Air Compressor Repair - pressure switch, unloader, and check valve

Watch this fix before you start buying parts. : )
[ Support Seeker ]
Patrons and Other Support: wp.me/P6ivyU-1wT
Buy Anything on Amazon and support Seeker when you use this link: amzn.to/2PeHRfq
[ Shop ]
Seeker Junk Store: www.svseeker.co...
Junk Store on Amazon www.amazon.com/...
[ More ]
Volunteer goo.gl/Lo1p6y
About Us: www.svseeker.co...
FaceBook Page: / sailingvesselseeker
FaceBook Group / svseeker
Blog: www.svseeker.co...

[@eyygurke6081]

Functionally operates just as it should kzbin.infoUgkxiiMg_x4gIWeXMWfBnDdRnME4qJUAva4w holds pressure perfectly when not in use. Glad one of the other reviews pointed out that the bottom pressure release valve was open; thought it was defective at first.

[@BRNOZKK601]

Pulled the pressure switch/unloader valve off yesterday, convinced the unloader was malfunctioning. All set to get a new valve or switch assy today. Late last night I went on YT and saw your video. This morning pulled the check valve out of the tank and lo and behold there's a piece of hard verdigris material stuck on the rubber seat of the check valve. Reassembled and she's a ripper. Cost zero. Thank you kind sir for this video, don't envy your job sanding down that boat. Cheers from Australia.

[@ΝίκοςΧου]

*Construction seemed sturdier than other units I considered **MyBest.Tools** Noise level was reasonable. Good pressure and cfm capacity for a small reasonably light compressor.*

[@SVSeeker]

Yes

[@philbox4566]

I never knew I needed to check that check valve. I guess that's why they call it a check valve, cos ya gotta check that it is checking the return air. Will check it when next I start up my compressor. Cheers Doug.

[@KnightsWithoutATable]

I have worked for managers that would have replaced the whole compressor when it broke, yet they would micro mange the time for tasks to be finished and treated overtime like it was the plague. Most things can be fixed, if you have the time, information, and parts.

[@horseshoe182]

thats a problem with management, and if the company goes bad, its the workers fault.

[@jkucukov]

Managers keep the ponzi scheme going.

[@joshtonry4291]

I worked for the top production custom motorcycle company. I live in Wichita Ks. One of the managers who's background was at a vacuum cleaner manufacturer, yeah he fit right into the motorcycle world. This guy had an industrial oiler installed into the paint shops air system. Oil and paint are arch enemies. Total digression, thankyou for the video. This will surely help me diagnose my unloaded problem. Custom air compressor, 2x 60gal tanks tied together with 1¼ steel line with a union in the middle. Huge pump on one tank and huge motor on the other. Unloader always drains the tanks down. I'm going to check that 1 way valve, today. Thankyou. Piss poor management runs quality workers right out the doors, and when there's only. Managers getting $100,000 and noone left to work, then I'm sure someone figures out they ain't getting $100,000 anymore.

[@KnightsWithoutATable]

@joshtonry4291 Oh yeah. You need a separator to trap the oil out in that system for sure. All of this is taught in trade schools, but is also just basic high school physics when you think about it too. Good luck.

[@tonykimbrell3254]

It’s nice when you do search and click on the correct video the first time, very good explanation and great video. Thanks buddy!

[@DangarMarine]

Glad it was an easy fix in the end.

[@WTFFlipSide101]

Good video couldn't figure out why my compressor kept bleeding air and recycling....going to check that valve. Bet it is the problem....thanks

[@WTFFlipSide101]

it was the problem....thanks again

[@zipperz28]

Glad I found this. You were correct about the check valve. Mine had a broken spring. Was able to replace it and now back in business. Great video, you saved me a lot of aggravation.

[@SVSeeker]

Nice work!

[@salazarpayne3784]

Welp. Doug... you are officially my number one person on the planet that I want to have a beer with today.

[@gabriellegilbert5239]

🍻✨✨, CHEERS MATE!!! 🤠🤗.🐞

[@FastenDeezNutz]

The only air compressor video that makes sense

[@codyfrankenberg6282]

Sad I can only give one like to this video thank you so much

[@feez357]

This is exactly what I went through BEFORE I watched this video. I see your description clearly says watch it before buying parts.

