Air Compressor problem

[HOTRODPRIMER]

I am a long time member but post very little here, usually if it's non automotive related, I posted on the hamb and the thread was deleted and directed to the garage journal.

Easter Sunday evening and into Monday morning we had some sever storms and I spent a week cleaning up the damage, when I was able to get back in the garage I loaded up a couple of axle shafts in the blasting cabinet and turned on the compressor.

Something wasn't right, it sounded completely differed.

My compressor is 240 volt but sounds like it's running slow, admittedly I don't know anything about trouble shooting a compressor, I can wire a car but when it comes to something like this I'm totally lost!

I'm looking for any information, things I might look at that could be the problem. HRP

 

[The Cobbler]

you have 240 volt, not 200.
sounding different could be any number of things. does it seem to reach full as quickly as before?
I'm wondering if you lost compression in one cylinder or something. also how is belt tension?
also do you have 240 across the hots with a meter?

 

[Wrench97]

Seeing the cable from the pressure switch does not go to the motor is there a magnetic starter switch involved?
If this is at a home shop I assume this is a single phase and not a 3 phase motor correct?

 

[HOTRODPRIMER]

you have 240 volt, not 200.
sounding different could be any number of things. does it seem to reach full as quickly as before?
I'm wondering if you lost compression in one cylinder or something. also how is belt tension?
also do you have 240 across the hots with a meter?

I killed the power to the compressor as soon as I realized something was amiss, I didn't let it run more than a few minutes but it didn't seem to be building pressure.

It never occurred to be to check the belts and haven't done anything except ask questions, I will check the belt's tomorrow, we are have thunderstorms and heavy rain right now, HRP

 

[HOTRODPRIMER]

Seeing the cable from the pressure switch does not go to the motor is there a magnetic starter switch involved?
If this is at a home shop I assume this is a single phase and not a 3 phase motor correct?

To be honest I don't know about the pressure switch or a magnetic switch.

I did install the compressor but a professional electrician wired it up so I don't have a clue, this is indeed for my garage, It is outside in a covered shed behind the garage, I assume it is a single phase but again, I know nothing about compressors.

I have been using this compressor for the past 13 years, I have painted a couple of cars and done a lot of sandblasting ,both in a big cabinet and outdoors.

This is the first time I have had a problem. HRP

 

[Wrench97]

Any other electrical in the garage acting up?
If you think the motor is running slow you are going to have to check it with a volt meter and/or amp meter, if it not starting just humming it may be a failing capacitor.

 

[HOTRODPRIMER]

Any other electrical in the garage acting up?
If you think the motor is running slow you are going to have to check it with a volt meter and/or amp meter, if it not starting just humming it may be a failing capacitor.

The compressor is running when the power is on. HRP

 

[930dreamer]

Make sure the tank is drained, X2 on checking that the belts are not slipping, pump is full of oil, air cleaner clean etc.

 

[The Tool Tyrant]

Make sure the tank is drained, X2 on checking that the belts are not slipping, pump is full of oil, air cleaner clean etc.

X2 on all of the above. If it SOUNDS like it's running slow, then as others have stated, check for the slipping belt, which should also come with a little burning rubber smell.
If it's used more than 30 minutes a week, then after 13 years, I would advise doing a valve service.

30 min. X 52 = 26 hrs. X 13 years = 338 hrs.

 

[engineer2]

Shine a flashlight in the ends of the motor to make sure its cooling fan is OK, if it has one.
As mentioned, check the belts.
Does the motor run OK without the belts?
Looks like and older model. Compressors require the valves to be cleaned every so many hours. The debate is how often.

 

[HOTRODPRIMER]

I drain the tank at least once a month, more so if I'm spray primer or paint, I also have a air drier on the inside of the garage. HRP

 

[Citation]

Might be worth checking the caps as well if the belts are good and not slipping.

 

[Citation]

X2 on all of the above. If it SOUNDS like it's running slow, then as others have stated, check for the slipping belt, which should also come with a little burning rubber smell.
If it's used more than 30 minutes a week, then after 13 years, I would advise doing a valve service.

30 min. X 52 = 26 hrs. X 13 years = 338 hrs.

I believe that pump uses reed valves. I'm almost certain that was the model pump my father's compressor had when I was growing up. Very reliable but not the famous R15 with the disc valves. I think that is the VR15.