts.
I would remove the valve assembly. I think you will be able to
see the problem.
is 9 months old. The service technician replaced the valve assembly.
He showed me that a very small piece of metal had
become lodged in one valve preventing the valve
from closing. The compressor has two cylinders but one valve not
closing all the way resulted in the compressor only getting to
80 pounds.
Most sears products come with an exploded parts diagram with
part numbers. One nice thing about Sears is their parts
direct for ordering replacement parts.
I would remove the valve assembly. I think you will be able to
see the problem.
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Cruising
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
From: Harrison OHio
If the motor is still running and the pump will not increase the tank pressure past 60 psi, you have likely broken a valve or piston ring in the compressor pump or else there is a leak.
Check the tank drain on the bottom of the tank to make sure it is closed.
Turn the regulator to zero outlet pressure and see if it will run the compressor and pump the tank up any higher.
You can use soapy water and a paint brush to looks for bubbles from air leaks.
This problem sounds like it is a compressor valve or piston ring.
Check the tank drain on the bottom of the tank to make sure it is closed.
Turn the regulator to zero outlet pressure and see if it will run the compressor and pump the tank up any higher.
You can use soapy water and a paint brush to looks for bubbles from air leaks.
This problem sounds like it is a compressor valve or piston ring.