Air compressor question

[centaurus]

Hi guys,

About a year ago I bought an air compressor from SuperCheap auto for general bike repair needs and in the hope as using it for power washing my car too. I wasn't planning to run any serious tools off it so I bought a small (cheap) one.

I haven't used it in the last 3-4 months. A few days ago I started it and discovered that it wouldn't turn over. If you give it a push it starts and works but it can't start spining by itself (I can hear the electrical buzz in the motor though).

Once it's spinning it will go ok until it reaches the pressure where it should turn off. Instead of turning off it slows right down and even if I turn it off and then back on, unless I drop the pressure in the tank back to zero, it won't get any faster (it won't start spining either, but once I nudge it, it starts spining but at a much lower speed than normal).

Checked the oil, check that the actual air pump (piston and cylinder) turn easily and smoothly. It seems to be an electrical problem.

Any of you knows what it can be and/or how to fix it? Is it worth getting it to a sparky or it would be too expensive to repair?

[YellowDog]

I use one myself. Got it off Trademe nice and cheap. There is a water drain plug and if you don't drain the built up fluid, this might cause it to stop?

[toycollector10]

I'd take it back. It's not of merchantable quality or whatever the wording is. It should work properly for at least a year, even if it's used every day.

[cave weta]

I'd take it back. It's not of merchantable quality or whatever the wording is. It should work properly for at least a year, even if it's used every day.

He's right you know- But I would say that you have used it on a long extension lead and the stop starts under load and with current drop from the lead - Has caused the Capacitor to burn out and now its not getting its KICK to get it started.

[tri boy]

+1 with the weta man.
Capacitor.
Ya get what ya pay for.

[SARGE]

hi guys,

about a year ago i bought an air compressor from supercheap auto for general bike repair needs and in the hope as using it for power washing my car too. I wasn't planning to run any serious tools off it so i bought a small (cheap) one.

I haven't used it in the last 3-4 months. A few days ago i started it and discovered that it wouldn't turn over. If you give it a push it starts and works but it can't start spining by itself (i can hear the electrical buzz in the motor though).

Once it's spinning it will go ok until it reaches the pressure where it should turn off. Instead of turning off it slows right down and even if i turn it off and then back on, unless i drop the pressure in the tank back to zero, it won't get any faster (it won't start spining either, but once i nudge it, it starts spining but at a much lower speed than normal).

Checked the oil, check that the actual air pump (piston and cylinder) turn easily and smoothly. It seems to be an electrical problem.

Any of you knows what it can be and/or how to fix it? Is it worth getting it to a sparky or it would be too expensive to repair?

those are throwaway chinese compressors.. Just chuck them and go buy a new one every 18 months or so .. Or i could sell you a good one ...

[F5 Dave]

He's right you know- But I would say that you have used it on a long extension lead and the stop starts under load and with current drop from the lead - Has caused the Capacitor to burn out and now its not getting its KICK to get it started.

I was using one on an extn cord & it wouldn't start in the cold. Plug to wall socket & was all good again. No damage done luckily.

[rickstv]

Capacitor, located in a small compartment on the side of the electric motor.
Remove it and take it to a motor rewinder to show him, He will sell you a new one for a few bucks. Probably a 10UF rated 277 VAC.
Rick.:

[Pixie]

Capacitor, located in a small compartment on the side of the electric motor.
Remove it and take it to a motor rewinder to show him, He will sell you a new one for a few bucks. Probably a 10UF rated 277 VAC.
Rick.:

Could also be a burnt out starter winding.Go back to SCA

[centaurus]

those are throwaway chinese compressors.. Just chuck them and go buy a new one every 18 months or so .. Or i could sell you a good one ...

Thanks for the offer SARGE. PM me with specs and a price. I will add it to my options list.

[huff3r]

Could also be a burnt out starter winding.Go back to SCA

If its out of Warranty theyll just say "not our problem"

Theres a good reason the compressors are cheap, and if its one of the older "superworks air" models then it is absolute junk. We had 3 out of 4 returned within a month of purchase when i was still working there, dunno if the new blackridge branded ones are much better, but they seemed to come back less often...

[bungbung]

if its one of the older "superworks air" models then it is absolute junk. We had 3 out of 4 returned within a month of purchase

I must have got a good one, I have had mine for 5 years now and it's had a absolute hiding.

[SARGE]

thanks for the offer sarge. Pm me with specs and a price. I will add it to my options list.

ive pm'd ya a number... Gimme a ring and we can suss out what ya need

[tri boy]

http://www.spraytech.co.nz/hp1.asp
Or, ring my boss.

[RideLife]

Looking at what to buy as a compressor for my business.
Would be used mainly for inflating M/c tyres onto rims. So thinking good air flow through the 10 meters of hose might be important??
Want it small to carry in the van, but big enough to bead tyres to the rim.
Are there any DC volt systems that could run off a 12v battery?
Don't want cheap and unreliable.
May be used for spray painting occasionally.

Anyone want to sell me something?

Racey.