RXX Posted January 2, 2016 Share Posted January 2, 2016 My 33 gallon compressor motor doesn't fire right up. The motor turns real, real slowly then trips a breaker up the line. I have hooked it up tp 2 different circuits and did the same thing. It is a single phase 115 V, 15A motor. Does it make sense to just replace the start capacitor, or is there some other diagnostic avenue? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JoWhee Posted January 2, 2016 Share Posted January 2, 2016 First thought is the capacitor. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rockmeupto125 Posted January 2, 2016 Share Posted January 2, 2016 Agreed. You don't need the specific device for your compressor, you simply need one of the right size for the motor. You don't need to pay 3x what its worth. If your local hardware/electric doesn't have it, check ebay. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
xrated Posted January 2, 2016 Share Posted January 2, 2016 Philip, the starting capacitor is the most likely culprit here........and they are fairly cheap to replace. That is where I would start. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RXX Posted January 2, 2016 Author Share Posted January 2, 2016 Thanks, guys. I will try to locate one today. There is a lot of work on the barn waiting for it to fire back up. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TuffguyF4i Posted January 2, 2016 Share Posted January 2, 2016 Good to know. I have the same issue with my compressor. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
superhawk996 Posted January 4, 2016 Share Posted January 4, 2016 Before buying parts check the wire connections and the switch contacts, it could just be a resistance issue. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mikesail Posted January 7, 2016 Share Posted January 7, 2016 Can you turn it by hand, if you can't then neither can the motor. Have you checked the oil? Are you sure that the pump isn't seizing up? Is there pressure in the tank, is the unloading valve working properly? If all the mechanical bits are good, I would then try to check the starter centrifugal switch then check the capacitor. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
superhawk996 Posted January 8, 2016 Share Posted January 8, 2016 Good call, I didn't even think about a mechanical issue when I posted. I got a 60 gal. Ingersoll cheap because it was diagnosed as being fucked, slow running and blowing breakers. Turned out to be bad contacts on the switch, a little cleaning and it was good to go. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RXX Posted January 29, 2016 Author Share Posted January 29, 2016 Well, I took baoth capacitors to Grainger, and the run capacitor was bad. Replaced it, and it was still running very, very slowly, but not tripping the breaker. Took the motor out and brought it to an electric motor repair place in Cookeville. Told them my troubles, and left it with them for a few days. Called me today and told me there was a short in the motor itself. They could repair, but advised me a new consumer grade tank would be cheaper probably. They waived the $30 evaluation fee, which was pretty decent of them. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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