Speedway 5HP, 80 Gal. Compr. Help!

[KB1LTG]

Hi!

Would anyone happen to own a 5hp , 80 Gal. Speedway Compressor? If you have this model could you please show me a pic of the wiring under the capacitor/junction box located on top of the motor itself? I have one of these and cant remember where the run/start capacitors are wired to? there is a small terminal block that has Line, Yel, Black, Red on it and the other side has
Neutral, Black, red, yel. One of the capacitors was wired to Line/red/black and Yellow. Any photo would be of great assistance! Thanks so much! Here is a photo of my block as it sits on top of the motor itself.

HELP!! Where are the start and run capacitors wired to on this terminal block atop a 1Ph, 240V Cap Start/Run motor? I know one was wired to the black line and Yellow but not sure if it was a start/run cap? Need help knowing where and which cap get wired into circuit

 

[KB1LTG]

Well I tried wiring the Start cap to the black "Side", black terminal to Yel terminal marked V1 and the run cap to black terminal and to V2. I started the compressor and all seemed fine until about 4-5 seconds. The new start capacitor exploded violently, sending plastic, hot electrolyte and metal fragments all over the shop, one of pieces of plastic cut my face badly, just glad it was not my eye! Never in all my life have I seen or heard a capacitor explode like this one did, it literally sounded like a gunshot went off! Back to the Wile E. Coyote school of Engineering for me, I suspect the NC switch on the start circuit of the motor may be stuck in the NC position and is failing to open up when the motor comes up to speed? Thoughts anyone?

 

[MTW]

You answered you own question. The start cap remained energized and let go it's contents.

Start caps are rated for momentary start duty only. Prolonged energization will cause it to over pressurize. They normally have a vent hole in the top to relieve pressure, but sometimes can't vent quick enough. Many also have a internal disconnect that pulls apart when the end cap moves from pressure.

Yours may have been a lesser quality one without these features. If you can find one that fits, use a cap with a higher voltage rating for more lasting power.

MTW Ω