Harbor Freight Tools, air compressor problem fix?

(Update March 2017, this air compressor is junk, it cant be fixed. From this point on, this video is a buyer beware video!) The problem that’s causing my Harbor Freight Tools air compressor catch fire, has nothing to do with being plugged into a light socket or extension cord. And the cold start valve didn’t fix the problem. by Anthony Armstrong.

[@ronaldnickell6110]

The part you are having trouble with is an unloader valve, designed to unload the cylinder for easier run up of the compressor. This minimizes the starting current. My unloader is solenoid actuated to bleed the pressure off, when the compressor shuts off, then closes back in, when the motor is energized. Hope this helps.

[@AGreedyTree]

Make sure your extension cord is designed to handle 14 amps. The one in your video looks kinda thin. My air compressor won't work at my brother's house because the wiring is old. At his house, all the lights dim and the reset button on my compressor pops. At my house, it works just fine.

[@haquedmd]

Anthony: you are the man!!! Exact problem I was having. Kept tripping my circuit breaker. Now works every time!

[@axegrinder3746]

Thanks !!! Made my day. Thought I was looking at buying a new one because the oil level was way, way low. I will now check it often.

[@ksmallz823]

Thanks hadn't turned mine on in a while. Found your video and got it going in two seconds

[@masf1977]

Wow, my harbor freight compressor had that issue for the last 4 years, until I found your video. Thanks lot for sharing, I really appreciate it.

[@NOBOX7]

your awsome , i was just looking at that thing wondering if it was a relieve valve for start up , kinda like the one on a gas compressor but automatic

[@andyslawnsheretoserveyou2041]

Appreciate the video bought a air compressor from Harbor Freight about 7-8 months ago and it started acting real fun today have to look into it👍

[@rolfbach2721]

Yea bro. All air compressors along with almost all high draw equipment NEEED to be directly plugged in a dedicated outlet.

[@davidplaster4576]

The compressor is good for the money. I have had mine for 5 years now. The compressor is rated for 14 amp peak current, and should NOT be plugged into an extension cord. The only real issues that I have seen are the cold start valve, and the circuit breaker. Replaced these two components, and the compressor has been very reliable. For the most part, the compressor can be fixed, as long as you search for parts, and they are out their. You just have to take a little time doing some searching. If your not mechanically inclined, then yes you may be out of luck.

[@stacihaley8283]

Ok what you have there is a cold start valve. It is meant to be open till the compressor turns on then will spring shut. Once the pressure is off it will open back up. This will stop the piston from moving due to the pressure of air on it. You can't trade this out for another piece. Just go online and order another cold start valve for your compressor. They usually come in 1/4, 3//8, or 5/8 npt (national pipe thread) thread. Sounds and looks like the valve is shot. Order a couple of them and you will be in good shape if it does it again.

[@makiatiu5480]

I have2 question for you or anyone.. I hope I can get some answers.. Ok wen the motor is running should the oil be move around at least a little bit from the view of the little window to check oil level?.. And also is the cylinder head sopoust to get really hot to the touch so fast?

[@snakeeyes691]

staci were do you get the part ive been looking for one cant find any were harber frieght does not carry them

[@timmiller9146]

Excellent! Exactly what I needed. Thank you!

[@1Arcticwolf]

Thanks for posting. I wouldnt have thought about that little valve sticking. You should keep the reset switch though. Mabe get a better quality one.

[@tritontr21]

Figured out the valve was faulty a while back couldn't find info online. Found your video tonight. Exact problem from day one of purchase last year. Had to mess with that valve to get the motor running. Lots of help in the comments too. Thanks. Also, mine dies this plugged directly in to the wall or on extension cord. Makes no difference.

[@marcobrownstone]

I got it figured out with your help and advice. You way to cool Bro!

[@mauerbach58844]

Thank you Anthony !!! Very helpful

[@codiquinn8573]

Your the man!! Make a video on how to perminetly fix the problem.

[@jrnjd3]

I ran into problems with my compressor not running just humming and popping the reset button after we moved into a new place. In the old place I was plugged directly into a wall outlet and the new place doesn't have electrical in the garage so I ran an extension cord from the house to the garage and had nothing but problems. I moved the compressor next to the exterior outlet and plugged it in direct and it ran fine. I'm not trying to say this is your problem I'm just trying to help someone else that might be having the same problem I did so try plugging it in direct and if it runs that's great but if it doesn't you should try Anthony's fix.

