Tweaking Air Compressor Max PSI

[Black Z Eddie]

Is there a way to tweak an air compressor's max PSI to a higher number? I'd almost think maybe there's an adjustment that allows the motor to run a little longer each fill up.

[Uncle Buck]

Probably is a way; I am sure you could likely change an adjustment on the pressure limit switch........Now lets discuss that new compressor you plan to replace this one with! :lol_hitti

[russlaferrera]

Yes you can. Adjustment is in the pressure switch.

Question, Why do you want to change it?

The higher the pressure the faster the compressor wears out from the added stress on the parts. Higher pressure will not compensate for low CFM output. If the volume (output) is insufficient for the work you are doing. You need a larger compressor. The higher pressure will give you more work time... until the compressor cuts in. Then it takes longer to reach the cutout pressure setting, so your down time is longer. So when you average your work time it will be the same. Your gain... you can get a new compressor sooner.

[Black Z Eddie]

I was just wondering just in case I needed to. It would be on a temporary and worst case scenario basis. My air compressor is used seldom. Basically, just to air my tires and remove my wheels to check/replace the brakes. Sometime in the future, I may do some suspension mods and I hear some those nuts can be a bitch to loosen.

[Junkman]

I was just wondering just in case I needed to. It would be on a temporary and worst case scenario basis. My air compressor is used seldom. Basically, just to air my tires and remove my wheels to check/replace the brakes. Sometime in the future, I may do some suspension mods and I hear some those nuts can be a bitch to loosen.

If that be the case, then buy a air gun that uses the available air more effficiently.......i.e better quality!!!

[Vicegrip]

X2 on the junkman.

A little heat on the nut and then hit it with an air gun driven at 90 psi. Some air tool oil shot in just before hitting the trigger sometimes makes a gun hit a little harder than it might other wise. Go higher pressure only as a last resort as it bangs up the tool.

I saw the after math of a compressor that was set to a pressure far above the norm. guy stacked a nut on the adjuster lever and cranked it down to almost full mechanical lock. compressor worked for about 2 weeks before a reed valve came apart and some of it fell into a cylinder trashing it so bad the crankcase pressurized and blew a lot of oil out the case vent.

[Danglerb]

Penetrating oils can help too, PB Blaster, Kroil, liquid wrench, shoot it on, wait, shoot on some more, hit it with the impact, maybe in both directions, smack with a hammer, more oil, etc. Working at home, taking your time can replace a lot of FTLBS.

[Black Z Eddie]

It seems the consensus is "don't do it!". Don't tweak the factory settings.

I have a Husky gun rated at 600 FWD/735 REV ft lbs. But, my compressor is only 10 gal at 125 psi. So, I guess my course of action when/if I come across those tough nuts: 1st) patience+heat+oil; 2nd) bigger and higher flowing compressor and some heat+oil.

[Rusty67]

I've done suspension on 40 year old cars and 4 year old cars. Basically, my cheap impact has been able to handle everything I've thrown at it. There was one time recently where I could have used some extra juice but I got the nut off eventually.

As far as penetraiting oils go, forget PB blaster. Liquid wrench is the way to go. I read an article on it and it literally works 2 times better. You can also make your own penetraiting oil using an ATF-Acetone mix in a 1:1 ratio. This works way better then the Liquid Wrench but can be messy.