Need help with Husky 60 gal air compressor

[softailgarage]

Man, I dont know whats going on but for the last couple of days everything I touch goes to ****. Doing some regular maintenance on the Husky 60 gal. compressor when I noticed an air leak coming from the pipe that runs from the pressure switch to the tank. Turned the compressor to the "off" position and as I started to lift the cover off, compressor kicks on. Set it back down, compressor turns off Well first thing first, fixed the leak. Before I attempted any kind of electrical repair, as I always do, I drew a quick wire diagram. I also noticed one of the grounds was barely connected, so I popped that off, cleaned it up, attached a ring lug and secured it to the base plate where it was.Everything else checked ok, put cover back on, plug in and compressor blazes to life... with the power switch OFF. WTF , turn the switch, no change. The only way to turn it off is to pull the plug. Checking it out I noticed on the inside of the cover where the switch rest's is all plastic. Heres the question, am I missing some kind of conductor plate? If you own one of these could ya take a quick look and let me know... muchas gracias

 

[softailgarage]

Nobody has a Husky 60 gal compressor? maybe the switch is just bad?

 

[MatthewM]

I don't have any experience with that compressor, but I'd check the switch with a multimeter first. With the compressor unplugged, check for continuity between the terminals of the switch in both the on and off position. You can attempt to read resistance, or use the continuity tester that is on most multi-meters (buzzer when the two leads are connected). If you have continuity when the switch is in the off position the switch is bad. Looks like you have some arcing in that box which may have resulted in the switch contacts fusing shut.

 

[dbonne]

Looks like you have an arc mark on the underside of the lid. Like the last poster said, the contacts might be welded shut. Also, how does the switch on the lid interface with switch mech. It may be interfering with it shutting off if you assemble it in the wrong position. You can replace the whole pressure switch for under $30 from Home D.

Good Luck!

 

[softailgarage]

I bought the compressor used a couple of years ago. That scar is old, the first thing I did was check all connectors, nothing burned or welded, no signs of a short. It just seemed odd to me that a switch would be all plastic, no metal conductor, thats why I was hoping something was missing from the switch, it would be a lot cheaper as I'm currently unemployed.

 

[nehog]

... Turned the compressor to the "off" position and ... Before I attempted any kind of electrical repair, as I always do, I drew a quick wire diagram.

The first thing one does is disconnect the power before doing any maintenance to a machine. Not turn it off, but shut off the power. And use a lockout if there is any chance someone else will try to turn it on.

 

[softailgarage]

Checked continuity with a DMM, reading showed .004, both forward and reverse bias. I got the same reading with the switch on & off. Bad switch.

 

[softailgarage]

The first thing one does is disconnect the power before doing any maintenance to a machine. Not turn it off, but shut off the power. And use a lockout if there is any chance someone else will try to turn it on.

You are correct, I failed to mention that due to the fact the entire switch had to come off to access the leak I UNPLUGGED it BEFORE disconnecting the wires. Thank you Fire Marshall Bill

 

[zcar751]

I have a Husky but they have change the design a little from your model. That is not your switch, that is just a cover and knob that turns the switch. More than likely the switch spring loads to the ON/RUN position. With the power to the compressor off at the electrical panel, turn the knob to the run position and place back on the switch then rotate back to the off position and turn power back on.
If this doesn't work take a picture of the switch, and post.

 

[nehog]

You are correct, I failed to mention that due to the fact the entire switch had to come off to access the leak I UNPLUGGED it BEFORE disconnecting the wires. Thank you Fire Marshall Bill

One should remove power before removing covers, I wasn't clear on that. I've seen wires, and components come flying out when covers are removed because the (idiot?) assembling things just forced everything in and slammed down the cover. Unfortunately the same idiots don't put wire nuts on properly, use black tape for insulation and it falls off, etc, leaving lots of ways for the unsuspecting next guy to get hurt! In a commercial environment, one does not touch a single tool until the machine is locked out!

Actually I'm Safety Officer Pete! (And yes, I did once find myself holding two live wires, with no way to lay them down, no way to disconnect them, no way to shut off power--all I could do was yell for help!)

 

[mr-compressor]

Did you manage to fix it already?

Here is a page that describes exactly how the pressure switch works (including photo's).

http://www.air-compressor-guide.com/compressor-pressure-switch-workings.html

Looks like it's exactly the same pressure switch as you have.

 

[NOZZLEMAN]

I love it when people buy a cheap piece of **** and then complain when it breaks... you get what you pay for cheapskate..

 

[gayler]

I love it when people buy a cheap piece of **** and then complain when it breaks... you get what you pay for cheapskate..

That's a little harsh don't you think? I have had the same compressor for about 15 years. It's been a great compressor. And yes it's made in the USA!

 

[pattenp]

Really? I don't see where the OP was complaining about the quality of his compressor.

I love it when people buy a cheap piece of **** and then complain when it breaks... you get what you pay for cheapskate..

 

[CNGsaves]

OP . . hope you've got it figured out . . . . for free !!

Post up some more pics and symptoms and surely the GJ crew can help you out.

Heck, even IF you had an oil-less compressor and were willing to get your hands dirty, there would be plenty of GJ help to source the parts!!

 

[95YJIL]

Looks like Nozzle man has 2 meanings.

 

[tomsmith]

I love it when people buy a cheap piece of **** and then complain when it breaks... you get what you pay for cheapskate..

That was a little harsh. Maybe you're on your period? Maybe a glass of cranberry juice will help? /departed

 

[Outlander]

That was a little harsh. Maybe you're on your period? Maybe a glass of cranberry juice will help? /departed

Um...I drink cranberry juice. I'm usually nice...I think......

To the OP - I gave up trying to troubleshoot my compressor ailments, but since there was some evidence of spark you look headed in the right direction.

 

[softailgarage]

I love it when people buy a cheap piece of **** and then complain when it breaks... you get what you pay for cheapskate..

First of all who's complaining? Second, where do you get off calling my compressor a "cheap piece of ****"? You got something better....good, lets see if it will fit where the sun dont shine.
Cheapskate ? -


Yes, it was the pressure switch. I ordered a new one from Home Depot and 10 days later I had the compressor (or to some, "cheap piece of ****") running again, stronger than ever. I shopped all around for pressure switches from Sears to McMaster-Carr, everybody wanting $65
.00 -up. Home Depot (OEM) was $19.99. And yes, for the most part that black cloud that was hangin around has since moved on.

 

[gayler]

Glad to see you got your "cheap piece of ****" fixed! It ought to be good to go for 20 years or so.

 

[softailgarage]

Glad to see you got your "cheap piece of ****" fixed! It ought to be good to go for 20 years or so.

Thanks Gayler. I'm tellin ya, some peoples kids....