Air compressor

[John L]

I am having a problem wilh a single phase Ingersol Rand air compressor. About every month or two it trips out the overload on the motor.It does not seem to be temperature related because it started back in the winter and it is not storm related. When it happens I push the reset button on the motor and it runs for another month or two. Thanks for your help.

 

[Washmee]

Check the contacts on the pressure switch that starts the motor. If they look burnt or melted it could cause this type of problem.

 

[Randy]

The start switch in the back of the air compressor motor is going bad. I just had the same problem with a customer’s air compressor. It could also be the start capacitor going bad. Take the motor to a motor shop and have them test or replace both.

 

[Jeff_L]

My air compressor did something like that too, but it wasn't an IR. However, it had a capacitor on top of the motor that when I took it apart I found one of the lead wires had rubbed against a sharp spot and was shorting out. That was an easy fix.

 

[Greg Pack]

Capacitors are pretty cheap at a motor shop. If you don't have a tester it might be easier to just buy a couple of new ones. It is also worth checking your wiring connections.

Couldn't a bad pump check valve also cause this?

 

[MEP001]

Couldn't a bad pump check valve also cause this?

If it were sticking closed it might, but I don't think there's any way for it to do so. If it wasn't seating completely there would be a constant hiss from the bleeder on the pressure switch.