Hi, all!
I picked up an air compressor at a yard sale this weekend. I plugged it in and it ran fine; only problem is when I got it home and let it run for a long time, it wouldn't reach more than 40 psi. I tried to find rebuild kits on the web, but came up with diddly. I've heard bad things about Sears Repair (it's an old-ish Craftsman), so I'm at a bit of a loss as to what to do. Thoughts?
-Tim
Look up the model number on the web site. Sears compressors owner's manuals come with an IPB that lists all of the parts, right down to internal parts. You may still be able to get rings, etc. through Sears. If not, you will likely be able to get rings by removing the pistons and mic'ing them.
Before I did that I'd do some of the standard stuff though. Make sure the air cleaner is clean. Take it out and wash it really well. A dirty air cleaner will usually result in oil and moisture in the air stream, but can also result in difficulty building pressure, and this is always a good starting point when performing maintenance on a compressor.
Make sure the check valve in the pump head is not stuck or dirty. Take the air line that runs from the head to the tank and inspect the valve that seats in at the head. Make sure it's free. It should rattle if you shake it. If this valve is stuck shut it will usually manifest itself in difficulties spinning the compressor up (it's a relief valve), however if it is not free it can cause the problem you're seeing as well.
Check your belt tension. A loose belt will keep you from building up pressure as well.
From the "D'oh!" department - make sure the regulator is turned up all the way.
Most of these little compressors don't have any trouble building up pressure if the above things are working correctly.
What Mike said with a couple of adds:
How old is the machine? Also, was there much moisture in the tank? Some of these mass marketed machines seem to have a tank life of about 15 years, even if drained regularly. Take a close look around the tank drain c*ck for signs of rust, air leaks (soap solution with tank pressurized - even 40 psi) or moisture leaks. If the tank is rusted your options are limited. Either pitch it or find a similar machine and combine parts (usually very easy). Most compressor or welding shops will not touch a tank repair.
How long does it take to get to 40psi and does it ever shut itself off? Just wondering if the gage is accurate. If it does shut off you might have a pretty cheap fix.
Most compressor rebuild kits are readily available. Check with a local auto repair shop and find out who services their compressors.
However, if it is one of the oil-free types they may not be worth the trouble.
Dave
A few years ago I faced the same problem. Sears has parts but not a kit, each one has to be individually ordered.
Checking with the local compressor repair place, I found that the compressor itself is one of the better makes but the name escapes me. I opted to let them rebuild it as it was far easier than doing it myself, and if it didnt go right I had somebody to yell at :)
A knowledgeable repair guy can probably tell you the compressors maker, and perhaps from that a rebuild kit can be found.
Sorry I cant be a lot more specific on this, age and time has taken many of the details from me .
LP
You might be able to find some help here...
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