Upgrading compressor motor?

[Kody302]

Hey guys,

My 80 gallon 5hp cambal hausfield compressor has slowly been getting weaker and weaker over time and I think the motor is getting to be on its last leg. My question is has anybody ever put a bigger motor on their compressor to get more out of it? Also could the reason my motor is getting sluggish because I keep the compressor outside?

Thanks
Kody


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[Notgrownup]

Get it repaired at a reputable rewinding shop or checked out first.

 

[Davefr]

Hey guys,

My 80 gallon 5hp cambal hausfield compressor has slowly been getting weaker and weaker over time and I think the motor is getting to be on its last leg. My question is has anybody ever put a bigger motor on their compressor to get more out of it? Also could the reason my motor is getting sluggish because I keep the compressor outside?

Thanks
Kody


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Are you 100% sure it's the motor and not the pump or unloader valve?

If motors get weak it's often something relatively simple/inexpensive like dirty bearings or a weak starting circuit (capacitor or dirty centrifical switch contacts).

These "real" 5 HP + motors are very expensive but pretty robust. There's no way I'd replace one unless the windings were confirmed to be totally burnt out/shorted.

 

[scw1991]

What is the motor brand? Is it a 3450 RPM or 1725 RPM motor? Most of today's compressor motors are a capacitor start & capacitor run.

When is it sluggish? At start up or while running at full speed? Have you taken amperage readings? They should be at or around motor nameplate rating.

If it's sluggish at building tank pressure, it could simply be a worn out compressor.

 

[abk241]

Hey guys,

My 80 gallon 5hp cambal hausfield compressor has slowly been getting weaker and weaker over time and I think the motor is getting to be on its last leg. My question is has anybody ever put a bigger motor on their compressor to get more out of it? Also could the reason my motor is getting sluggish because I keep the compressor outside?

Thanks
Kody


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So many motors operate outdoors that I would be hard pressed to say that that is the cause of your problem...unless you are working in Antarctica?
Start your motor trouble shooting by ringing out the motor windings and taking current readings on the windings.
If they check out okay start looking at the compressor itself.

 

[G_P]

How is it getting weaker? Spinning over more slowly? Taking longer to reach cut off pressure? Hard starting?

Electric motors are pretty simple and robust machines. They dont usually get "weak" they tend to either work fine or fail completely.

 

[OLEJOE]

Hey guys,

My 80 gallon 5hp cambal hausfield compressor has slowly been getting weaker and weaker over time and I think the motor is getting to be on its last leg. My question is has anybody ever put a bigger motor on their compressor to get more out of it? Also could the reason my motor is getting sluggish because I keep the compressor outside?

Thanks
Kody


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Be sure to check the pump. I just had trouble with mine. The motor would get hot and trip the thermal breaker on motor. Had 1 cyl. pumping no air. Blown head gasket between intake and exhaust reeds. Compressor is 45 days old. Loose headbolts.

 

[zkling]

Only way to get more air out of the pump is to turn a faster RPM on the pump.

Also check the unloader valve as Dave suggested. If the motors gets slower as pressure increases, this is typically the problem.

 

[Kody302]

Basically it has a really hard time starting, as in barely turns over for a few seconds then it just doesn't seem to build pressure or turn over very fast.

I just got home but I'll take a pic of the motor id tag in a few mins


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[scw1991]

sounds like your motor capacitors may be the culprit.

Does the motor still have a hard time starting/running when you disconnect it from the compressor?

 

[Major Ramifications]

Only way to get more air out of the pump is to turn a faster RPM on the pump.

Also check the unloader valve as Dave suggested. If the motors gets slower as pressure increases, this is typically the problem.

Incorrect. An unloader that did not unload would cause it to have trouble starting, not once it gets running.

To the OP, don't be so quick to jump on the poor motor. Is the unloader unloading? Is the check valve leaking? Did you take the belt(s) off and turn the pump by hand? Did you then run the motor with no load?
How does the air filter look?

 

[Kody302]

Ok here's a update. I bright home some electronics cleaner and blasted the motor then pulled the capacitors and idk what but something has made them it's home and laid eggs and after cleaning that out it runs a lot better


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[G_P]

Good to hear!

 

[Tronyadorable]

Take it in and tell'em "make it right".

 

[Vegaman_Dan]

I've been having all sorts of spider nesting issues of late in my equipment. They are not electrically conductive.