Compressor suddenly stopped working - suggestions?

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pjontheroadagain
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Compressor suddenly stopped working - suggestions?

Post by pjontheroadagain »

Could anyone suggest why my Airmaster Tiger 8/65 'Turbo' compressor has suddenly stopped working?

It was running fine but when I switched it on during the recent cold snap, it ran very slowly for a few seconds then stopped. I wondered if it was because the cold weather had made oil was too to turn over, but just tried it again now it's warmer but its dead.

I've checked the fuse in the plug and the electrical connections under the pressure switch/safety valve (which was replaced a couple of years ago) but can't find anything wrong.

Any suggestions of what else might be at fault?
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Someone-Else
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Compressor suddenly stopped working - suggestions?

Post by Someone-Else »

I am just wondering has the pressure switch failed? I found a manual on line Click me
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pjontheroadagain (Sat Jan 18, 2025 9:39 am)
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Would you hit a nail with a shoe because you don't have a hammer? of course not, then why work on anything electrical without a means of testing Click Here to buy a "tester" just because it works, does NOT mean it is safe.

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pjontheroadagain
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Compressor suddenly stopped working - suggestions?

Post by pjontheroadagain »

Thanks Someone Else

Yes, the new pressure switch was made in China, no doubt from chocolate, so I was going to try swapping it with the old one.

Thanks for the link to the manual.
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Compressor suddenly stopped working - suggestions?

Post by Bob225 »

iirc it has a reset switch for the thermal overload - it's on the motor casing

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pjontheroadagain (Wed Feb 05, 2025 11:32 am)
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bourbon
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Compressor suddenly stopped working - suggestions?

Post by bourbon »

try pushing the overload button back in. That's an old compressor, We changed the model number ages ago. All of the pressure switches for small compressors are made in China. Please don't delude yourself thinking otherwise. Are you running it off an extension lead by any chance? The thicker oil is certainly something to consider. First port of call is the reset switch though
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pjontheroadagain (Wed Feb 05, 2025 11:32 am)
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pjontheroadagain
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Compressor suddenly stopped working - suggestions?

Post by pjontheroadagain »

Thanks guys - yes, I tried resetting the overload button but to no avail. I did a continuity test on it, which seemed to suggest it was working.

A friend has sinced tested the capacitor for me and found it seemed to be OK, although apparently the test equipment used very low voltage - not sure if that's conclusive?

No, the compressor was plugged directly into the mains.
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Compressor suddenly stopped working - suggestions?

Post by Bob225 »

Can you turn it over by hand, I take it the oil level is ok
pjontheroadagain
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Compressor suddenly stopped working - suggestions?

Post by pjontheroadagain »

Yes, it turns over easily by hand and the oil level is fine. I think the fault lies with the electric motor - I'm hoping that it is either the starter capacitor or the overheat cut-out switch that is at fault but I'm not an expert on these matters!
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