Posted: 5/30/2009 7:58:10 PM EDT
| I lucked in to a second 230v 5hp/30gal Craftsman air compressor a few weeks ago, but its having an issue with the control valve not shutting off the motor. The tank is filling correctly with air, and reaching proper PSI levels, but its simply not switching off (and the motor continues to run). Is this a common issue with certain compressors, and anything specific to look for? Thanks! |
| Had the same issue with an old Cam. Hausfeld. Look at the contacts where the power wires come in...the contacts had welded together from an arc from a short and broke one of the little spring loaded gimos on the pressure switch as well. Just replaced the entire assembly $40 part. |
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When I did pneumatic repair, had this same issue crop up regularly. It's probably only an adjustment issue, usually done by somebody who doesn't understand clockwise vs. counterclockwise. There will be a little diagram of the adjusters on the underside of the pressure switch cover, unless the cover has 'gotten lost', which will tell you somebody has been adjusting it (badly).
Best advice is to make your adjustments gradually if possible, like 1/2 turn at a time; shut it off manually, adjust, and then vent pressure so you can let the unit run back up to where you would like it to shut off. Then repeat if needed until it clicks off at the right pressure. The switches also do get gummed up by dust, esp. if the cover is missing and the innards are open to the air. Oil vapor from the pump's crankcase breather will make every bit of airborne dust stick to the moving parts of the switch and make it work erratically. Worst case, you will have to R&R the switch. Not a big expense if the comp is otherwise good to go. Thanks, Steve |