Need Air compressor help!

[Jimbo55]

Hey guys, I've had an Ingersol Rand 80 gallon 5hp single phase air compressor for a little over a year now. The other day I turned it on and it just buzzed and would not start, then the start up capacitor on top of the electric motor blew. Long story short, IR was no help at all and basicaly told me 13 months was more than 12 and I was on my own. So I tried replacing the start up capacitor figuring there was a slim chance it just went bad. Well it ran for a few second and it blew too. I then took the motor to a reputable repair shop, they cleaned it put another capacitor in it and new bearings, but basicaly there was nothing wrong with it. Put it on tonight and the same thing a loud buzz and it won't start. I killed the power before the cap blew this time though. Then I tried it with no belt- ran perfect! The pump is not locked up and turns freely, full of oil and all that. I am getting pretty frustrated and was hoping someone has some advice for me! Thanks, Jim

 

[Junkman]

If it starts up with no load, then the motor is good and the compressor head is trashed. I would call the manufacturer and tell them that since it is so close to 12 months that they should do something for you. You might have to get a hold of a supervisor to get any satisfaction. If it is one of the aluminum cast heads, then it is trashed and not repairable. Time to buy a quality head unit....

 

[Jimbo55]

Thanks for the reply. How would I check to make sure it is bad before going any further? My dad thinks it may not be getting 220 volts or it is something in the power switch, but I'm thinking you are right. I will call IR back tomorrow and see what they say. Thanks

 

[Jared]

Maybe an unloader problem? anybody else think so?

 

[sharpshooter]

Maybe not getting enuff amps to pull. Could be frying itself

 

[Jimbo55]

How could I check the unloader? Thanks for the replies fellas

 

[Junkman]

If it wasn't getting sufficient amps or volts, it would have had this problem from the beginning. If the unloaders are stuck, then if he lets all the air out of the tank, it should start, run, and fill the tank. Upon the next start cycle, it will stall out if the unloaders are stuck. I'm betting a mechanical issue with the compressor head.

 

[AndrewHR]

Have you changed the oil in the pump?

 

[Jimbo55]

Well was back at it again tonight. It's getting 220 coming in to the switch and also at the motor terminals with it running with no belt. I took everything apart and cleaned all the contacts, so that's not the problem. I put the belt back on pretty loose and after a little strain it did start up and ran fine for a few minutes. I shut it down and tried it again and just a buzz. I did notice that air was bleeding off at the inlet on the pressure switch too. Not sure if that is related or not. I also noticed a sticker on the side of the tank that said 2 year pump warranty when using the IR oil which I did, so if that turns out to be the problem I should definatley be covered. I just doesnt seem that the pump could turn so freely and be bad. No, I haven't changed the oil in it but the thing can't have more than 4 or 5 hours on it, it's at my home shop and hasn't done much more than spray a few parts and fill up some tires. Thanks for all the replies, I'll call IR tomorrow and let you know what they said.

 

[eschoendorff]

Well was back at it again tonight. It's getting 220 coming in to the switch and also at the motor terminals with it running with no belt. I took everything apart and cleaned all the contacts, so that's not the problem. I put the belt back on pretty loose and after a little strain it did start up and ran fine for a few minutes. I shut it down and tried it again and just a buzz. I did notice that air was bleeding off at the inlet on the pressure switch too. Not sure if that is related or not. I also noticed a sticker on the side of the tank that said 2 year pump warranty when using the IR oil which I did, so if that turns out to be the problem I should definatley be covered. I just doesnt seem that the pump could turn so freely and be bad. No, I haven't changed the oil in it but the thing can't have more than 4 or 5 hours on it, it's at my home shop and hasn't done much more than spray a few parts and fill up some tires. Thanks for all the replies, I'll call IR tomorrow and let you know what they said.

Could the magnetic starter on the motor be bad???

 

[goodfellow]

If it wasn't getting sufficient amps or volts, it would have had this problem from the beginning. If the unloaders are stuck, then if he lets all the air out of the tank, it should start, run, and fill the tank. Upon the next start cycle, it will stall out if the unloaders are stuck. I'm betting a mechanical issue with the compressor head.

That's the right approach -- if it starts without any load then chances are it's not the motor or mag starter (if so equipped).

 

[Jimbo55]

Called IR back today and spoke to a much more helpfull rep. They are sending someone out to repair or replace the pump free of charge. I'll let you guys know what happens, thanks for all the help, Jim

 

[eschoendorff]

That's the right approach -- if it starts without any load then chances are it's not the motor or mag starter (if so equipped).

Doh! I need to read whole posts...

 

[Jimbo55]

Well, this morning a service tech came out and looked at the compressor. He determined that it wasn't the compressor pump or the valve at the top of the tank. Said that if it turned freely it was ok. I didn't have to pay, but I still have no air! The only thing I can think of at this point is that the electric motor repair place missed something or didn't test it under a load like they said. It seems real unlikely from the amount of work they had and good reputation, but who knows. Arrrrgh!

 

[Vicegrip]

Centrifugal start switch might be bad. It is inside the motor on the non pulley end. It opens when the motor is at or over about 70% of full speed taking the start winding out. If it sticks open the motor will try and start on the run winding only. Many single phase motor can do this under no load. The start switch has 2 contacts sometimes one of the two will go bad. When it does so you can get the symptoms you are describing. Many motors use the capacitor as a run capacitor only so it is not in line during the start cycle. Look for burned contacts and or distorted fingers that hold the contacts. Check the slider ring to see that it moves freely and snaps back under spring load when released. The switch should have 2 springs. Missing one can make for poor start contact too. If by chance it is bad you can get parts for name brand motors or you can take the motor back to the motor shop and point the problem to the "experts".

 

[Jimbo55]

Visegrip, I think you might have something there. That sounds just like what is happening. I check it out tomorrow and see what I can find. Thanks

 

[Ford GP]

Jim,
I bought the same compressor several weeks ago, only this compressor was a return due to the motor being bad by the previous owner. I had hoped it was just a capacitor, but it turned out it was open run windings on the motor. The shop said it was just not worth fixing. With that said, I might have motor parts you can use if you find yours is still usable.

I will have to buy a whole new motor figures... Anyway, let me know.

Brian