[@hogie1685]

THIS VIDEO WAS PERFECT. EXACTLY what I needed to see. Thanks man. You just educated me. And I will be able to fix my issue!!!!!!

[@redneckpyromania6965]

Same here was chasing my tail trying to figure this out!

[@rickyou1358]

Excellent, I have the same problem and will check the check valve today, thanks so much

[@JasonBrown-xl3et]

You absolutely just solved my issue. I couldn’t figure out what was happening with the relief valve. I think I have a bad tank check valve too. Thx man!

[@billymonroe9574]

I appreciate you and this video sir, had the exact issue and since I’m an ac refr tech I didn’t know where to start. I came home and looked up videos online and luckily came across yours with the exact same problem. Beers to u good sir

[@rward875]

This was a great help. My compressor is back up and running great. Thank you!

[@MrRv8pilot]

Where was this video about a month ago when I troubleshoot the same way. Changed the unloader valve to find out it was the check valve🤬

[@Sawblade02]

Thanks, had this exact problem. Cleaning out the check valve kept me from throwing money at a whole new pressure switch. One extra symptom I had was when it tried to restart, it popped the circuit breaker. Knowing that check valve is there now, I'm guessing the inrush current is just too high when the cylinder isn't unloaded.

[@steveemmins3728]

I think you might have saved me $5000. I’m up in Toronto with a Jun-Air model 3 silent compressor that is having the EXACT same problem that you just described in your video. The service centre wanted to sell me a new compressor - think I’ll invest in a new check valve first. Thanks for the heads-up. Cheers.

[@BEADSNBIKES]

Putting together a compressor form a pile of parts. You have answered many questions with this short video. Thank you !

[@thomascummings7589]

Thank you you may have just saved me a tone of time and money . Thank you Thank you

[@gerardspinnler3251]

Thanks for the information. I had a similar issue (would not cycle, stall on restart) with a Fortress 2 Gallon Ultra Quiet compressor. Purchased a pressure regulator (unnecessarily) and thanks to your post, I disassembled the check valve to find it not working properly due to aluminum filings preventing the valve from closing. Thank you for taking the time to make the video, very helpful!

[@chadsimmons6347]

Bought a used compressor from my Nephew needing cash to live on? He's now in re-hab, the machine was a mess, now it's working (thankx-4-info)

[@stevechinz]

Love it, "we do it right, cause we do it twice!" Lol!

[@robertmatthews8302]

Thanks for your video. My Hunter 55 will not restart due to residual pressure preloading the motor. (this compressor was given to me, obviously poorly maintained, the air receiver was full with water and sludge). I think I will check out your trouble shooting proceedure as my next step. Thanks again !

[@robertmatthews8302]

Well, I did remove the check valve and found the problem. The small disc inside was grooved by its seat. So I carefully re-surfaced it with 180 grit then 800 grit w+d finally burnishing its surface to a shine. Voila ! Job done. Now the compressor can live again. Thanks Mr SV Seeker.

[@SirRodney42]

I had exactly that problem with the compressor at work. The vendor sent a new switch wich did not fix the problem. Later the vendor insisted that we clean the valve again and there was some gunk left in the valve rubber. Since cleanig it works fine.

[@Xiaopang5544]

I just finished watching a heap of your videos for entertainment so I could look for a video on how to fix my compressor and here I am again back at SV Seeker. My compressor has the exact same issue thanks Doug.

[@SuperRpena]

Thank You for your video it helped me fix my little sears air compressor. It was the check valve on this compressor also there was this small screw inside that had come loose. It’s fixed!!! Thank You

[@BrianBouchard-q6l]

@SVSeeker I'm having trouble with my Grip Rite GR152CM compressor. It starts leaking air from the unloader valve once it reaches 100 lbs of pressure. The air keeps leaking out even when the compressor is running or if I unplug it. I first replaced the check valve, but that didn't fix the issue. I then replaced the pressure switch (came with new unloader valve), but the problem persists. Do you have any ideas on what might be causing this?

