Sick air compressor

[CuriousGeorge]

Hello all - my first post.

I have an IR 60 gal. 5HP compressor that was bought new 5 yrs. ago. It has had very limited use with no more than 5 to 7 hours of actual running time. After using it to blow out my sprinkler system last fall, it continued to run as the pressure gauge would not go past about 90 psi. I shut it off and let it sit for about ten minutes before restarting it and again it would not build up additional pressure. Although I did not remove the cage to check the belt and pulleys, they appear to be working and in proper position. The site glass shows full oil and the air filter is clean. I have bled off air from the bottom and top valves which reduced the tank pressure but again, running the compressor does not build up past about 90 psi. Someone told me that the "reed valves" in the pump might be bad. I'm not sure about how to diagnose what the problem is and am quite disappointed that this tool is not working correctly based on it's cost and my perceived quality of the IR brand. Can anyone out there help me out with figuring out what is wrong with the unit? Any and all advice would be appreciated.

Thanks!

 

[txvwnut]

If the reeds are stuck you can take the inlet filter off and you should be getting air blown out of the intake as well as sucking in. You can also just pull the head and reed plate and give the good ole visual inspection. I've got a 3hp brinkman black max that used to blow the gasket between the head and the reed plate.

 

[engineer031]

could it simply be the gauge is not working properly

 

[Bellaireroad]

Before assuming you have a catastrophic failure, try this

1) get a spray bottle, add a couple of tablespoons of dish soap, cup of water and spray around all joints, including pop off valves, you may have a leak
2) check the belt and make sure it is not slipping
3) spray a little soapy water around the head gaskets, the head may need to be retorqued

 

[MacMcMacmac]

If this is a two stage compressor, screw in a 60psi gauge in the interstage safety relief valve port and see what the pressure reading is.

 

[Davefr]

What model is it? Do you have an image?

If it's the model with aluminum pump then I can almost assure you that a reed valve broke off which will prevent it from building up pressure. (that happened to my IR T21).

Just pull the head and inspect the valve body. It's easy to do.

If so, good luck finding parts. You'll probably need to replace the pump.

IMHO, these lower end IR compressors are junk.

 

[CuriousGeorge]

Davefr,

It's an SS 5, bought in 2010 at Tractor Supply. I'll look at slipping pulleys and belts. I had thought about that at first but everything was working fine until it wasn't. As far as leaks go, the tank pressure has remained steady during months of downtime so I doubt there are any leaks in the fittings. I'm fearing that the problem is the reed valves but was unsure of myself pulling off the head of the pump but I guess that may be necessary. If it is the valves, what a shame it is to have failed after such little use. Scary to think that I might not be able to get factory parts for replacement and would have to buy a new pump as you have mentioned. I'll post what I find when I get around to working on the unit. In the mean time I'll just continue to borrow my neighbor's Craftsman portable when I need air. Kind of embarrassing! Thanks for all of the replies.