Lowes brand Kobalt Compressor

[OzCop]

Does anyone have any issues with Kobalt brand air compressors, the 60 gallon, 3.5 model in particular? I purchased one 4.5 months ago, and since the garage addition and electric was only recently finished, I hooked it up early this week, only to find it defective...It ran extremely rough, then hicupped a couple of times and the motor began throwing sparks. It had the right amount of oil, was still brand new, never had a hose connected. I took it back and got a ration because it was beyond the 90 day store warranty, but after talking to the store manager, he advised he would replace it with a new unit. We made the exchange, and I took the new one home, hooked it up and it ran great...untill it pumped up it's first tank of air at 135 PSI. Following the instructions, I released the air pressure after a few minutes, then allowed it to pump up again. This time, it ran very rough, and was spewing oil from underneath the compressor...
I've pretty much decided I'm taking this thing back and get a refund, if possible...I expected better quality for my 500 bucks... Just wondering if anyone else had similar issues with this brand?
Phil O.

 

[bmwpower]

Wow, never heard of a problem, but I don't think those compressors are prevalent with the people on here.

When you say "spewing", how bad was it? Some oil is typical since you are breaking in the pump and some oil will pass the rings and enter the tank in the process.

 

[JeremyS]

I've got one and have used it pretty heavily for about a year with no problems. My brother works at the local lowes and told me that they've not had any problems with them at his store. That's why I bought it even though it's a pretty generic unit. On a related note; the exact same compressor is sold under a few different brand names. I've seen it at Tractor Supply Co and HF. Not sure who really makes it...

 

[OzCop]

I should have been more clear. It's not leaking from under the tank, but under the compressor unit itself. I have let it cycle through several times, and it is a point now that I need to add oil, since the level is below the dot on the sight glass...

 

[bmwpower]

I should have been more clear. It's not leaking from under the tank, but under the compressor unit itself. I have let it cycle through several times, and it is a point now that I need to add oil, since the level is below the dot on the sight glass...

You mean under the pump. A leaky pump is not good. Can you indentify where the leak is originating on the pump?

 

[OzCop]

Actually, without unbolting the pump, I can't see exactly where it's coming from, and since I just brought this one home yesterday, really don't want to unbolt anything for fear of killing warranty. I took another posters advice and let it cycle a few more times after wiping everything as clean as I could, and just checked it again, oil still dripping, and level well below the sight glass dot, so it's coming out pretty good. I see it accumulating on what appears to be tubes on the bottom of the pump, just can't see beyond that.
Phil O.

 

[bmwpower]

Sounds like you need to make another return.

 

[eschoendorff]

Sounds like you need to make another return.

What he said.

Or just get some tubes of JB Weld

 

[bmwpower]

What he said.

Or just get some tubes of JB Weld

If you complain enough, you may be able to get them to bring a new one out and take the old one away. Seems reasonable since you've already exchanged one.

 

[OzCop]

I took care of the problem....returned the SOB...they offered another but I refused. I'd always be wondering when it was going to give it up...
Looking for something that will run my tire changer. The Craftsman unit I had before with similar specs to the Kobalt worked just fine. Unfortunately, I sold it when I sold my house, along with the 2000 square foot detached garage... 8(
Phil O.

 

[bmwpower]

I took care of the problem....returned the SOB...they offered another but I refused. I'd always be wondering when it was going to give it up...
Looking for something that will run my tire changer. The Craftsman unit I had before with similar specs to the Kobalt worked just fine. Unfortunately, I sold it when I sold my house, along with the 2000 square foot detached garage... 8(
Phil O.

You made the right choice. Time to look for a replacement. Might want to look at some of the IR, Craftsman or Husky units... or go for used.