air compressor help

[flashback]

last summer I bought one of those small compressors from pep boys for about 90 bucks which i use to run nail guns.. worked like a charm all summer but now that its cold out it doesn't like to start.. I set it in the front floor board of my truck on the way to the job so the heater will warm it up.. once it's warm it runs fine.. Im thinking that the oil in it must get too thick and bogs the motor down..I will try a different oil but don't know what kind. would 5w 30w work or should i find something else. maybe auto trans fluid? Thanks Flash

 

[Ben Konopacky]

Re: air compressor help

question. does your comp. need OIL ,most of these new gen.comp.are (oiless) if it needs oil,use an oil made for compressors ,its foamless .you might want to check the voltage drop at the motor to see if it has the proper v.(not 95/100v )110/120.<br />if v. is good check for failing capacitor if the motor is equipped w/one..

 

[Barlow]

Re: air compressor help

@ $90 I'm assuming this is an electric compressor so running it off of long extension cords, multiple cord connections and small gauge cords could also aid the problem as any one of the combinations could also.. usually its a power problem.<br /><br />on a side note: have you drained the tank recently?? another thing that can hamper the performance is fluid/water build-up in the tank .. not to mention hard on the nail guns. <br /><br />If you change the oil out try using a synthetic.. they benifit by doing so if yours applies.

 

[Terry H]

Re: air compressor help

flashback, I can see that you splurged when you bought that compressor. Most those inexpensive compressors are oilless and have a plastic sleeve that the piston runs in. Along with the too small of wires and crummy motor and control, if it was used all summer you may have just wore it out. You may just have to warm it up a little to get it to run again...just a thought

 

[ndemge]

Re: air compressor help

We have one of those harbor freight specials here at work, been using it for a couple years. It's always indoors, so can't say anything for the temp..<br /><br />BUT, if I hook it to a regular extension cord, it will not run, or even try.<br /><br />If I hook to a BEEFY 12awg 20' cord, it will start just fine.<br /><br />run a chop saw off a 100' of 14 awg and you'll probably burn up the motor... same goes for the compressor.

 

[flashback]

Re: air compressor help

BenLucky, Yea it does take oil in the crankcase. thats why I bought it, I have had the oiless ones paid 250 or 300 for and have burned them out. but I will check the voltages.. I never use an extension cord, always plug it directly into the outlet..<br />Barlow, no drop cords, been down that road.. I do drain the tank every day.. synthetic oil may be the answer. thanks<br />Chief, Yep I splurged. cheapest one I ever seen, but it does have a cast iron cylinder, the head and crankcase are aluminum.. motor looks pretty good size, I know it will pop a 15 amp breaker when its cold. after it has run for a minute or two, it is just fine.. I thought if i got one with oil in it. it would last longer but I may have shot myself in the foot..

 

[ndemge]

Re: air compressor help

just looked, one here at work, el cheapo, also has oil, not sealed unit.<br /><br />been happy as can bee with this lil pos here. if it dies, we will probably buy one just like it again.

 

[LubeDude]

Re: air compressor help

Well, I thought I posted, Must have had one of those moments. You know, like Ladyfish has sometimes.<br /><br />Well, Its a very common problem with oil type compressors, expensive or not. They usually rquire a machine type oil, (Non detergent). I would reccomend a synthetic, but you might have a time finding a synthetic compressor oil. Dont use automotive oil. I do know that Amsoil sells one and it works great. It will also help your cheap little compressor last longer.

 

[Terry H]

Re: air compressor help

flashback, sometimes I have seen #16 wire in the chords that come with these imported tools. Might be a time to buy a new chord...Chief

 

[eurolarva]

Re: air compressor help

Make sure the 110 plug is clean and has no tarnish. If so clean them with sandpaper till they shine. My compressor has similar problems and will blow fuses if the contacts are not clean. Also make sure tank is empty when starting cold.

 

[Terry H]

Re: air compressor help

could be eurolarva hit on something, there should be a compression release on the powerhead to allow the unit to start without any backpressure. If it's not there, or not operating properly you might need to dump all the air in the tank before starting cold, or fix the pressure release. just a nother thought

 

[flashback]

Re: air compressor help

ndemge, Yep I think i like the one I have too, especially in the summer. anyway, I have been letting it ride in the front floor of the truck and the heater keeps it warm enough to start up just fine. (although my helper is complaining that his feet are cold ). <br /><br />Lubedude, was hoping you'd get in on this, I'll check around for some amsoil, maybe it will help..by the way, I hope your not suffering from what Lasyfish has, I heard it was contagious.<br /><br /> <br /><br />Chief, The cord appears to be thick enough, but I will open the switch and check it just to make sure, never know, it might be all insulation and no wire <br /><br />eurolarva, plug is clean and I always drain the tank and leave the drain open until I use it again.. as a matter of fact,, If I'm not using the nailgun very often I will leave the drain open a bit just to bleed off some air so the machine will cycle once in a while.. (keeps it warm) <br /><br />Thanks guys for all the input...Flash

 

[ZmOz]

Re: air compressor help

I recently put some Amsoil compressor oil in my compressor, the compressor runs noticeably quieter, especially when it's cold. That must mean it's not working as hard...