Omega Owners Forum
Chat Area => General Discussion Area => Topic started by: Debs. on 09 May 2008, 17:06:40
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I`ve got a Machine Mart air compressor (`given 12 years of good service now); a single stage mounted a`top a 39 ltr. accumulator.
It`s suddenly stopped working....the motor (visible at the fan end) still 'twitches' slightly when switched on (and hums a little), so I think the pressure switch is 'calling' correctly, but the pump refuses to start....the motor and compressor both turn and feel (as I`d expect) normal when turned by hand so I`d not suspect any seizure.
I wondered what the likely symptoms of a starting capacitor failure were?.....or perhaps the motor might be U/S...... Anyone got any ideas? :-/
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I am afraid, based on all my mechanical expertise, my only response is, have you tried kicking it ? ::)
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Or use the favourite fixit tool from my box.
A hammer.
Start with a small one and work your way up. ;D ;D ;D
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I am afraid, based on all my mechanical expertise, my only response is, have you tried kicking it ? ::)
::) To my immense shame; yes! :-[
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If it's not been touched in 12 years ... depending how much use its had .. could be something as simple as worn brushes ??
Can you see any makers marks/descriptions etc on the motor ?
failing that ... Machine Mart customer servics with the model number ?
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If it's not been touched in 12 years ... depending how much use its had .. could be something as simple as worn brushes ??
Can you see any makers marks/descriptions etc on the motor ?
failing that ... Machine Mart customer servics with the model number ?
Sorry Entwood: I should have said it`s worked fine for all of the 12 years I`ve owned it.....`till today :'(
In my dealings with Machine Mart (water pump/generator etc.) their replacement parts costs are often higher than buying a brand new item....I guess that`s the idea. ;)
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Sorry Debs .. I understood that from 12 years good service ...
I meant .. touched as in serviced .. ie brush changes etc ... :)
Isn't English a wonderful language we all understand !!
;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
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spin the motor from the fan end then switch it on,if it runs the capacitor is naff.if dont run test the windings with a meter set to ohms or continuity.
If it has brushes remve rotor and check between commutator segments for continuity.
Failing that start at switch and check through.
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spin the motor from the fan end then switch it on,if it runs the capacitor is naff.if dont run test the windings with a meter set to ohms or continuity.
If it has brushes remve rotor and check between commutator segments for continuity.
Failing that start at switch and check through.
:) Thanks very much Haj will give that a test as you suggest, tomorrow. :y
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Sorry Debs .. I understood that from 12 years good service ...
I meant .. touched as in serviced .. ie brush changes etc ... :)
Isn't English a wonderful language we all understand !!
;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
;D Hahaha :y.....you`re correct; not 'touched' (except for an oil change in the compressor) for 12+ years.....I just hope I can repair it; `can`t afford a replacement at this juncture. :-[
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Sorry Debs .. I understood that from 12 years good service ...
I meant .. touched as in serviced .. ie brush changes etc ... :)
Isn't English a wonderful language we all understand !!
;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
;D Hahaha :y.....you`re correct; not 'touched' (except for an oil change in the compressor) for 12+ years.....I just hope I can repair it; `can`t afford a replacement at this juncture. :-[
I am touched to discover that it hasn't been touched in all this time, however, you would have to be touched to allow me to touch it!
Great language !!!
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This is the perfect job for a Brummagem(Birmingham) Screwdriver!
They come in several sizes with a wooden or metal handle and sort out most problems.
I think other people call them hammers! [smiley=thumbsup.gif]
Sorry not taking the p~ss, just couldn't resist it.
Hope you get it sorted, if your luck is as good as mine it wll be U/S.
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Could well be the starting capacitor IMO. As said, a nudge in the right direction might get it running in that case. They also have a valve to relieve the compression when starting in the pressure switch, however, I assume the air reciever is empty so that will probably not be it.
If it's the cap, any old capacitor with the correct ratings would fix it on the cheap.
Kevin
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Yes, likely to be an induction motor with a dying capacitor.
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Ok.....finally got `round to repairing my workshop`s air compressor; `thought I`d update the thread.
As suggested by Kevin: I tried removing the motor/fan cover and flicking the fan in the direction of normal rotation whilst applying power.....`no good, just the 50 Hz. hum from the motor but without motor power.
Checked out the overcurrent `breaker and pressure regulator switch which were both ok.
