I have a 3-4 yr old PC pancake compressor that has been run hard, but has been reliable. Yesterday I fired it up and noticed that it seemed to run for quite a while. Looked at the tank pressure guage and noticed that it was around 145 psi, but the label on the side of the tank says 125 and that’s where it always used to cut off. I turned it off and have not re-started it. What’s the problem?
Whenever you are asked if you can do a job, tell’em “Certainly, I can!” Then get busy and find out how to do it. T. Roosevelt
Replies
1st suspect is as you suspect- the limit switch. pull the cover and you'll find two tall threaded posts with nuts holding down springs which control the upper and lower limits. the only odd thing is, if i remember correctly, is that the tighter the screw, the higher the limit (it takes higher valve pressure to override the stiffer spring). while it's not physically impossible for the nut in your unit to screw itself on tighter, as we all know, that's not how the universe usually works. then again, i may have that all bassackwards, it's been a few years since i messed with that particular unit (i have a pc 2hp pancake). a little experimentation with tightening and looosening the nuts and seeing where it comes on and shuts off should fix your problem. keep me posted (oh, you might want to unplug it while you're poking around inside)
m
Only incandescant bulbs self tighten, the rest of the world is on a mission to fall apart.
Joe H
I have found that oil filters on cars will not only self tighten, but some will also self weld. ;-)
the worst are the factory original filters that are screwed onto a clean dry engine block. learned the hard way to check to make sure the gasket is still on the filter (instead of stuck to the block) before putting the new filter on. when i started the engine for a minute to fill the filter, my buddy was screaming 'TURN IT OFF!'- my garage looked like prince wm sound after the exxon valdez cruise. apparently, two filter gaskets are NOT twice as effective as one...
m
or the bane of my life
BUMP HEAD WEEDEATERS
I had to use a goofy strapwrench and channel locks..finally busted the stud..(yes I was going the right direction)
Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks
Repairs, Remodeling, Restorations.
I had the same thing happen last week, the compressor wouldn't stop running. I smacked the pressure switch with my hand and it shut up. Hasn't been a problem since. (I have a standby incase this one blows up, though.)
Boy, I'd be shopping for a new pressure switch tomorrow if I were you...I once saw the aftermath of a compressor with a stuck switch and it wasn't pretty.
It ran until the tank exploded, it more or less turned inside out and tossed shrapnel everywhere. Fortunately, no one was around when it went (it was sitting in a garage and the owner had stepped out for a minute) but it did a real number on the car that was parked next to it.
A very good point well said.
Catastrophic tank failures, they typically split at the seams, are very much like a bomb going off. Anyone near is in grave danger of being maimed or killed.
Adjusting a slightly worn pressure switch might be OK but it only takes one good failure of the pressure switch to disconnect the current to end everything tragically. Better to spend the $20 and get a new one.
The unit should have a functioning relief/popoff valve to prevent catastrophe. Mike
It has the safety valve, and as far as I know it works. Any idea what the safety prerssure point is? I don't want to find out...just curious.
Every time I think about the safety valve, I'm reminded of the story someone told here about their tools being stolen out of their truck and they witnessed it. Said victim approached the perp who was in the getaway vehicle, and the perp passed the compressor back throught the window, at which time the ring on the safety snagged on something and released the pressure. I snicker everytime I think about that scene.
Whenever you are asked if you can do a job, tell'em "Certainly, I can!" Then get busy and find out how to do it. T. Roosevelt