8 Gallon Air Compressor Not Pressurizing

[MattMotoWeldGarage]

Hi, I have a Campbell Hausfeld HU5000000 air compressor which is not pressurizing. It's a 3.8 cfm @ 90 psi, 8 gallon number.

I took it apart a bit to see what's up. The motor itself works and it is pumping out air. So I don't think the issue is the motor but after.

I don't think the tank is leaking but it could be hard to tell. The drain valve is closed and the relief valve is closed too.

Any thoughts on what might be going on? I guess the main regulator could be bad but would that prevent it from building pressure?

Thanks!

 

[The Cobbler]

first thing look for a leak using soapy water at all the connections. include the pressure regulator, coupler... everything that has air pressure to it .
if all that's OK, its very likely the piston ring or reed valves .
doesn't look like much in the way of parts available . best of luck with it being repairable

 

[MattMotoWeldGarage]

Decided to take one last look and pulled off the head. One of the reed valve augered into the piston. The sleeve looks decent enough to throw another one in there and see how it goes.

 

[MattMotoWeldGarage]

OK cleaned up the piston as much as possible. The ring is about 90% there but did take some flak with a small rip in it which may reduce efficiency. Did install the new reed, buttoned up and now get to 150 psi per spec.

One issue remains - or is it an issue? The unloader valve (the thing that triggers the shutoff at pressure) leaks continuously while tank filling to cutoff. Is that normal? There is a hole designed in the valve but I don't understand the concept of its operation. The compressor does hold air when it's shut off.

It takes about 3-4 min to fully pressurize but I haven't accurately timed it.

 

[The Cobbler]

snap a picture of where it's leaking. there shouldn't be any leaks anywhere

 

[MattMotoWeldGarage]

This guy right here. BTW - the check valve to the tank is in great condition so it's not that.

 

[The Cobbler]

the only time that should leak air is when the compressor shuts down , then the pressure control valve allows the little pin needle to get depressed and blow off air pressure . for a small leak I'd probably not worry too much about it . you could remove it & see if yo can clean it out , it might just be some rust or debris stuck in it .

 

[RTM]

the only time that should leak air is when the compressor shuts down , then the pressure control valve allows the little pin needle to get depressed and blow off air pressure . for a small leak I'd probably not worry too much about it . you could remove it & see if yo can clean it out , it might just be some rust or debris stuck in it .

Mine had **** in it, quick clean did wonders, and only took a few minutes.