[@mobilechief]

Due to a voltage drop do to how long the cord is.

[@oliver396]

Thanks for the review, I was going to buy this exact compressor but after your vid and comments I will buy something else.

[@Michigan-Tactical]

That part on the top that you pointed too is the cold start valve. It's supposed to open when the compressor is off. It releases compression so the motor can start. Once it starts that valve closes. As for the extension cord the manager is right. It can cause the breaker to trip. I have 2 of those compressors. One is plugged right into the wall. The other was plugged into an extension cord for testing. It popped the breaker. The cord was 125 feet (2 cords) I tried with just 25 feet and it worked fine. Here is why. A motor delivers full power at all RPMs. First you have to know ohms law. Volts, amps and resistance are all related. The motor is 2.5hp or 1864 Watts At 120 volts that's about 15 amps. The breaker is 20 amps. A heavy duty extension cord is fine. The one I saw in your video is very light duty. The wires are so thin you'll have a voltage drop. If the voltage drops to just 93 volts the current required to achieve 1864 Watts jumps to 20 amps. Which is enough to trip the breaker. Also the lower violate may not be enough to turn the motor fast enough. This further complicates the problem. A motor can draw twice the normal current just starting up. Adding load to the motor slows it down increasing the current draw. So let's say your extension cords dropped the voltage to 93, the load on the motor increases the current draw so you could be drawing 25 or 30 amps. If you increase the fuse size and the wiring can't handle it it becomes a fire hazard.

[@jessekurtz5648]

Wonder if I can make a small brass coupling with a brass shutoff valves. To completely remove that problem

[@alexprice1443]

Hey buddy, I had the SAME EXACT ISSUE and figured out this very thing. I tried several replacements for the valve. It worked great for a while and now uts messing up again! Good video

[@OhMar1210]

Thank you. Fixed my issue. Appreciate it.

[@owenaero]

I know that this is a older video but that valve on the top in a head pressure relief if it gets stuck when the pump is off when it starts there is to much back pressure for the motor to start. once the pump starts the head pressure closes the valve and fills the tank

[@ad8881]

I looked into Anthony's cold start valve and on my compressor it was fine. Had it not been I would have just put a valve there open to start then close to run. But that wasn't the problem not enough amperage to get the motor to speed was the problem.

[@wrench]

manager isnt completely wrong, my older craftsman when running on an extension cord acts exactly the same way if threunloader is bad when it isnt. Switched to a heavier duty cord and the problem went away, I know i should use a longer hose rather than a longer cord.

[@tedoneill9407]

You are absolutely right about the extension cord. I was having the same problem with mine plugged directly into a 20 amp outlet. If the cold start valve is not working it wont start.

[@ad8881]

The extension cord did the trick for me for sure. Motors need high current to start up. Use a heavy gauge extension cord or plug straight to receptacle and use long pressure hose. It works great!

[@joeminer6118]

Well said bro thax...was having that problem

[@JettaRedIII]

You are absolutely right. The cold start valve spring seems weak. There is too much pressure in the cylinder to allow it to start and pressurize the tank at the same time. If my tank is pressurized, I push the "button" in with a paperclip or other small object until the compressor gets running again. Kinda a pain, but a cheap solution for now.

[@x2malandy]

Jetta Red , Wow, I just noticed that little pin on top of the compressor and held it down with my fingernail and the compressor fires up every time under pressure. It is like it was popping up to fast and did not give the compressor time to rev up. Came to You Tube and see a lot of guys talking about it. I have good current to it so I might try messing with the spring. I saved all part numbers that guys gave on here.

[@raymundomontes1868]

He's right my shop is wired to a fuse box to the street and I had the same problem. The little nipple in the brass fitting would pop out before it got up and running like he said. I poked at it with a screw driver a couple of times and my compressor would start up and runs finally. Runs like a champ

[@tolkupois3895]

That unloader valve quite often defective . I gave away my 30 yr old Craftsman 12 gallon that was much quieter, and trouble-free. I'll stretch that spring and see what happens. Btw. I plug my cord in directly to the wall plug most of the time. It's obvious to me that using an extension cord is a non issue here. Thanks for the video.

