HF 21 gallon air compressor problem

[toyotadriver]

I recently bought a HF air compressor. Actually, I've had it awhile but haven't used it. I did the run and change the oil several times (lots of gunk came out) and then was using very occasionally with no issues.

Couple days ago, I went to use it and it won't start. Attempts to and then trips the motor breaker. I can hold down the pressure relief on the pump head and turn it on and off and eventually it'll get up to speed and when it does, it pumps up to full pressure and then shuts off like it should. Getting the motor spinning seems to be the problem but when it's up to speed, it runs fine.

Anyone experience this? What did you do to fix it?

I know I know......it's a HF....throw it away and buy a new one! I have a nice 60 gallon compressor and it works great. However, I wanted a more portable one for the house that could actually handle more air than my other very small air compressor. It wasn't planned to be used much...but the way it's working, I can't use it at all.

Thanks

 

[fitz11]

Are you located somewhere with freezing temperatures? Mine did the same thing when it got below zero outside. Changing the oil to a lighter weight synthetic solved the problem.

 

[goforride57]

Are you using it with an extension cord? If so, plug it directly into a wall outlet.
Any idea what guage wire is feeding the electrical outlet?

If you're not using an extension cord, and your circuit is wired 12ga wire and 20 amp outlet, I would check the start capacitor on the motor and verify it is working properly.

http://m.wikihow.com/Check-a-Start-Capacitor

 

[toyotadriver]

Are you using it with an extension cord? If so, plug it directly into a wall outlet.
Any idea what guage wire is feeding the electrical outlet?

If you're not using an extension cord, and your circuit is wired 12ga wire and 20 amp outlet, I would check the start capacitor on the motor and verify it is working properly.

http://m.wikihow.com/Check-a-Start-Capacitor

I'm a *******. I was using it on an extension cord. It was a 12 ga cord but still a cord. Plugged it directly into an outlet and it works fine.

 

[anndel]

glad you figured it out and fixed it