The starting capacitor appeared ok.....but with increasing desperation I removed it (it`s a 30uF.) and swapped it for the only one I had to hand; which was 30% physically-shorter and only 20uF. (off an old water pump)....wonder of wonders it worked fine and the compressor is back to normal. :y
I`ve been using the compressor it quite a lot since and the smaller cap. doesn`t seem to be making any difference to it`s starting/running.
I`m delighted to be having my Mr.-Blowy working again and I`m able to enjoy the use of my lovely air-tools once more....and for such a 'cheapo' fix...."A result!" ;)
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Ok.....finally got `round to repairing my workshop`s air compressor; `thought I`d feedback on the thread.
As suggested by a OOF`er: I tried removing the motor/fan cover and flicking the fan in the direction of normal rotation whilst applying power.....`no good, just the 50 Hz. hum from the motor but without rotation.
Checked out the overcurrent `breaker and pressure regulator switch which were both ok.
The starting capacitor appeared ok.....but with increasing desperation I removed it (it`s a 30uF.) and swapped it for the only one I had to hand; which was 30% physically-shorter and only 20uF. (off an old water pump)....wonder of wonders it worked fine and the compressor is back to normal. :y
I`ve been using the compressor it quite a lot since and the smaller cap. doesn`t seem to be making any difference to it`s starting/running.
I`m delighted to be having my Mr.-Blowy working again and I`m able to enjoy the use of my lovely air-tools once more....and for such a 'cheapo' fix...."A result!" ;)
Beware as it will be having an affect, it will result in greater losses within the motor due to increased 'slip' and hence more heat.
Less power output to (the lost power being turned into heat!)
Worth keeping an eye out for the right value :y
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Beware as it will be having an affect, it will result in greater losses within the motor due to increased 'slip' and hence more heat.
Less power output to (the lost power being turned into heat!)
Worth keeping an eye out for the right value :y
;) Will do.....I`ll have a search online and see if I can source one, at least I know the cause and it`s not too expensive to correct (properly). :y
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Good ol` Maplin! :y
http://www.maplin.co.uk/Search.aspx?criteria=RG69A&DOY=22m5
....`soon be sorted. ;)
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Excellent. Glad to hear it's back working. Makes me wonder how much stuff like this just gets scrapped these days thanks to little faults like this.
As said, worth keeping an eye out for the right value.
Kevin
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Good ol` Maplin! :y
http://www.maplin.co.uk/Search.aspx?criteria=RG69A&DOY=22m5
....`soon be sorted. ;)
... now that does surprise me. :o Thought you could only buy toys there these days.
I had a quick look in Farnell but theirs are 4 quid for the cap, 15 quid for shipment from the US. ::)
Kevin
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Glad to hear the "air machine" is working again .. :)
(was going to make a rude comment but decided against it as the chainsaw has also been repaired ..... ) :)
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Glad to hear the "air machine" is working again .. :)
(was going to make a rude comment but decided against it as the chainsaw has also been repaired ..... ) :)
[smiley=evil.gif] The air 'cut-off' saw and air-hacksaw are also back in business too! ::)
;D
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Glad to hear the "air machine" is working again .. :)
(was going to make a rude comment but decided against it as the chainsaw has also been repaired ..... ) :)
[smiley=evil.gif] The air 'cut-off' saw and air-hacksaw are also back in business too! ::)
;D
I was going to suggest the option of getting a new compressor here as I am coming over to the UK soon. Only 80 euros (with the tax taken off) its not machine mart but I'm sure connectors can be swapped, I seem to think it was 39lt too :y
Are they really that good?
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Glad to hear the "air machine" is working again .. :)
(was going to make a rude comment but decided against it as the chainsaw has also been repaired ..... ) :)
[smiley=evil.gif] The air 'cut-off' saw and air-hacksaw are also back in business too! ::)
;D
I was going to suggest the option of getting a new compressor here as I am coming over to the UK soon. Only 80 euros (with the tax taken off) its not machine mart but I'm sure connectors can be swapped, I seem to think it was 39lt too :y
Are they really that good?
€80! Wow!...a bargain; you really should treat yourself to one Gaffers :y
I`ve used mine for 12 years of inflating, grinding, polishing, drilling, spraying, washing-down and sawing.....and some other stuff too; I love air tools!
