Air compressor motor troubleshooting part 2: stationary switch replacement

[@GeorgeIreton]

I just want to compliment you on your instructional style. While none of this applies to my particular issue, I was able to learn many things from both of these troubleshooting videos. You have a unique talent in being able to smoothly convey information. Thanks for that!

[@MattVerley]

You're welcome, glad I could be of some help!

[@tomwinters4367]

Hello Matt, By watching your superb videos I was able to trace the fault with my compressor motor to dirty contacts on the inertia switch. You saved me buying a new motor. Thank you very much indeed. I'm very grateful ! Kind Regards, Tom

[@MattVerley]

Glad you found the info useful!

[@7SierraTango1]

thanks for the video! I didn't even think of the inertia switch! replaced both of the caps and couldn't figure it out. although my motor is much different, I was able to test the switch and it was faulty. dirty contacts. thanks for the info!

[@bernardocisneros4402]

Thanks for the video. From the looks of the inside of the motor and the condition of the centrifugal switch, it looks like it has been running for a long time. Very well made. Unfortunately, they don't make them like that anymore.

[@proto2580]

You just saved me a ton of $$, thanks man! Originally, I thought my problem was the start cap, but it turned out to be the centrifugal switch. I'm working on an A O Smith motor on a 90's craftsman air compressor. The specs of this compressor are far better than any compressors sold today, even at price points 2x the original MSRP of this compressor.

[@thehoule70]

Good stuff bud , my air compressor is doing the same thing and it’s not the compacitor so now I’ll check it out

[@gmanll0]

I guess it's not quite 5 years since you did this-but I did it this morning. I had a 30 gallon quincy compressor that has been flawless for 25 years. Last week it stopped working. I thought it was the start capacitor, but when it wasn't I thought "Now I am going to have to spend another $500 on a compressor. Shoot!" Well you saved the day> I went out and took the motor apart, cleaned it out, cleaned off the contacts to the switch and viola!-it works like it is brand new. I wonder how many compressors are in the landfill that only needed a switch or a cleaning. Thanks!

[@gmac1321]

Did your switch stay closed constantly when you turned the motor by hand, or was it intermittent? I'm in the same boat from the looks of it.

[@chrisabraham8793]

Thanks for the video sorted my problem our. All the other videos told me nothing about the electric side of things.

[@northerntranquility1614]

Great video I'm pretty sure I have the same problem thanks so much . Very easy to understand

[@gregr1672]

Thanks so much for your video , you should be a teacher at a trade school because you are very good at getting your point across! I am trying to repair a 5 HP 240 v Air Compressor for a friend at his business . I assumed the Start Capacitor is bad because the motor runs without the belts on the compressor . I do not see any centrifugal switch drawn onto the wiring diagram on the motor like your schematic showed, but there is one unlabeled wire coming uo from the motor windings that might be from a switch .I still think the start cap is bad, because it reads from zero ohms up to about 15 ohms and stays there at 15 ,both ways you try it . I believe it should start at zero and climb to infinity . Thanks again , greatly appreciated sir.

[@stabg289]

I want to thank you you saved me 2000 dollars my switch 1 wire fell off of my rotary screw compressor 7.5 hp motor

[@MattVerley]

Glad the video helped!

[@shawnmrfixitlee6478]

Super great repair man ! Saved a good motor ..

[@jle5029]

Sir I happen to have that exact leroy somer motor and I'm trying to hook it up to my compressor I also have the same pump but I can't find a wiring diagram can you help me out. I received them together but they were not hooked up with no capacitors , came with a 200 gallon tank.

[@MattVerley]

I would gladly help, but I sold that compressor several years ago. No good way for me to give you any guidance, beyons what you see in the video. Sorry, wish I could be of more help!

[@wtfdan817]

My Dad's compressor won't start and has a loud humming noise. Like you, I'm hoping it's a capacitor. But, if not, I know what else to look for thanks to you. Thank you!

[@Forge5894]

I enjoyed watching your video, thank you for posting it!

[@johnnyjimj]

Excellent video... Two thumbs up!

[@TheTraakon]

Thanks for the Vid. How about posting the PN of the motor/replacement part for those who might run into a like issue at a latter date. Look forward to more vids.

[@gregresch1809]

Very helpful.

[@charlesfick729]

What were the symptoms when the motor stopped working? Did it hum or buzz, or was there nothing at all? My motor has nothing at all. When I by passed the magnetic on switch and hooked it up directly to the motor, there was still nothing, no sound or movement what so ever.

[@bluebelieve]

Good day. I have a duel capacitor duel voltage 2 horsepower Baldor motor. I plug it in, it spins for maybe 3 seconds then trips the breaker. I tested the capacitors but only by taking them out and putting 110 volts for a split second and then shorting out the terminals and I do get a large snap. I checked and cleaned my contact points on the inertia switch. I am wondering what the symptom would be if the inertia weights were not working properly and not taking the start capacitor out of the system? Any help would be appreciated.

[@exibuchay1695]

I'm having the same problem. I thought it was one of the two capacitors. But they both tested out fine. It must be the inertia switch. Now if I can only find the right one

[@ramada0]

Do you know of any websites that have info on plumbing/wiring up a compressor/pressure switch/motor. I got a compressor give to me. It is a 120 gallon and has a 10 hp. The capacitors need changed and all the plumbing and wiring has been taken off of it. I cannot find any markings on the compressor so I have no idea who made it. It has a Baldor motor on it, not sure what all I would need to wire the motor up.

[@charlesfick729]

When the motor stopped working, did the motor buss of hum or was there nothing at all. My motor has nothing at all

[@bigmedge]

Great tutorial, just 1 minor question: at 5:47 you said you're gonna use the voltmeter to check if the capacitor was in the circuit . My question is , how did you measure voltage when the machine is off ? I know resistance/continuity must be checked with the machine off, but doesn't it need to be on in order to detect voltage ?

[@MattVerley]

I should have said ohm meter. I was checking continuity across the stationary switch, using the provided wiring diagram to choose my test points.

[@bigmedge]

Matt Verley cool, thanks for the prompt reply

[@alfrejaime]

i have a marathon electric motor on my compressor and a brand new running capacitor (air compressor starts running and then sounds weak and lower and shout off) any idea what’s can be the problem.??)

[@jmileshc]

It looks like you could for a quick fix, have extended or stretched the motor switch wires to use just the one working switch that had not burned out? is that right? Thank you for the information BTW.

[@MattVerley]

yes, that would have worked fine.

[@BigBlockGDM]

Can you tell me where you found that stationary switch? I need one for a weg 5hp motor

[@MattVerley]

I just did a google search, and spent about 20 minutes wading through the results until I found the right one. I ended up buying it from Stout's Electric Motor Service.

[@ericmcginnis2097]

Im wondering why you didn't dig into the motor before replacing it. Well life happens im sure.

[@LLuE88]

GOOD JOB, any one on this subject know how to rattle the cage at Dayton / Grainger to get a motor connection diagram foe 120 / 240 volt , connection. the motor I have has been mutilated just enough to make it very doubtful as to how to hook it up, I've sent couple of emails, without reply of any kind, , so guess phone calls are next to the right person? regards

[@barryinn1778]

Hey Matt, you can come do mine!

[@lewisrogers3646]

Lewis Rogers

[@ernestobautista1810]

220------110