Need help fixing Craftsman compressor

[fkfw]

I've got this Craftsman pancake compressor that won't go higher than 50 psi. Nothing sounds out of the ordinary and the tank will reach 125 psi but the output will not go higher than 50 psi. Seems like a waste to toss if I can fix it and give it to someone.

Sears only shows a few parts available for this model but maybe I'll get lucky.

Model number is 226.165291.

Thanks.

 

[Lassen Forge]

Probably a limiter on the pressure regulator to keep someone from blowing out tires or spraypaint guns or something... You can try replacing the regulator or figuring out why it's not allowing you to crank up the pressure...

 

[The Cobbler]

could be just the pressure gauge not reading past 50 lbs, either that or the the reguklator. certainly under $20 for a new one

 

[The Cobbler]

here is a direct fit regulator
http://www.ebay.com/itm/280655881053?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT

 

[wild cowboy]

I think I would pass on fixing that one, you can get the Harbor Freight equivalent for something stupid like $39 and it will likely be made in the same Chinese factory - I am normally a fan of fixing over tossing something, but not in the case of a cheap oilless small compressor.

Sorry to be the bearer of bad news

 

[fkfw]

Thanks, Cobbler. That eBay regulator is $13 including shipping. I think my compressor is worth another $13 to try and bring it back to life. I'll report back when I get the regulator.

 

[wild cowboy]

Thanks, Cobbler. That eBay regulator is $13 including shipping. I think my compressor is worth another $13 to try and bring it back to life. I'll report back when I get the regulator.

so you are gambling a 1/3 the cost of a new one on something that might be the problem?

 

[The Cobbler]

so you are gambling a 1/3 the cost of a new one on something that might be the problem?

http://www.harborfreight.com/2-horsepower-6-gallon-150-psi-oilless-pancake-compressor-67696.html

 

[wild cowboy]

http://www.harborfreight.com/2-horsepower-6-gallon-150-psi-oilless-pancake-compressor-67696.html

OK, my bad, $99 with coupon, it's worth trying a regulator, but probably would likely abandon this restoration if that doesn't do it, unless OP has a lot of free time.

 

[heytrid]

The "ring" on the piston is worn out more then likely, does it leak air out the other side of the regulator? if not then it is not the regulator, if it just will not build pressure I have repaired a huge amount of them where the "ring" is bad/worn out.

no longer available for that unit as per sears parts direct.

 

[rsanter]

First verify that the output is what you are saying. A friend had one with a similar regulator and the plastic center pin ( so to speak) on the knob had mushroomed. Unscrew the knob and inspect.
Do you need the regulator or can you can it and put a fitting directly on there

Bob

 

[wild cowboy]

The "ring" on the piston is worn out more then likely, does it leak air out the other side of the regulator? if not then it is not the regulator, if it just will not build pressure I have repaired a huge amount of them where the "ring" is bad/worn out.

no longer available for that unit as per sears parts direct.

Concur.

 

[The Cobbler]

he said the tank builds 125 psi... either a bad gauge or a bad regulator IMHO

 

[slip knot]

if your getting 125psi tank pressure the compressors ok. the regulator is probably bad. I replaced my brothers regulator with a QC and he's been using it for 3years now WO any problems.