compressor playing up

[chunkolini]

Hi Guys I have been using this for ahem about 12 years without a hint of maintenance.

Recently it has not been a happy chappie, it seems to be struggling to start sometimes, there is a thermal cut out cunningly concealed under the body work that needs frequent resetting.
I have had a look at the oil and it is clean.
I wondered about an air filter I assume there is one but where? lost the manual years ago.
The top cowl is held on by eight bolts but they also seem to hold the whole thing together. Anybody got any idea what it needs?
it is used for operating my plasma cutter and very rarely spraying.
Chunko'.

 

[tigler]

Almost definitely the symptoms of a failed or failing motor capacitor, easily replaced. You should be ashamed to admit that you have neglected such a willing workhorse sir !

 

[chunkolini]

Mr Tigler
I figured you would be the first responder.
I admit when I dragged it out from under the bench I felt a twinge of guilt.
Where would the starter capacificator live and what would it look like? and where do you get them from?
is their an air filter to look at as well.
I have treated a tool like a fridge.
I will go and sit in the naughty corner.

 

[tigler]

So you should, you are a bad Chunkolini
Pop off the plastic shroud and you will see a cylindrical object on or near the motor, most of them tend to be white but it could be black, grey, blue, brown etc. It could show obvious signs of failure, like bulging or the end plate forced out. Will have 2 wires connecting it to the motor, either push fit on the cap or via a connector plug, or push or screw terminals to the motor. The value and voltage will be stated on the cap. You are looking for a microfarads and voltage.
Maplin keep a limited range but if they don't have it ebay is probably the easiest alternative.
I would advise that you refrain from using it until the cap is replaced, it's very possible to burn out the motor winding with a duff cap.

 

[Seano]

Chunko, the motor capacificator, will be a cylinder shaped item usually attached to the outer case of said electrical type motor, air filter should be under yon cowling you described, so time to break out the tools.

Sean.

 

[Seano]

So you should, you are a bad Chunkolini
Pop off the plastic shroud and you will see a cylindrical object on or near the motor, most of them tend to be white but it could be black, grey, blue, brown etc. It could show obvious signs of failure, like bulging or the end plate forced out. Will have 2 wires connecting it to the motor, either push fit on the cap or via a connector plug, or push or screw terminals to the motor. The value and voltage will be stated on the cap. You are looking for a microfarads and voltage.
Maplin keep a limited range but if they don't have it ebay is probably the easiest alternative.
I would advise that you refrain from using it until the cap is replaced, it's very possible to burn out the motor winding with a duff cap.

Damn, Mr Tigler..... You are far too fast with those digits of yours.. or maybe I am just getting slower.......

 

[pedrobedro]

I had one for a pressure washer. The machine was slowing down and struggling then it stopped altogether, it didn't blow any fuses but when it switched on the lights dimmed in the shed. I stripped it down and the cap was the obvious culprit as the case was melted. I bought one locally for about £7 and fitted it and away it went no more problem. The new cap was a lot smaller physically than the old one but it was the same rating. The SIP compressors I've seen only have a bit of sponge in a plastic case for a filter.

 

[tigler]

Damn, Mr Tigler..... You are far too fast with those digits of yours.. or maybe I am just getting slower.......

It's due to lots of training on this forum

 

[chunkolini]

Fantastic performance boys.
You are a bunch of sad old gits though; the sun is shining and it is Sunday.
Virtual pint all round.
Chunko'.

 

[piman]

Hello Chunko,

if you have a local motor rewind place, that's a good place to try for the capacitor.

Alec

 

[Seano]

Fantastic performance boys.
You are a bunch of sad old gits though; the sun is shining and it is Sunday.
Virtual pint all round.
Chunko'.

Thankee kindly lord chunko......at least twill take my mind off the lastered leg.....

 

[Windy Miller]

Hello Chunko,

if you have a local motor rewind place, that's a good place to try for the capacitor.

Alec

My son works at a rewind place Chunko - let me know if you cant find a capacitor...

 

[tigler]

Thats handy to know

 

[chunkolini]

Nice one to all.
Seano how did the leg get lastered?

 

[MattF]

If you happen to have an old washing machine, lawnmower motor etc. knocking about, just nick the cap off one of those. It'll likely be ample.

 

[eil]

Most of these little compressors have a PSC motor on them its best to get the right capacitor or very near. If you have a clamp on type amp meter you can test the cap first before shelling out for a new one. Do celebrity artiste's have clamp meters though.

 

[chunkolini]

Like this?

So in plain english what is the idiot asking for?
is it 40 microfarads and 400v?
Just thought we have recently had an electrics shop open in town, i might even go and ask them

A clamp meter? how does one meter ones clamps?

 

[tigler]

Yes, 40 microfarads and 400 v. Is it bulged anywhere ?
A clamp meter measures current without physically connecting to the wiring, it is just placed around the conductor and reads by electromagnetic induction.

 

[chunkolini]

No bulging anywhere but under the dust it does look a bit brown and maybe overheated at the business end.

 

[eil]

I thought you wouldn't have a clamp on meter, well its not what an artiste would need really is it so no point in me showing you how to test the cap. you might as well go buy a new one for the price they are. Now answer Tiglers question, is it bulged anywhere.

Too slow typing again !