[@TheToolReview]

Those types of air compressors have a very high failure rate because the motor run capacitors are junk, look for another capacitor with the same specs ( CBB60?), The specs or model should be on the capacitor. The reset button or switch is a thermal overload switch and once a capacitor goes weak it will give the same symptoms. Make sure to bleed the voltage from the capacitor before touching it.

[@AnthonyArmstrongADX]

Thanks, I’ll look into changing the capacitor. I did find, if I lubricate the motor piston, through the vent hole, before turn it on, the motor will works okay. If I don’t do this, the motor will start up, running slow, like its seizing up. Then the overload switch will pop every time. I shouldn’t have to do this every time I use this air compressor.

[@smilinjoe23]

How do i replace the capacitor?

[@erick32683]

TheToolReview I work at Harbor Freight, most of the returns on this item is the purchaser neglicts it

[@turnipgreen28]

Naw it's cause there fucking junk from China

[@jeffglover6292]

King Ultra no it's cuz they're pieces of shit like most of the tools sold there

[@johnnyk617]

Sounds like the issue is the thermal disconnect tripping out, try a shorter heavier duty extension cord

[@migueldemaio9467]

Have same problem, on a brand new compressor.

[@chrismechanic6164]

Anytime you use an extension cord with a compressor it must be heavy duty. You really should use a longer hose instead. However, the problem with these H/F compressors is the spring in the valve isn't strong enough to hold the leak down valve open in order to allow the motor some freedom to start driving the compressor. Simply remove valve. Using snap ring pliers remove snap ring, o- ring, valve needle and spring. Carefully stretch the spring so its about 1/4 inch longer and reassemble and install. Install just needs to be hand tight then just snug a little further. Works everytime.

[@pengkha7576]

Thats the slow closing valve. It's designed to slowly close at a set psi so it does not create back pressure to the head causing it to stop. I had that issue when I bought mine also. I think they were over tightened from the manufacturer. If you replace it, don't make it too tight. Just tape the threads and snug it then give it 1/4 turn. I haven't had issues since.

[@johnysilver1853]

My compressor starts working and builds pressure up to 150psi but sometimes during work it will not start and won't keep tank charged. Sometimes it turns on only for a few seconds then goes quiet. Sometimes I hears something that it wants to start like air going somewhere through the pipe for about 2 second and then quiets and stays like that. Fails to keep up pressure in tank when I use it. Pressure goes low as 50psi but compressor doesn't start. Then I had to open drain valve to release remaining air pressure in the tank. Disconnect it from AC power for few minutes and it starts working again build up to 150psi again. I don't hear any air leaks. What could be wrong??

[@pdufusc]

Brand: DeWalt : drain valve Model: N000986 ……………….. I used this valve to replace the compress/relief valve, screw right in the place of the cpv. With the valve open, the compressor will start. Then you close the " BALL " valve, and the pressure will build-up. Apparently the internal parts blew out of the original valve, and would not build pressure. The ball valve solved my problem.

[@barfallenmule]

I turn mine on, and won't build pressure and air blowing out that little gold valve.

[@omargf0973]

I like to thank you for your video, I bought this compressor 3 months ago and it work fine first time I turn it on but after that it just didn't turn on, I took it back to the store and they gave me another one surprise same thing happen, try to return it and they wanna charge me $30.00 re-stock fee they said it needs to be plug to a wall outlet with a 15 amp circuit for itself, I didn't wanna lose 30 buck so I keep it, I did what you said with the spring and now it looks like it's working it turn on more than a couple times already so thanks for your video

[@jfresh214yt2]

I took the valve off and it didn't have a spring? Is there a 1 thay i can order

[@dvfull56]

If you don't use a heavier gauge cord, you are going to burn up that motor. I know it happened to me.

[@DukeLaCrosse20]

I just bought one of these today. Did the 30-minute break-in and then plugged it into an extension cord. It started having trouble at startup -- couldn't get going at 90 psi. Tried it with a different, heavier extension cord and, voila! it works fine. I would not have believed it, but its true. You must meet or exceed the extension cord guidelines in the manual. I seriously doubt if the cold-start valve is really the problem.

