My compressor won't start - help

[Lonnie in Orlando]

I know ... you get what you pay for.



My HF 2.5HP compressor has been stuttering for the past couple of weeks. Now it won't start. It tries, then hums, and trips the reset switch. It has had almost no use in the 10 or so months that I have had it.

Do you know what might be the problem? Could it be a start or run capacitor?

It is still under warrenty, but I need it for an overdue project, so if it is a simple fix, I won't send it back.

This is the compressor ...
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=90385

And here is a thread about the compressor written earlier today ...
http://www.bt3central.com/showthread.php?t=20706

Thanks for your help,

Lonnie

[Crash2510]

no need to send it back
if there is a HF close by take it there and they will exchange it for a new one

[Thom2]

Does it work fine when it's totally empty?

If it runs fine on the first tank fill from empty and then starts throwin' the reset switch when it tries to cycle with a partially full tank it's probably the unloader valve that checks tank pressure but unloads the feeder tube from the compressor head to the tank, they do this to unload the compressor head and give it some time to freewheel when the motor needs to start back up.

If it's doing this with an empty tank, my vote would be for a startup cap on the motor.

[sweensdv]

If you're using an extension cord with it, that could also be the problem. If you must use one, use the shortest one you can get away with and preferably a 12 guage cord.

[Tom Miller]

Kind of along the line that Dave is addressing, make sure you have full voltage on that circuit. I recall having trouble with my PC pancake when it was on the same circuit as some fluorescent shop lights. The symptoms were exactly the same; sometimes worked, sometimes hummed then popped the breaker.

Haven't had a bit of trouble once I gave it its own 15A ckt.

Regards,
Tom

[Lonnie in Orlando]

Well, now I'm REALLY confused

I made sure that the tank was empty like Thom2 suggested. I turned off all other power in the shop per Sweensdv and Tom Miller -- I don't use an extension cord; its plugged into a 15A circuit. Pulled the switch ... it worked.

Turned on the normal shop lighting, which is on a separate circuit. Emptied the tank enough to recycle the compressor. It worked again.

I may try a new start capacitor just for kicks and giggles.

Crash2510 - this compressor is not available in HF retail stores. It's on line only.

Thanks for your fast replies. I'm still open to anything else that may solve the problem, short of returning to HF.

Lonnie

[Thom2]

keep testing it ... make note of when it does 'it's thing' ...

diagnostics is such a fun game .... BTDT ... got the t-shirt