Air Compressor???

SJ · Jan 13, 2009

I have a craftsman oilless compressor,that would blow the breaker turning it on when really cold out.Dont really worry about it,as it will always work when it warms up.Well I really need it now.Im trying to heat up motor and piston area with a blow dryer with no luck.He11 I cant even get the cover off,cover screws just keep turning and turning with no results.I reached in with a screwdriver and motor fan and piston move freely.My question is.Is there a specific component that I should be directing the heat to so it will free up?
Thanks
Stan

Bob · Jan 13, 2009

It sounds like you need to upgrade the breaker and probably the associated wiring to make them adequate to start the motor.

For now, why not just drag the compressor in the house for a few hours to thoroughly warm it up?

buickddeere · Jan 13, 2009

Bob is onto something. What is the nameplate data on the compressor? What size breaker? What length and size of cable?

SJ · Jan 13, 2009

Its on a 20amp breaker with 12-2 wire

Model no.919.165230
max 130psi
120vo/60hz/1ph/15amp
I guess I could bring it in the house,that would be a real pain though,maybey I dont really need it that bad,,LOL
Thanks
Stan

buickddeere · Jan 13, 2009

Code book says a 30amp breaker to supply a motor with full load ratings of 11-`15amps with short circuit protection.16-19 amp motors require a 40amp breaker.
The motor's thermal protection provides overload protection.
There is a common misconception that breakers and fuses provide overload protection....nope folks. They are only designed to interrupt current during short circuits.

bo · Jan 13, 2009

Piston area. I've got one but not airless, when it was new a bunch of years ago, the tight piston would pop the breaker in cold weather. As the thing got used more and the piston wore in some, it doesn't happen anymore, in no kind of weather. Your's being airless might have a different piston configuration so....either it's new and tight or older and used and still tight.

Wheat Farmer · Jan 13, 2009

A heat lamp over it will fix the problem in a few minutes. Even a 100w light bulb next to it will work. The 100W bulb can be left on all the time.At our rate it only cost $0.10 a day.

greenbeanman in Kansas · Jan 14, 2009

My son in law"s compressor does the same thing, throws a breaker before it will run in cold weather.

We needed it to blow out a sprinkler system so I had him reset the breaker, then turn the compressor off, open the tank so no pressure could build until the motor was properly running, and then start it up.

Worked like a charm. They just don"t want to start under compression. Keep it from building pressure until the compressor warms enough to keep going and you are all set.

Air Compressor???

SJ

Member

Bob

Well-known Member

buickddeere

Member

SJ

Member

buickddeere

Member

bo

Well-known Member

Wheat Farmer

Well-known Member

greenbeanman in Kansas

Well-known Member

Similar threads