compressor not working what is next to check

[123hotchef]

So my compressor is not working
the main relay is clicking open and sending power out
I have not had time to check deeper to what the problem is yet

what is next to check I presume the black box with whatever is inside,

 

[123hotchef]

ill grab some pics later the only thing I tested was the main in going relay

 

[MCKDAVID]

thermal protection on the motor? mine has a reset button on the side of the motor terminal box? could it have tripped?

 

[123hotchef]

thermal protection on the motor? mine has a reset button on the side of the motor terminal box? could it have tripped?

possible ill have a wee look I know my smaller clarke one has a wee red reset button not sure about this bigger one it is tucked away

 

[normspanners]

the main relay is clicking open and sending power out

??? what does that mean???
if the contactor opens it stops the power to the motor, it is when it clicks in it send the power out to the motor /transmits power.
you seem to have it the other way?

 

[123hotchef]

NO IT IS SENDING POWER OUT. doh caps lock on sorry
the auto drain is working fine the motor just is not kicking in

 

[123hotchef]

reset button was the winner! thought i would fix the leak from the drain too guess what happened next!

 

[MCKDAVID]

If it happens again, maybe worth having a think about what caused it to trip. Thermal trip means the motors working too hard. Oil too thick (too viscous), with the cold weather, would be my favourite at this time of year, but probably worth having a look around to see if there's anything else that could have caused it.

 

[123hotchef]

If it happens again, maybe worth having a think about what caused it to trip. Thermal trip means the motors working too hard. Oil too thick (too viscous), with the cold weather, would be my favourite at this time of year, but probably worth having a look around to see if there's anything else that could have caused it.

I think you may be right the cold weather made the oil a bit thick it worked perfectly fine yesterday now it is a bit warmer

 

[normspanners]

We have had a reduction in similar compressor posts this year normally had 5-6 by now-------- AND its been colder than most years ---- WHATS GOING ON ??
AH thats it---- too cold----- to do any work, so compressors havnt been used

 

[MCKDAVID]

^^ that sounds about right......

 

[123hotchef]

I thought i would address the leaky drain valve too last night wish I had not bothered just tweak it up a bit! snap! 2 hours later drilled and tapped new tappered nipple fitted with air line sealant jobs a good un! was I cursing last night! still have a small leak from the cut pressure release pipe though

 

[MCKDAVID]

ball ache - but at least it's fixed... aye the old adage of "if it's not broke, don't fix it".... or more usually in my case "fix it until it is"

 

[123hotchef]

trying to lift the fooker up as not to spill the oil out was fun its a heavy beast

 

[MCKDAVID]

I cheated when I did mine, rolled it onto the bike lift, and lifted it with that, then took the lifts rear tyre plate out, full access... be screwed now, since I built it into the frame with the spare tank to increase capacity.
Hope you extended the valve out to beyond the bottom of the compressor at the same time, that way, you just flick the valve open and closed with your boot.... easy to drain it down..

 

[123hotchef]

I cheated when I did mine, rolled it onto the bike lift, and lifted it with that, then took the lifts rear tyre plate out, full access... be screwed now, since I built it into the frame with the spare tank to increase capacity.
Hope you extended the valve out to beyond the bottom of the compressor at the same time, that way, you just flick the valve open and closed with your boot.... easy to drain it down..

my one has the eletronic solenoid fitted! easy peasy just forget about it

 

[123hotchef]

 

[MCKDAVID]

nice one, thought about it, but came to the conclusion it was easier to keep it simple, the valve is right in the main access, so a quick boot, open / shut - done.. just thought that I have enough projects without adding more complications. That said, I might end up doing it later when I finish closing the compressor all in for the noise... we'll see..

 

[MCKDAVID]

just looking at your photo. Are you running the compressor without the fan motor cooling shroud? if you are that might explain why it tripped on thermal overload... the fan blades are designed to push the flow over the cooling fins, without the shroud all the air goes straight up and down vertically away from the motor. if you understand what I mean..

 

[123hotchef]

i ordered my valve from china it was cheap enough, that compressor the drain is on the rear and I cant get into the corner easy to drain it I didnt bother with the other compressor abouve i can reach that just fine