new compressor losing air

[steveo2155]

Just bought a 6 gallon porter cable air compressor and was testing it out first with no hoses attached after it fills to the 150 psi, the pressure slowly drops losing 5-10 psi over a few minutes. At the time I had the regulator set real low, 30 psi or so just to test it out. I contacted the porter cable customer service and they said that if you don't have the regulator set to at least 90 - 100 psi the tank will lose air. Does this sound right? Even if I am just testing it out and have nothing attached to it, if I have the regulator set below that 90 psi mark the air in the tank will drop? Also, is it normal for the compressor to kick back when the air pressure in the tank drops to 125 psi if it is a 150 psi tank?

 

[73surffisher]

Nope, I disagree, , get some soapy water and a paint brush and brush all the fittings with soapy water and check for bubbles, , start there, ,

 

[The Cobbler]

no matter what the reg is set at there should not be any leaks.

you mean compressor kicks back on at 125 & off at 150? that would be a normal differential IMO

 

[steveo2155]

Yeah I didn't think that was right either, it shouldn't lose air no matter what the regulator is set at. I will try the soapy water method - so chances are it is just a lose fitting on the compressor that needs tightening?

 

[skruft]

I have never heard of a compressor losing air for that reason - but I would try what they say to see if it stops losing air.