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[Debs.]

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? :-/

[HolyCount]

I am afraid, based on all my mechanical expertise, my only response is, have you tried kicking it ?  

[Mr Skrunts]

Or use the favourite fixit tool from my box.

A hammer.

Start with a small one and work your way up.

[Debs.]

I am afraid, based on all my mechanical expertise, my only response is, have you tried kicking it ?  

  To my immense shame; yes!  

[Entwood]

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 ?

[Debs.]

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.  

[Entwood]

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 !!

 

[haj]

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.

[Debs.]

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.

[Debs.]

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 !!

 

  Hahaha .....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.  

[HolyCount]

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 !!

 

  Hahaha .....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 !!!

[dad1uk]

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.

[Kevin Wood]

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

[Marks DTM Calib]

Yes, likely to be an induction motor with a dying capacitor.

[Debs.]

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.

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!"