Couldn`t justify not having one in any workshop! :y
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If you have not rdered one yet, try a washing machine repair shop, I bouthg on for our tumble dryer and it was only cheap, cant remember the size though. ;D
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If you have not rdered one yet, try a washing machine repair shop, I bouthg on for our tumble dryer and it was only cheap, cant remember the size though. ;D
Thanks Mike F, I`ve ordered the motor capacitor from Maplin....£10. delivered 1st. Class.
I like mail-order, as these days with the cost of petrol and my rather isolated location (especially in terms of large-towns/specialist-suppliers etc.): any 'trip out' to town in the Miggy ends up adding £20+ in fuel/parking to the cost of anything. :'(
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Glad to hear the "air machine" is working again .. :)
(was going to make a rude comment but decided against it as the chainsaw has also been repaired ..... ) :)
[smiley=evil.gif] The air 'cut-off' saw and air-hacksaw are also back in business too! ::)
;D
I was going to suggest the option of getting a new compressor here as I am coming over to the UK soon. Only 80 euros (with the tax taken off) its not machine mart but I'm sure connectors can be swapped, I seem to think it was 39lt too :y
Are they really that good?
€80! Wow!...a bargain; you really should treat yourself to one Gaffers :y
I`ve used mine for 12 years of inflating, grinding, polishing, drilling, spraying, washing-down and sawing.....and some other stuff too; I love air tools!
Couldn`t justify not having one in any workshop! :y
Well I was going to get one when I was contemplating respraying part of the meega, but I think I will get it done by a pro...
I will think about the compressor but right now I need to concrentrate getting my boat in the water I just picked it up and had to crawl back after the wind speed but so much pressure on the sides that one of the straps ripped through by 6 inches! Ouch! Can fixed though so no worries.
Just got to finish taping the insides, fair the hull, paint and fit the rub rails....... :-/
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......`can`t afford a replacement at this juncture. :-[
I'm not surprised with what you've had to spend on red diesel recently. :( :y
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Compressors - you don't realise how useful they are until you have one.
I've had one for 6 months or so and must have saved myself untold cans of carb cleaner, WD40, etc. When something needs cleaning off I just chuck a little paraffin or diesel in the spray and give it a blast, then give it a shot of air on its' own to dry.
I've used it for everything from cleaning out the condensor at the back of the 'fridge, removing dust from the innards of PCs, etc. The obvious things like inflating tyres are now effortless, of course.
.. and all this is before I've even got into buying any more serious air tools.
Kevin
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I find it is great for unclogging Dysons, cleaning breathers, squirting waxoyl into the body frame, and cleaning the PC
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having read this thread.......i think i am going to have to get one :y
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having read this thread.......i think i am going to have to get one :y
;D No pressure though Albitz ;D
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having read this thread.......i think i am going to have to get one :y
;D No pressure though Albitz ;D
Whats the point of a compressor with "no pressure" ????
I'll get me coat on the way out ........ :)
;D ;D ;D
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having read this thread.......i think i am going to have to get one :y
;D No pressure though Albitz ;D
Whats the point of a compressor with "no pressure" ????
I'll get me coat on the way out ........ :)
;D ;D ;D
;D Exit Entwood; stage right------------------->
;) At least my compressor fault was minor-electrical: `easily repaired and wasn`t a case of piston broke ::)
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having read this thread.......i think i am going to have to get one :y
;D No pressure though Albitz ;D
Whats the point of a compressor with "no pressure" ????
I'll get me coat on the way out ........ :)
;D ;D ;D
I was tempted to say it but bit me lip! ;D ;D ;D ;D
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I was tempted to say it but bit me lip! ;D ;D ;D ;D
Ah .. demonstrating the skills of the Commissioned Officer .... :)
At least that Sandhurst training achieved something ..... :)
(was going to say "wimp" but changed me mind ..... :) )
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having read this thread.......i think i am going to have to get one :y
I think that makes 2 of us matey.
I have wanted one for ages and fancy buying an Airbrush to try my hand at some artwork. Might be OK for the odd Miggy stone chip repair as well. :D
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my stone chips are almost joined up :D
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What with, all that fancy brown paint work that grows on it's own. ;D ;D
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gradual organic colour change ;D....tbh its not in bad nick at all for a 12 year old motor,must take a pic one of these days.