Fried motor on Coleman Compressor

[Jeff May]

I have a Coleman air compressor that is about 15 years old.
The other day one of the capacitors on the Century 6.5HP motor burnt up.
Blew a small hole in the end and the oil leaked down over the motor. I unplugged it within 15 seconds of this happening.
Purchased a new capacitor today along with new bearings.
Put it all together, bolted it back on the compressor without the belt attached fiirst to see if it would run.
Well, it ran, but it has no power when it is first turned on, it takes about 5 to 7 seconds for it to come up to speed.
I'm not sure what the part is on the shaft that moves, "governor" maybe, anyway, after about 5 seconds it moves like it is supposed to and the motor takes off.
I attached the belt to the motor and compressor, it just sat there and hummed.
My questions,
Was there possibly damage done to the windings?

The capacitor the motor shop sold me has the same numbers on it, but it is much shorter than the original.
Would this make any difference?

I have looked at replacement motors in the 5 to 7 HP range.
I had no idea motors had become so pricey...
Its been awhile since I had to replace one.

I'm wondering if it would be worth having the motor repaired, buy a new motor, or just replace with an entirely new air compressor.

Thanks,
Jeff

 

[G_P]

Sounds like the centrifugal start switch(the part you call the governor) is sticking or was not reinstalled correctly during the bearing replacement.

That switch is what helps start the motor and is the reason it starts slow.

Nothing really wrong with the motor. The switch stuck and that's what kept the original capacitor energized too long causing it to blow and leak.

Thake the motor apart and clean the spring loaded weights on the shaft and check to see if the contacts in the end of the motor are burnt. If they are a small fine file or sandpaper can be used to clean them up.

Sent via carrier pigeon.

 

[monkeyspanners]

My money would be on a faulty centrifugal start switch, it should switch the capacitor out of circuit once the motor reaches a certain speed, if it sticks in start mode it will soon over heat the start capacitor as they are only rated for intermittent use (unlike run capacitors)

If it were me i'd have the motor rebuilt, it will likely be better made than a new one, plus i like the history of things so keeping the 15 year old as opposed to a new one is a winner.

 

[Jeff May]

Well, thats what it was, the centrifugal start switch.
I pulled it apart again last night, cleaned the contacts, made sure it was free re-assembled and presto... it worked.
Another little lesson learned.
Motor runs great now and stayed cool pumping up the air tank.
Thanks all for the tips.
Jeff
Hagerstown, MD