[@colin8653]

After watching SV Seeker for a few years now if you can't take a bit of criticism and then dont watch it i have learned in life that sometimes you just have to have a laugh at yourself and enjoy life as you said the enevadil is life will come to an end so enjoy it and learn to laugh good video i look forward to them yes i am a bilge rat

[@gc33]

You just me a shit load of frustration... Thought I had a dud pressure switch. Came across you post... SAVED!! Winner. 😊😊

[@MrPeterRobson]

Wonder how many times this happens!! Yep, same same here. The pressure regulator people must love it! I’ll check google before ordering on next mystery , thanks!!

[@jakobrebeki]

thanks Doug....

[@local631]

just replaced my pump and rebuilt the cut off switch then cleaned the one way at inlet and blow off..removed bottom and side plugs to get a better look.. 1987 Cambel Hausfeld $230 for partial rebuild kit.. Harbor Freight $179 for brand new 5 hp pump...

[@SqueakyWheel__Inc.]

I have a little 4 gallon pancake compressor. It stopped producing air. I checked the drain plug, all threaded connections, oil level, and relief valve. Everything seemed to be working fine. I unscrewed the air filter and tried to blow through it. Couldn't. Turned the compressor back on and it aired up the tank and cut-off just like it should. Air filter was clogged. I unclogged it using the same air I had just put in the tank, with a blow gun. Everything is back to working fine again. $0.00 spent.

[@clifffowler2581]

You da man.... and a boatie, yes!.... Yes "Love does matter" and now I love you 😊 Thanks boss 👍🇦🇺🇺🇲

[@loganhancock6277]

I've been watching the boat build for years! Today my compressor messed up so I youtube it and here Doug is fixing the exact problem! Thanks Doug!

[@SVSeeker]

Glad to help

[@darrenmiller3614]

That's so funny what a good attitude Amazon always sends me the wrong stuff or I get it wrong one way or the other geez I'd be a millionaire if I'd actually send the stuff back someday I like the Happy attitude and positiveness thanks

[@benhur520]

Fixed my problem on my HF compressor. Thought I was in for a new pump.

[@tonyp6088]

OMG! I just did exactly what you did. Brand new pressures switch and a big waste of time

[@rogerharbert2104]

What a great, helpful video. Thanks sir.

[@SVSeeker]

Glad it was helpful!

[@jd318jds]

thanks i’ll probably have this problem someday but today my compressor want attempt to start i turn little red start arm down nothing a voltmeter tells me the relay does transfer 120v thru it to top 120v but motor does nothing:(

[@livenotonevil8279]

I think our compressor has the same problem. Also, it's going through oil like crazy.

[@johnqueen2754]

Ive got a small compresser, it will fill up,just want let air out. ??? Any idea?

[@lesflynn2392]

That helped mine was doing the same thanks

[@monsterkxf]

Wow! You just saved my but!! Came across your vid, had the same problem with my compressor. Took off the check valve only to see that the spring inside was broken. Just happened to have a similar one lying around, changed it, put it all back together and voila!!! Compressor works as new because of your vid!! Thanks!!🤘🤘

[@SVSeeker]

Nice work!

[@FourthWayRanch]

I have shelves full of the wrong thing bought on amazon

[@johnwaynewilliamson]

my husky compressor is different design and has a different issue kzbin.info/www/bejne/sILaYpVnjdiiaNk any ideas? could it be the check valve also?

[@darrenmiller3614]

You ought to put out a wide-angle view of the item you're sending on there looks like a pretty big canoe LOL

[@Jacob-rt6on]

My air compressor only builds about 5 psi then shuts off, then bleeds all the air and starts back up until about 5 psi again then repeats

[@sssteelfab]

This is my issue! Im on my second pressure switch and it is doing same exact thing... Leaking through unloader! Thank you for this! Also, I happen to be a fan of the channel!

