Older Craftsman air compressor won’t run tools

[bubbas45]

Howdy, folks. I have an early 2000s Craftsman model 919.167342, 33 gal, horizontal air compressor. I fired it up yesterday for the first time in years. It builds and holds pressure, but won’t run tools properly. For example, an impact wrench initially ran fine, but slowed down to barely turning after a few seconds. I don’t hear any air leaks.

Does this sound like a problem with the check valve? If not that, then what?

thanks, bws

 

[Zewnten]

What pressure does it build to? Do you know if the gauge is reading accurately?

 

[Mick56]

A small air hose can do that.

 

[dchawk81]

Rig up a gauge for the tool end to see what pressure the tool sees. Most tools want 90psi to operate properly.

And don't expect a lot of run time out of a 33 gallon.

 

[Sumboodie]

Rig up a gauge for the tool end to see what pressure the tool sees. Most tools want 90psi to operate properly.

And don't expect a lot of run time out of a 33 gallon.

Should be able to run most tools with that size compressor. The one I have runs my plasma cutter even.

 

[dchawk81]

Should be able to run most tools with that size compressor. The one I have runs my plasma cutter even.

Runtime means duration. High flow tools just don't run long on small gallons. Like whizzy wheels and such.

 

[PoorUB]

Could be something as simple as a plugged up air hose.

 

[Sumboodie]

Runtime means duration. High flow tools just don't run long on small gallons. Like whizzy wheels and such.

All depends on the pump that's on it too.

 

[dchawk81]

All depends on the pump that's on it too.

Indeed.

 

[bubbas45]

Thanks, folks. PoorUB might have called it. I had immediately assumed the problem had to be with the long-unused compressor. A different hose worked fine. I put the other hose back on and, lo, it worked as well. When I was cleaning the compressor the other day, I noticed some insect had filled in the shroud screw holes with dirt, as well as the output connector. I reckon I must have not cleaned the connector as well as I thought. Either debris got in the hose or perhaps more likely the connector was still partially blocked.

Now to put this up on CL.

bws