I have an older Campbell Hausfeld Air compressor (2hp) that I bought probably 20 years ago, when they were pretty good quality.
I used it pretty heavily early on restoring one of my first cars. For years I've had problems with it being able to start. As I flip the switch to turn it on, it tries to start, turning probably less than 2 revolutions, then stalling for a few seconds then pops the fuse. I always thought it was the motor getting weak. It acts as if the oil is REAL stiff and thick, and the motor doesn't have enough power to start it. My solution has been to drain the air compressor tank, and baby the starting. After about 10 - 20 times or so of trying to get it to start and having to switch it off before it blows the fuse, it will finally start and run. Once the motor is warmed up, it starts OK, as long as it isn't forever before it needs to start again.
After doing some research online this weekend, I thought it was actually the start capacitor. (This is my first experience with capacitors.)
I found the equivalent start capacitor at Grainger for $5 and replaced it, with high hopes it would sove my problem.
No such luck!
Now I'm wondering if it isn't the Run capacitor? I think I've found a replacement for this to, and am willing to invest the additional $10 to see if it works, if someone can give me a 50/50 chance.
I found the following text on the capacitor:
20 uf 370 vac 60 hz
I also found this on Graingers site:
Run Capacitor,20 MFD,370 VAC
Motor Run Capacitor, MFD Rating 20, Voltage 370, 60/50 Hz, Round, Dia 2 In, Height 2 7/8 In, Width 2 In, 1/4 In Male Terminals, Temp Range -40 to 69 C
http://www.grainger.com/Grainger/items/2GU23
Is this the same spec? It looks the same other than the 20 UF vs 20 MFD.
Does it sound like this could be my problem, and would you take the chance on getting another new part? I know it could also be a motor winding from what I've read, but since I can eventually get it to run, I'm thinking the winding must be good?
Any help appreciated!!!
I used it pretty heavily early on restoring one of my first cars. For years I've had problems with it being able to start. As I flip the switch to turn it on, it tries to start, turning probably less than 2 revolutions, then stalling for a few seconds then pops the fuse. I always thought it was the motor getting weak. It acts as if the oil is REAL stiff and thick, and the motor doesn't have enough power to start it. My solution has been to drain the air compressor tank, and baby the starting. After about 10 - 20 times or so of trying to get it to start and having to switch it off before it blows the fuse, it will finally start and run. Once the motor is warmed up, it starts OK, as long as it isn't forever before it needs to start again.
After doing some research online this weekend, I thought it was actually the start capacitor. (This is my first experience with capacitors.)
I found the equivalent start capacitor at Grainger for $5 and replaced it, with high hopes it would sove my problem.
No such luck!
Now I'm wondering if it isn't the Run capacitor? I think I've found a replacement for this to, and am willing to invest the additional $10 to see if it works, if someone can give me a 50/50 chance.
I found the following text on the capacitor:
20 uf 370 vac 60 hz
I also found this on Graingers site:
Run Capacitor,20 MFD,370 VAC
Motor Run Capacitor, MFD Rating 20, Voltage 370, 60/50 Hz, Round, Dia 2 In, Height 2 7/8 In, Width 2 In, 1/4 In Male Terminals, Temp Range -40 to 69 C
http://www.grainger.com/Grainger/items/2GU23
Is this the same spec? It looks the same other than the 20 UF vs 20 MFD.
Does it sound like this could be my problem, and would you take the chance on getting another new part? I know it could also be a motor winding from what I've read, but since I can eventually get it to run, I'm thinking the winding must be good?
Any help appreciated!!!