[@SVSeeker]

Glad to help

[@jameshumphries7890]

Could put a transmission after cooler and stop all water forming and going to the tank but need more tubing and a filter/separator. Mine works so so good

[@RestoringChristine1956]

I have a relatively new Quincy that I was about to buy a switch for and then a bleed-off valve. I think you might have just saved me from 2 weeks of wrong part frustration! Many THANKS!!!

[@killer2600]

Just read a Amazon comment from someone who made the same mistake - just shows, the more you know, the less you buy parts you don't need. Also wear a dust mask of you're going to be blowing debris around your face like that.

[@SVSeeker]

Thanks. My mom died years ago. I appreciate you wanting to step into her role, but I think it's best if you don't.

[@Buck1954]

Love the easy to reach drain hose idea.

[@ItsMeGiga]

Thanks! you saved me money and time to repair my air compressor! thank you so much!

[@Teleman01]

What I am seeing with mine is, the unloader valve is leaking when the compressor is running. But when the compressor shuts off, the unloader valve doesn't leak and everything works as normal. From what I understand and remember, my unloader valve would only open for a second or so after it shuts off. Mine is leaking continuously when the compressor is running. What could that be??

[@rainyriderr1112]

That's normal. The unloader valve will leak air while the compressor is running and once it shuts off, the valve will hiss for a second then stop. The valve is opened mechanically while the compressor runs

[@SlingSuds]

My unloader valve has like a needle at the end of it, what does that do? It's close to a metal handle that turns the motor out.

[@SybilDefense]

Amazing how just cleaning things... especially things on the inside, makes stuff work. Probably translates to the human body / biology. I.e. Showering does not prevent colon cancer. :) ain't that some s#!t

[@SVSeeker]

LOl

[@faliosa8819]

I experienced the same problem today when I switch it off it loses pressure

[@ToddGibbs-f3v]

Where did you get a pressure switch and unloader for 12 dollars ?

[@LuisMartinez-fr9gq]

Sir one question why does my air compressor blows the fuse, what could possible be? Any suggestions it's greatly appreciated thanks in advance.

[@SVSeeker]

Not offloading the air from the top of the compressor if it blows the fuse on startup. An old motor or bad lubrication if the fuse pops after a short while. Bad fuse if it's not the motor of pump. Put an Amp meter on the power line to the motor and see how many amps it is pulling if it is getting started.

[@euslace]

Thank you so much good sir. I wondered why my new cut off switch was blowing air just like my old one!? 😩 so after taking various air fitting apart I found the pressure valve gave it a squirt with some silicone grease and boom back in action! I will eventually replace the valve but for now I have a working compressor again.

[@SVSeeker]

Great job!

[@hawkwarrior5066]

Hello again, buddy thought I'd update you on the problem I've had with my compressor it turned out to be my fault I'd put the check valve in the wrong way round I felt like a right plonker but thanks for your replys in the last comments

[@SVSeeker]

I've done that with check valves myself. : ) Glad you found it.

[@buckdeweese8865]

I have a small craftsman air compressor, 3 gal 1 hp, 125 psi. It runs great, guages work, and it fills the hose with pressure...for 1 spurt of air. I disconnect then reconnect the hose at the quick coupler, and get 1 spurt of air. Is it my cyclo regulator or my quick coupler? Or something else?

[@SVSeeker]

The only think I can think of is you have a mismatch on the air line quick connect and the quick connect on the compressor.

[@joseramirez9932]

Will this make my compressor reload again just loads one time

[@jason-xb9wx]

thanks bud. mine isnt starting tho. any exp with magnetic starters. when i bypass the pressure sensor it starts so im thinking its not that.

[@remocampagna8780]

Wish I had seen this before I made the same mistake.😢 thanks for the video

[@philliphargreaves4879]

Thanks for the information ,Check valve fault fortunately I was able to disassemble and clean mine

[@SVSeeker]

Nice work!

[@UkeDoggie]

Great video, so real world! Thanks!

