Compressor Help

paulb · #1 11-22-2006, 03:52 PM

HI all,

Prepare for a bit of a depressive rant here, because I'm on the verge of just giving up.

Long story short, I have had four compressor breakdowns in the last 9 months. What am I doing wrong? The same problem occurs on twoidentical conpressors: it will take in the air, but it won't compress and won't feed the airbrush. I've cleaned the filter, cleaned out the bottom of the tank checke the oil. The last time, it went back to the shop who cleaned it and told me the problem was caused by the talk filling up with water from the air and told me how to avoid it. I follow his advice, and the same thing happens. I clean it in exactly the same way I was told to, but it's still dead.

My question really is: is this normal? Are compressors the sort of thing you have to constantly have to clean, put up with dying out or is it just me? There's been two compressors now that have been causing the problem.

If not, what in God;s name am I doing wrong or not doing?

Thanks you any help

Paul.

ronspace · #2 11-22-2006, 05:03 PM

Hi Paul,
I am presuming you have workshop type compressors, not the silent type compressors specifically built for ab. The workshop type have a motor and a very noisy pump mounted to a sizeable tank (3 or more gallons, about 12 liters or more). These air compressors are usually straight forward and should last for years. My last one was over 20 years and that was with a bit of neglect.

Start from the beginning and work towards the airbrush - possible problems areas are:

Are there any air leaks? You noted that the pump is pushing air, so it has to be going somewhere. Perhaps there is a loose or bad fitting/connection, or the copper tubing is bent or broke between the pump and the tank. There should also be a pressure switch somewhere in line here. Check all the connections to make sure air is filling the tank. If you have a major leak, your compressor should be starting up constantly.
Make sure you have retightened the water drain valve on the bottom of the tank. The tank will, over time fill with water, but it should be miniscule. When you open the drain valve and air /water squirts out, then you know the tank is filling with air and the problem is downstream, perhaps a bad regulator or valve.
Regulators can go bad. Some have built-in filters which can clog (but your compressors are fairly new and that should not be a problem).
Also make sure all of your hoses are not leaking or kinked.

Good luck and I hope some of these suggestions are helpful.

Ronspace

tonymcgrath · #3 11-22-2006, 05:03 PM

hi paulb another dub here sounds like the non return valve is stuck thats why the tank is not filling with air which means that the motor will keep pumping and will over heat hot air will create a lot of water and thats why tank has some water in it dont understand why this has happned so many times before what shop did u buy the compressor in but and then i have been wrong many times before and im sure i will be again tony

legendasboy · #4 11-22-2006, 06:14 PM

i had that problem 2 worked ok but was not getting air in the airbrush...i had my hose being stepped by the table...stupid one, but was getting me mad 2

paulb · #5 11-23-2006, 04:50 AM

Hi all...

Thank for the suggestions, still no joy.

Ron - I managed to drain the water allright, but only got a few tablespoons out of it: I'm told that that's what was the problem last time and what I assummed to be the problem this time. I don't see or feel any leaks anywhere. It's got the same motor a fridge has, don't know if it's workshop or not. I have been wrong when I said it was takig in the air: I think it is, as in the comething is someone on for a few secods and then citting out and that's it. Happens once a minute or so

How do I check if it's the regualtor?

Tony - You could actually be right, but again - how do I check the non return valve? It was bought in Kennedys in Harcourt St, replaced once and cleaned out once. Have followed the instructions from then this time, but no joy.

Thanks again guys,

P.

paulb · #6 11-23-2006, 05:59 AM

ADDITION

Tony - The tank is hearting up if I leave it plugged in, but still not excess water...? Not sure what model I have, and have no idea where the non-return valve is...

tonymcgrath · #7 11-23-2006, 06:14 AM

hi paul tony here please dont run the compressor ti will burn out the motor u can bung it into your car and bring it down to me i will take a gander at it i live in navan finding the prob will be easy is it ok to e mail u ant we can get it sorted kennedys in bez along time but know zilch about compressors tony

Rage of Reason · #8 11-23-2006, 06:56 AM

If the compressor takes in air but delivers none then either a valve isn't functioning properly like tony suggested or there is a leak somewhere. Since it takes in air, the piston and intake valve seem ok. That leaves the exhaust valve or a leakage suspect to the trouble you have. Leaks can be very difficult to detect. Try using 'Snoopy' leak detector fluid or a dish cleaning liquid to eliminate the possibility of a leak. Take a peek here to see where possible leaks can occur:

http://www.silentaire.com/silentaire...S%20MANUAL.pdf

I also had a leaking air regulator valve membrane once in my Sil-Air compressor. The result was also no air at the outgoing end. In such a case this part needs to be replaced, but that is hard to test with leak detector since in the Sil-Air machines it is INSIDE the box with electronics - you wouldn't want to use any liquid there...

Hope this helps. Take care,

RAge

paulb · #9 12-03-2006, 11:57 AM

Well, turns out it's buggered. THermostat gone and motor suspected, back to shops it goes...

Anyway, spirits are still up - thanks Tony for the lend of the comprosser - until I get myself sorted out. Although with my record with air compressors you're a very brave man!

P.

ronspace · #10 12-04-2006, 02:13 PM

Paul,
Sorry for the delayed response...I can't always respond promptly since I don't always check my computer.
Since you have already discovered your compressor problem, the question you asked about regulators can be for future reference.
Quite simply... a bad regulator will not allow you to have precise air control. It will either give you no air, erratic air or different air pressures, no matter what you turn the regulator dial to. So if you know that air is reaching the regulator, but you are still having air output problems, its time to buy a new regulator.

Take care,
Ronspace

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