compressor capacitor help

[Vmax1974]

I have a clarke 3hp 14cfm compressor (will get exact model later) that i accuired cheap anyway its not been used in a while cause the pressure control switch got damaged so I got a new switch and fitted it (firing the ring on the relief valve into my finger between the knuckle and out the other side in the process even have pics to prove) anyway I tried firing up the compressor and it struggled into life got upto pressure cut out at the right time but when it came to build pressure again it couldn't manage to start up and tripped the breaker to the workshop

I am suspecting its the capacitor thats at fault but what capacitor should I be fitting to avoid this problem in the future

any advice greatly appreciated

thanks

dave

 

[brightspark]

have a look on the one u have it will have its uf value stamped on it

 

[droopsnoot]

Yes, best to check what's already there. I had a similar issue on my Sealey 3hp compressor a while back, the one I bought for it was 70uF 450VAC and I found one on eBay for about a tenner.

One thought, given the temperature - is there an issue with the current supply rather than the capacitor? I've had difficulties running mine down an extension lead, in colder weather it would blow the fuse in the RCD because the drop along the length of the extension was sufficient to increase the load. In fact the other day I had the same issue plugged directly into the mains socket, fuses blowing before the motor starts, until I ran a heater to warm up and thin out the oil a bit.

 

[Vmax1974]

To be fair I only paid 20 quid for It off a woman round the corner kinda had her eyes out on it but needs must

thanks for the help I will have a look and sort it out next week

 

[B1N9S]

Try emailing Clarke customer services. They are very helpful. I bought a spares/repairs (Ebay) silent 24ltr 4.5CFM SSHH compressor that needed a new cylinder head valve and some odd screws and stuff and they sorted me out. Ended up being a real bargain, considering they are nearly £900 new !!!!

Or try and download the manual for your unit from their site. It will most likely have the details in there.

 

[B1N9S]

2min search. There you go mate. This covers a 50ltr 14.5CFM Clarke 'Raider' ?

https://www.clarkeservice.co.uk/manuals/compressors/raider55-105.pdf

 

[Ton-up]

Also check the pressure relief valve (non-return or one way valve) on the pump to tank pipe if it has one. If these get stuck open then the pumps trying to overcome air pressure.

 

[droopsnoot]

try changing the oil, old mans wouldn't start in the cold, swapped the compressor oil (gloopy) for 10W40 motor oil...starts without issue in the cold and actually sounds quieter...

That's an interesting one - I've wondered about whether mine needs changing as even directly into the mains socket it was hard to start last time I tried.

 

[Vmax1974]

Ok I have had a look at the capacitors and it seems there's 2 different ones a smaller one

cd60
200uf 0~30%
250VAC -10/+55°C
50/60Hz

and the other is

65uF+/-5% 50/60Hz
450VAC 3000h
40/85/21 Po #

in short not a clue should these both be the same

the compressor is a clarke tiger 14/60 turbo

 

[eil]

They are different because one is a start cap and the other smaller one is a run cap.

 

[B1N9S]

Service manual here.

https://www.clarkeservice.co.uk/manuals/compressors/tiger1460.pdf

Like I said. Give Clarke a call, they are very helpful.

Parts: 0115 956 1805

Service: 0115 956 1809

 

[Vmax1974]

Thanks gor that I did email them 2 weeks ago but they never replied will try calling sometime next week