[@SybilDefense]

"Like the manager said..." I find most times the store employee knows how to get complainers out of the store and little about anything else. The days of knowledgeable workers is gone with the mom/pop shops.

[@JamesJohnson-yy1xt]

The Granger for a replacement part. There are several locations in DFW.

[@johnantonopoulous6381]

There is a pressure relief valve at the regulator make sure that is pushing it down when it cuts off.

[@thegfxmech5475]

I have the same compressor that did the same thing every now and then until one day it just would not turn on any more. I did run a thick gage extension chord but it was too long. I'm wondering if doing your valve trick is just a work around for the extension chord leeching away amperage capacity causing a weak motor start. Depressing the valve helps overcome this but in reality it's the power source. The included cable is just so damn short though!

[@dudeguyinc]

same problem here. thanks for posting this. very helpful!

[@yup00010001]

thanks anthony , i just got one of these and you helped me figure out why it wasnt turning back on . to temp solve the problem i loosened the fitting so there is a slight leak lol

[@erickhill7829]

your advice was spot on!!!! Thank you

[@d.j.9961]

Can u tell me where I can get one?

[@evilmunky6223]

Mine is doing exact same thing same as yours did you get a fix for it? Yeah that piece is supposed to release the head pressure but it gets stuck and like you did you have to push it down.

[@AnthonyArmstrongADX]

There is no fix for a product that was designed wrong. The companies selling these air compressors will say anything to stick people with this piece of crap.

[@djamac360]

I had the same issue and for me, it actually was because I was plugging into a power strip that wasn’t heavy duty enough and had other things plugged into it. Used a large gage extension cord where this compressor was the only thing plugged into it and it fired right up!

[@BKD70]

I have this same compressor (actually mine is the 8 gallon model...) The problem you are having IS that you are running it through an extension cord that is too light for the job. The reason I came across this video is I was trying to use my little compressor with a 4375 watt surge/3500 rated generator. It would NOT start it... not even close. So I started doing some checking... and testing... and looking here on YT and came across your video. If you get yourself a line splitter and a clamp meter, you will see how much current these machines draw on startup. The inrush current on mine on a cold start is 58 AMPS!!! That's 6960 WATTS!! Almost 7000 watts. I completely removed my CSV, and started and checked it with my inrush meter again, and that only reduced the amp draw by about .75 amps... so I know my CSV is working. The running current is 15 amps. Don't try to run it on an extension cord.

[@kimdecastro9156]

my compressor is doing the same thing . i hope it works thank you👍

[@billgoyette]

I had the same problem with startup with my HF 21 Gallon 14 Amp compressor. Putting your thumb nail on the cold start valve would let it kick in, like the video. I tried a replacement cold start valve (25 psi)... did not fully fix the problem. Read about a guy using parallel cold start valves in cold weather, so I bought a 1/4 male to dual 1/4 female brass tee at Harbor Freight (for air hose split). Put dual cold start valves into the tee (original and replacement one from Amazon) and screwed it into the compressor cold start valve port with Teflon tape on threads ... problem solved. Compressor starts every time. Running off a 15 A circuit ... no problems at all.

[@randallmarsh446]

My compressor meltedd the male plug to the female heavy duty plug ext cord.I had to cut both ends off and then i rewired the heavy duty extension to the compressor.I didnt have a heavy duty male to plug to the outlet wiring so i wired direct to electrical outlet with a 15 amp breaker .Believe it or not the common wire burned in half !!! the compressor only ran to fill up 150 punds once then i ran it down blowing off a porch dust.i went inside and waited for it to build up again ..and it didint complete the cycle.?? is there a wiring problem with the motors?? If there is I want a refund or a replacement ..This can cause a dangerous situation regardless how much bigger gauge wire and amperage you hookinto the compressor !!If it got hot enough to burn a 14 gauge Common house wire in two with out tripping the 15 amp breaker then there is a issue // by the way i tested my 15 amp breaker by shorting the wire out at the receptacal..the breaker did its job. any suggestions??