[@jzahirniak]

Glad a ran across your video cause I had just ordered a new switch...went out and pulled the check valve and wadda-ya-know. So now a $15 check valve vs $25 switch. You just saved the family from me being pissed off for the better part of a weekend! 😂

[@tazmaniandevil4658]

Of course I didn't watch this video 1st🤦🏽‍♂️. I did the same thing. Bought a new pressure switch, And it's still doing the same thing🤦🏽‍♂️. Watched this video, cleaned the one way valve out. Now she's working fine. And thank you for not putting a bunch of "fluff" in the video, and getting right to the point. it is Greatly appreciated.

[@masonstone3832]

Use summarized about 900 videos into one awesome simple wonderful stream The Helpful Pleasant very grateful for your video thank you

[@jamtraveler1]

Thanks, my compressor looks just like yours and had the same problem.....Again Thanks

[@ducrogers302]

Absolutely right. Thank you for the tip! I almost went and bought the more expensive switch. Glad I saw your video. I took my check valve out and found the spring that pushes the rubber valve was in 3 pieces. I took it apart, went to the local hardware store replaced the spring and that fixed the same problem. Thank you!

[@SVSeeker]

Great to hear!

[@C-M-E]

Just finished refurbing a compressor this week, (replaced the pressure switch, check valve and the safety switch since they all looked old. Also an oil change, as the last guy looked real lax on maintenance. Basically all that carried over was the tank, motor and the pump. Even new gauges). Get all new fittings to upgrade my airflow, feeling good, quick bump to make sure I wired it right. Cool, looking good, no smoke. I stand way back in the yard, cuz all that's left now is concern about the tank, even though it looks solid, no rust, no hollow spots from tapping. It's smooth sailing right up til 70 psi. Speeeeeeeeesh! Brand new safety valve dumps. Umm, omen of further fiddling? 🤔

[@Halmengineer]

I watched this video 9 months ago and completely forgot all about it. Then my unloader goes bad, or so I think. I buy a new switch and it doesn't solve the problem. Fortunately I found out about the check valve and realized the problem, because I was adding an aftercooler* at the same time. So I Google "bad air compressor check valve" and this is one of the first links that pop up.......... *I highly recommend adding an aftercooler. I've only ran mine 5 for minutes and I can already see it is solving a lot of moisture problems. It will also keep the check valve free of debris.

[@philishaachieng7076]

Was watching this as i fix mine thank you so much it has worked 🎉🎉❤

[@SVSeeker]

Glad it helped

[@emccallum1012]

Thanks for the video! I just bought a large compressor used and the unloader line was plugged off. Now I know why....the check valve must have gone bad and they rigged it. We have all ordered the wrong part, replaced good parts, then fixed the real problem! Its makes life interesting.

[@xhefriguitars7946]

I have been fighting my air compressor for a week. Just put a new pressure switch on and was doing the same thing. OK, this weekend I will pull the check valve. My old pump ate itself and I bet small pieces of metal got into the valve. I will update this if this works and let know know (Like you want to know, right! LOL, but others might want the confirmation!!!)

[@SVSeeker]

Good luck!

[@xhefriguitars7946]

@@SVSeeker Well for your viewers! If you have problems with the shut off pressure switch blowing air when the compressor turns off, check this check-valve FIRST! As SV showed, a little dirt, metal or plastic can get down in that valve and it will leak air. I just took mine out (What a pain BTW, mine is on top of the tank under the steel mounts for the pump and motor. I had to cut a custom 7/8s socket to fit the valve as it had a 3/8th small pipe connector on one side of the valve that goes to the pressure switch) and blew it out and washed it with solvent. Popped it back in and my compressor works fine now. I could have saved a lot of work and $33 for a new pressure switch if I would have done this first!

[@SVSeeker]

@@xhefriguitars7946 Bravo for not throwing in the towel.

[@marcelthibodeau9577]

well you didn't save me from mis-diagnosing it. But after watching this I'm positive this is my problem. thanks!

[@KolyaNadj]

Well, I did watch this before I started buying parts. Thank you for that.

[@asakayosapro]

Thanks for this! I thought that the pressure switch was defective or something as whenever it was flipped to the off position or hit 150 psi it would let out air like mad, nonstop! Though, looks like that check valve is going to be a royal pain to get out of where it's installed... And that's not even getting to the part where i have to repair said valve, or worse, turn a new one (unlikely) - hoping it'll be an easy fix like the check valve on my smaller husky 5 gallon. Funny how just one broken spring can throw a wrench in the works!

