Compressor walking away

[Joevano]

I've got a big stand up compressor with 240V motor running it. Recently it started vibrating and walking away (not bolted to the floor). Also the motor pulley was too hot to touch. I thought it might have just been the extreme cold, although with the heated shop, probably not below freezing in the room it is in. Today I pulled the belt to run the motor by itself, and got this nice squealing noise coming from the opposite end as the pulley. Time to have the motor rebuilt?

 

[seber]

I'd try changing the oil first.

 

[Jbullfrog]

Bearings or a motor. What brand motor is it?

 

[lakeroadster]

Sounds like bearing issues..

 

[Joevano]

Yep, got the bearings replaced and that fixed it! $37 for the win!

 

[OccupantRJ]

The belt got hot because it was running loose and slipping. Disregarding the motor bearing issue, I have seen some compressors shudder violently with loose belts.

 

[lakeroadster]

Yep, got the bearings replaced and that fixed it! $37 for the win!

Nicely done

 

[Joevano]

Yes and if the pulleys are not perfectly parallel, the motor pulley gets really hot.

 

[Scrambler82]

Why don't you bolt it down on rubber pads ?

 

[Joevano]

I’m told they should not be bolted down. The vibrations weaken the welds and the feet break off the tank. All is good now with new bearings.

 

[Leaflessshadetree]

The belt got hot because it was running loose and slipping. Disregarding the motor bearing issue, I have seen some compressors shudder violently with loose belts.

Loose belts and vibration can destroy bearings. Also bad bearings can cause vibration and loose belts.

Sounds like the OP took care of everything.