Some airflow from compressor intake during operation

[SirWired]

So, I recently picked up my first compressor, the HF 8-Gal Oil-lube unit. While running, it feels as if some air is "pulsed" out the intake. The unit does build pressure, so I guess more air is coming in than going back out.

Is this a normal part of operation, or does my unit have a marginal intake valve? Anybody have any idea how fast the compressor is supposed to build pressure?

 

[gungatim]

I've got 2 of those, one in the woodshop and one in my portable trailer, they do take a while to build pressure from empty, maybe 2-3 minutes or so. I've never noticed it pushing air out, but I've never put my hand over the filter intake so maybe they do.

if I can remember i'll check the one in the house when I'm down there tonight.

they are decent little compressors for the money, if all you do is shoot nails and some occasional light air tool work. much better than the oil-less units IMO.

 

[Boilerhouse]

Does not sound like it is severe but it seems like an intake valve is not seating quite right. I have an old compressor that was blowing out the intake, and when I took it apart, the intake valve was very worn.

 

[SirWired]

I've got 2 of those, one in the woodshop and one in my portable trailer, they do take a while to build pressure from empty, maybe 2-3 minutes or so. I've never noticed it pushing air out, but I've never put my hand over the filter intake so maybe they do.

if I can remember i'll check the one in the house when I'm down there tonight.

they are decent little compressors for the money, if all you do is shoot nails and some occasional light air tool work. much better than the oil-less units IMO.

I'd really appreciate you checking; thanks!

 

[gungatim]

I did feel some back pressure pulsing while it ran yesterday, I assume it is normal as the other one I have takes the same time to pump up. I used to have another one but it was tool shop brand from Menards, exact same compressor but painted light grey instead of black. That one got stolen which is why I replaced it with another HF one.

as I recall, it ran about the same as the two I have now, so it's probably normal...they aren't the tightest tolerance pumps...