[@quanmeg]

Glad I watched your video. I was just getting ready to tear into my pressure switch. I am sure you nailed my problem exactly,

[@vinhnguyen-mj4gj]

Thanks for your video, actually after watching your video I fixed mine with simple step, need 17mm wrench and some gasoline clean up the release valve housing and special the white rubber cheap material seal it’s work again . Make sure after cleaning after build up air you can hear the air leaking out for a short period that’s mean it work. Grease stick around that seal plug can’t pull back the spring and can not release the pressure on the head which it stop the machine refilling . Using the cotton swabs to clean the valve housing don’t t let the gasoline into the tank .Thanks!

[@Dave-jc6ky]

It appears you were referring to a part on the side of the pressure switch as an unloader (valve) and if it wasnt working properly it would cause problems with a load of pressure on the compressor next time it tried to start up again. That sounds like what has been happening with my recently purchased used compressor. If you shut if off at around 40 psi and go to turn it back on after a bit the motor kind of "chugs" like it can quite get going. If you bleed off pressure in tank through drain plug or valve with pull ring on it then it will start up again and run normally until cutoff pressure is achieved. Does that sound like the "unloader" isnt working correctly? Is it known by any other name? Can it be replaced if this is the case?

[@universalunicorn1390]

My own compressor doesn't pick up when turned on automatically but when i push the manual buttons it begins to work if i release them it stops working..I'm really wondering what could the fault be?

[@alphadog1961]

The Old Pressure Release Valve...we all need one of those,some days more than others.Thanks for your video,sharing the knowledge.

[@itsok5079]

Mine was the gasket under the switch.

[@abstrusejay]

So glad I found this video before buying parts. I think you just about saved me a bunch of pointless purchases! This is exactly what my compressor has been doing for a few days now.

[@ritchecapangpangan5868]

good job 👌🇵🇭 thanks 👍

[@chrisgraham7429]

Thank you. It did help.

[@dariopopalardo8186]

Thank you ,I viewed you video and you saved me from buying parts that imdid not need, a piece of plastic was stuck,in the valve just like yours, cleaned it out and is as good as new now. Thank you

[@gamlielu]

Thank you and nice job. Maybe you can help me to determine why my compressor does not stop running?

[@SVSeeker]

Shot reed valves so it's not actually pumping air would be my first guess.

[@weloveups831]

Thanks for your video. I wondered where the check valve was located. Thought it might be in the head.

[@SVSeeker]

Glad it helped. I looked the the head first. : )

[@CTRadventures]

I have a Cobalt 26 gallon quiet electric compressor. Recently while using it it stopped working and would not turn back on. When I turn the switch off and on it started like a car trying to start up but the motor would not go. I bled the tank to zero tried it again in the motor turned on fine. I pumped it up to less than 30 PSI and tried to turn the motor off then on and when I did that it would not run even at that low of pressure. Any ideas?

[@SVSeeker]

I'd guess it's time for a new motor, but I'd first check the capacitors on the motor. There are some good videos on how to inspect and test motor capacitors.

[@CTRadventures]

@@SVSeeker yeah I hope that's not the issue a lot of other people are saying that it could be the pressure switch because there's a whole lot of other valves and stuff that come out of that try replacing that and if that doesn't work then guess I'll just have to sell it for parts cuz I don't think there's a way I can fix it myself

[@adammenz]

FEELS LIKE DEJA VU i have replaced my good pressure switch twice with the exact same crap in the check valve problem (3 years between occurences) LOL. but wont make that mistake a 3rd time. hopefully.

[@WildmanTech]

Great tip Doug! Thanks!

[@allanpape5401]

Can you tell me about that hose you had to drain off the water in the tank (pix and links are always helpful)? That looks like a great solution to having to mess around with the bleeder under the tank all the time.

[@SVSeeker]

It’s just a piece of old air hose with a ball valve if I remember correctly. I live on my boat now and sold that compressor.