[@coreyh1324]

Yeah man had the same problem I just took that valve off sprayed some wd40 in it and tapped on worked the spring in and out and viola works like a charm excellent video my man

[@TROYJDONAHUE]

Mine is running fine with it plugged into extension cord, but not building up more than 60-90psi an that valve being stuck or I stuck an no difference still won't shut off or build up my ore than 90psi

[@vincentboisvert7277]

Had the same problem... easy fix, Just be sure you ear the "pshht" when it stop. If not, look for the little pipe that goes to the black box and see if when it stop it presses the little pin there to unload the pipe between the compressor and the tank. The little part on the top will not go back to it's position if you don't unload the air btwn the head and the tank.

[@jamesmayfield7416]

Your video was great maybe you can think about keeping the camera on the part more than yourself- we can hear don’t need to see you - thanks just trying to help- good luck on your next one👍

[@petehettish9249]

they said the same3 thing to me also traced the problem back to your part your talking about they pretty much told me I'm SOL . So I went down to where the wrenches are and I removed the part I needed off the display model and now its doing it again

[@oldpatch11]

You are 100% correct I had this same problem I keep pushing the little brass thing down I change my oil plugged it in to different outlets I think the part gets moisture in it an it gets sticky I may put a drop of oil on it

[@leslieclarke1468]

Why does my compressor cuts out wen I start ups

[@johnspiegel5116]

I've seen variations on what outlet I use and what extension cord or plugging one cord into another. Might be tied to added resistance and the compressor's amps running very close to the limits of the outlet or cord. Clearly that's not THIS issue. The manager is probably tired of taking complaints. Personally, I'm happy with HF for more tools than not--but generally accept that many will only last me for the job at hand. I wouldn't recommend for heavy duty work in most cases.

[@MrJohnBoat]

Dude you are awesome .. had same issues.

[@ricktv3514]

Very useful information

[@gregbaugher333]

Your compressor needs 20 amps also and using an extension cord cuts the amps needed to power up correctly.

[@allenserenityfarms3073]

Greg, if it is a smaller gauge wire then yes, but this guy is saying to use a heavy duty extension cord which is no different from running a #14 gauge wire in your wall to the wall outlet. Actually, many construction and industrial extension cords are not #14 or #16 gauge, they are #12 gauge and certainly beefy enough to run that small of a compressor. Anthony Armstrong - ADX is correct in his electrical comments. Also, many people don't realize this and it's obvious when you crank up the air compressor with say a bench light or trouble light in the same feed with it going dim from the breaker feed wire when the compressor cycles. Put in larger feed wire and a 20amp for the compressor line and no other high amperage/wattage load with it.

[@nick0394]

I had the same problem with the decompression valve,it fried the switch on mine.

[@MattSikon]

Yep same problem here mine starts to start then 3 seconds later the reset trips and then nothing. Has anyone found the actual fix yet? I see people saying they thought they did but nothing for sure. Just wondering..

[@williammckee1321]

Dude! Thanks so much for posting! Started up for the first since I've had it.

[@AnthonyArmstrongADX]

I already talked about this before. Plugged into the wall or extension cord, the air compressor will malfunction. The cold start valve will stick, causing the motor to seize. Alberto told me about the cold start valve. I got that and the Harbor Freight air compressor will still seize, unless I reach over and push the cold start valve center pin down (releasing the air pressure on the motor) then the motor will turnover and start running. I have to do this by hand every time. Some of the parts on this Harbor Freight air compressor were designed bad, I feel. I forgot this, The ToolReview guy told me to look into replacing capacitor with the same specs. It’s time to say Buyer Beware! And move on to another air compressor. I’m going to take the advice of a few guys that said, if you have to plug it in, don’t buy it from Harbor Freight Tools.

[@eddieallen8982]

if the compressor won't run on a extension cord then it needs a bigger cord. I got a kobalt 20gal that's rated 1.8hp 13.5amps that will run a 100ft 16ga cord but my other 5gal kobalt that's rated 2hp 14.5amps won't run on the same cord. it's best to have a 15-20amp circuit just for the compressor and any extension cord used should be at least 14ga.

