Air compressor regulator

[Codyboy]

Are these all the same junk?
Every compressor I've had the regulator freezes up and won't turn. (Yes I popped out the lock before trying)
Granted it doesn't get exercised too much.
Is there a way to free it up without breaking it?

 

[whateg01]

If it's freezing, you need to get the moisture out. I've never had that issue with any regulator.

 

[Codyboy]

Lol. Not freezing due to ice build up. It's 90° here.
The valve won't turn . It's locked up. It's "froze up " is a term often used at least around here when something is rusted shut, or can't be moved.
Can these be taken apart , lubed or something?

 

[mm08822]

Try it with the spring adjuster at 12:00 ish so gravity helps it drain debris. Would need to move gauge to the other port (if it has a 2nd port).

 

[Codyboy]

Try it with the spring adjuster at 12:00 ish so gravity helps it drain debris. Would need to move gauge to the other port (if it has a 2nd port).

I'm not understanding.
The knob is not rotating so I can't adjust air pressure.

 

[mm08822]

Once (if) you get it working, re-position it.

Try a multi-vibe tool in contact with it while torquing the knob both directions. Maybe that will free it up.

 

[vwpieces]

Granted it doesn't get exercised too much.

Pretty much answered yourself...
Also drain tank as recommended in manual or might be a sticker on tank.
But what the comment on spring at 12 o'clock, turn regulator knob to the sky. Relocate the gauge. Likely another plugged hole to still have it visible

 

[Codyboy]

Once (if) you get it working, re-position it.

Try a multi-vibe tool in contact with it while torquing the knob both directions. Maybe that will free it up.

Pretty much answered yourself...
Also drain tank as recommended in manual or might be a sticker on tank.
But what the comment on spring at 12 o'clock, turn regulator knob to the sky. Relocate the gauge. Likely another plugged hole to still have it visible

Ok I understand now.
Not sure if it can do that with current setup but see what I can do to get it pointed up.

 

[Codyboy]

I was able to free it up using channeloks.
It was tightened all the way . It moves freely now.

 

[Nofries]

Mine, (not like yours) was not adjusting the pressure and turned extremely hard to the point I thought it was going to break. I ended up tearing it completely apart and cleaning it. They are pretty simple and just use two opposing springs to regulate the pressure with some O-rings and orifices'. Simplified, they may have different designs. Mine now moves freely and adjusts as it should after disassembly and cleaning.

 

[johninct]

Throw the regulator away, you will be much happier.

 

[Codyboy]

Throw the regulator away, you will be much happier.

Words of wisdom right there. Just depends on what you're referring to as a "regulator".
I can think of a few things that fit that description.