Compressor pressure switch issues.

[Voi]

I can't get my CAT 5510se to kick back on until the tank is completely empty.

I cleaned the check valve and re-tensioned the spring slightly.

I have fiddled with the pressure switch and could occasionally get the compressor to kick back on at tank pressures of around 30 PSI but it wasn't repeatable, meaning I could fill it, have the motor kick off around 90 PSI and then kick back on at around 30 PSI and start filling again. But then if I drained the tank again without making any adjustments it wouldn't kick on again until the tank was empty.

A differential of around 60 PSI was the best I could do despite many sessions yesterday of filling and draining the tank and adjusting the kick-off and differential screws.

On CAT's website they have a picture on their trouble shooting page about testing the pressure switch. I'll post a screen grab below.

If I stop draining the tank and press the equivalent button on my pressure switch the motor kicks on every time.

In the picture below they just say "if this starts the motor it is bad contacts".

So my question is, which contacts exactly?

I know many are going to recommend a new pressure switch. But if I'm ordering I'm going to replace the check valve and the blow off valve while I'm at it. Even before shipping costs I'm already at 46% of what I paid new for the compressor five years ago. At that point I would need to consider moving on to a new portable compressor.

I tried to get through to California Air Tools this morning with no luck. I assume Covid-19 related.

Attached are a picture from CAT's trouble shooting page. No further instructions than this.

Also attached is a picture of the type of pressure switch I have.

Any help appreciated.

 

[marinusdees]

No pictures.

 

[Voi]

No pictures.

Thank you for letting me know. I added pictures to my post.

 

[TonyJ]

I would just go to rural kings website and order a switch or to one of their stores and buy a new switch. I just bought two from them just 2 hours ago and their only 14.99 a piece and made just like yours. They have several. 105/135, 125/150, 145/175 and all of them are 14.99.


Tony

 

[zendriver]

My experience is that pressure switched either work near perfect, or not for **** and no amount of "fiddling" seems to get them in line.

Agree, replace the switch. Not sure why anyone would need to replace the check and blow off valves on a 5 year old compressor, especially since they are not part of the problem.

 

[The Cobbler]

bad pressure switch for sure. from past experience, I would go a little higher that the $15 specials, I've had them croak in a week .

 

[TonyJ]

bad pressure switch for sure. from past experience, I would go a little higher that the $15 specials, I've had them croak in a week .

If he is running the motor load thru the pressure switch then I agree even tho his looks like a condor model 11 which is the same as the ones from rural king for $15. But if he is controlling a motor starter then the condors will work just fine


Tony

 

[Citation]

Assuming your 5510SE is like my 5510A, this is a cheap Lefoo switch
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00QHYERH0/?tag=atomicindus08-20

These are generic switches and the pressure ranges can always be adjusted. You just need to make sure the features are correct. In this case I think (from memory) you need the 4 way base and the unloader valve.

Be careful when removing the switch. The glue cat used to stop leaks is tough stuff. Removing my switch assembly chewed up the stem on my tank. However, mine is aluminum so this may not be a problem for you.