[@AnthonyArmstrongADX]

Plugged it into a wall socket, The Harbor Freight Tools air compressor will malfunction/not work correct. This air compressor has a mechanical problem! That’s causing the electrical problem. Talking about amps and cords is irrelevant! The valves, piston and airflow was designed wrong. If you have to rebuild the whole system, what was the point in buying it in the first place?

[@AlbertoRamirez-bw8zi]

cold start valve is the name of the part thatyou said you fixed i just bought one for $7.99 thanks for the video it helps me to find the problem

[@AnthonyArmstrongADX]

Cool, Thanks Alberto. Unfortunately the air compressor is still malfunction with the reset button now. I think the motor might be seizing, causing the reset button to pop. I’m going to buy that cold start valve, until I can afford to get another brand air compressor. Thanks again dude!

[@fordman9331]

+Anthony Armstrong - ADX Where did you find the cold start valve, and what is the part number? I have looked on the Internet as well as calling Harbor Freight's Technical Support and they said they don't have parts for their tools and did not know where I could find one and did not know what the part number for it was.

[@AnthonyArmstrongADX]

Grainger has the part. Part number ( 36JN39 ) This new part didn’t fix anything. I feel that, those air compressors are designed wrong. You are wasting your time putting a new parts on, a basically new air compressors. And never leave those Harbor Freight Tools air compressors plugged in. If that motor comes on and that reset switch fails, it will catch on fire.

[@fordman9331]

+Anthony Armstrong - ADX Thanks for the information, the part number you gave me is for the shut off valve and not the overload button, is this correct. My father-n-law gave me mine for Christmas a couple of years ago and I just used it to put air in tires and blowing stuff off, but I have been purchasing air tools to use with it. That is when I found my problem, it will always start right up when I first turn it on, but when you use it and the pressure drops that's when it wants to trip the overload on it. Like you my first thought was using an extension cord, so I tried plugging straight into the wall plug, but that did not help any. When I found your video I learned what my problem was and I thank you for that. This is my first compressor and since my father-n-law gave it to me I will try to fix it, because if he finds out it has never operated correctly it would make him feel bad and I don't want that. I like the compressor other than just this one problem. Thanks again!

[@AnthonyArmstrongADX]

Here’s what I found. 1 The cold start valve will sticks. 2 Then the motor will start chugging / piston will nut turn over. 3 Then the overload button - reset switch/button, will trip. You will end up, pushing the reset button over and over. At some point that reset button will fail and burn up are catch on fire. I fill that this Harbor Freight Tools air compressor is designed wrong. The two parts I replaced, fixed nothing. The Tool Review guy told me about replacing another part. I gave up trying to fix a new product! All I can say is Buyer Beware! And don’t leave it plugged in, unattended!

[@yungchoc912]

Mine does the same thing. It isn’t the electrics. The relief valve your have trouble with is a bad design. Just unscrew it a tad bit and your be good to go. That’s what I did wit mine and haven’t had the problem no more. I replace the valve and it still would do the same problem, so just unscrew it tad bit

[@Case-DawgYT]

I had the excat thing! Happen! I pulled it out and poured alcohol and oil it still didn't work so I'll play with the spring!

[@petedebo6906]

The compressor you have needs to have a dedicated outlet 20 amps to operate properly trust me I ran into the same problem extension cords are a no no with compressors as they draw a lot of power on startup

[@w0lvez1]

I want to add more pulley and longer belt to increase mechanical advantage to make more efficient. Why run a 5hp motor if 1hp motor can produce more torque than 5hp motor?

[@ad8881]

I have right here the 2hp 8gallon compressor I can show it will not run on light duty extension cords but it will run on a receptacle or even a heavy duty extension cord.

[@rrperry001]

Straight to the problem

[@Br_Shop]

I do believe that are correct..

[@imoldgreg5972]

I had the same problem with mine. I was going to take it back but come to find out my extention cord was to long and skinny. Not enough power was coming through the cord. I plugged it straight into the wall outlet and it cranked right up with no problems. You need to by a thicker extension cord if you want to use it farther away, but that's why you need a good air hose so you don't haft to move the air compressor. Good luck

[@AnthonyArmstrongADX]

Plugged it in a skinny extension or wall socket does not matter. This air compressors will still malfunction. The company telling you this bull, is saying this to get you to keep the product. If you don’t take it back right away. You will be stuck with it, like me!

[@bwilson7804]

BRUH u just said plugged into a skinny extension cord that it doesn't matter... you gotta have at least a cord recommended for the amps that thing is pulling!!! It's cheaper to buy a longer air hose anyways!

[@robertsword3981]

I have same compressor, had same problem, returned to HF still had same problem. I now have dedicated 30A single wall plug in ... Now I have no problem. ...

[@ChrisSmith-dm9qg]

I found extending the air hose the most expedient solution, rather than extended the electrical service. The compressor needs 20 amps. Most extension cords have too small of conductors to transfer enough current. I have a commercial grade extension cord that is rated for the heavy current (20 amp). If extension flexibility is not a problem, 10 gauge wire (orange, rated 30 amp) homemade extension with plug and receptacle (rated for at least 20 amp) would extend your reach. Oops, I got caught up in one of the other problems

[@jeffglover6292]

These compressors are junk I should have known cuz I bought it at Harbor Freight I plugged mine directly into the socket and all it does is pop the reset has never worked right since I bought it like I said junk junk junk. Thanks for the video though it help

[@Lilmiket1000]

Damn, I'm having this problem too. But I'm not using an extension cord. Mine is plugged directly into the wall.

[@dlyall26]

They want to act as if we are stupid when we use our compressors but don't want to take responsibility when the problem is a manufacturer problem. Great video helps out a lot 👍

[@joelhartmans820]

Thank you!

[@Tha_AntiChrist]

I have the same air compressor and it’s plugged straight into the wall and it hasn’t caught fire yet but my problem is no matter what I adjust on the machine it’s never really filled to it’s highest pressure it just stops building pressure when the gauge is only half way. Seems like a lot of money for a big tank of air that can only do light work.

[@Snailmailtrucker]

Your pressure regulator is adjustable.... turn it Clockwise to increase the pressure !

[@Tha_AntiChrist]

@@Snailmailtrucker I’m pretty sure I have it topped out it only goes to 90psi. I can’t remember what the full capacity is but I can’t get it to go over 90

[@tomcostello5058]

I have the same problem thanks

[@scubytube]

Nice video. Same problem. Cold start valve. Amazon. $4.00

[@seifeseattle]

Sharing is caring

[@AliA-ss2sc]

I had the same issue and the reason is the power extension cord. These type of cheap compressors does not work with any extension power cords.

[@Sheldon1986S]

Thanks worked for me

[@NPCmechanic]

Thank you it fixed it

[@ad8881]

And yes when you see the motor slow turning turn it off it is drawing all the current it can and will burn the windings and be toast.

[@fhluxurytransfers]

Grainger has this part for $4.26. it's called a Cold Start Valve 1/4".

[@AnthonyArmstrongADX]

How’s it going Robert, I already got one from Grainger months back, when you told me what it was called, Thanks. This Harbor Freight Tool air compressor is still has the same problem with that Grainger part. This Harbor Freight Tool air compressor is defective in some way, I Have Moved On, trying to get it to work correct. I will never buy anything from This Harbor Freight Tools, you have to plug in and use electricity with. It’s just too risky! Thanks again dude.

[@d.j.9961]

I just bought a central pneumatic 21gall. I tested it at the store but, the second I got it home, it keeps shutting off everytime I turn it on. I removed the Cold start valve & it comes on but will not build pressure! I really hope this is the fix? Only a 5 day warranty so, I need to RUSH ORDER THIS PART!!!

[@bill4639]

It is called a COLD START VALVE. They are designed incorrectly and you have to buy one from a different company. Getting a new one from Harbor Freight will NOT fix the problem. 1/4 NPT inch cold start valve from Amazon is like $10. The REED VALVES inside the cylinder head may need to be purchased from another company as well. You are welcome.

[@ad8881]

I'm not affiliated with central pneumatic or harbor freight. I do appreciate getting good tools at half the price and American made.

[@johnbladykas4454]

I read my compressor and it said do not use extensions cords

[@ISawYouMushroomHead]

Thanks

[@allenthompson1205]

thank you very much!! you saved me a whole lot of work. allen