I have a 125psi, 1hp 12 gallon Craftsman air compressor for 14 month's now (12 month waranty..of course) worked well until now. It won't build any more than 20lbs of pressure. I have checked the reeds, they seem fine. I even pulled the piston and checked the rings and cylinder wall, they look ok. Now, when it reaches 20lbs, the air starts coming out of everywhere where it's not supposed to. I have talked to Sear's, they were no help. Does anybody have any idea what I should look @/do next.
Thanks,
hm

 

Is it coming out the pressure releif valve?

 

No it's not coming out there and the valve on the bottom of the tank is also closed. When the lbs hit arond 20 the air comes out of the air intake, the little hole on top of the oil cap and god know's where else.

 

probably the check valve stuck open... it keeps air going in rite direction , not backwards toward the head

 

I had had out too and maybe that is the problem since the side of it that the air pushes aganist into the tank is nice and smooth but the other side that pushes aganist the spring seems a bit rough. I guess I'll wait till they open and see if have they any. At least that'll be a starting point.
Thanks!

 

There should be a check valve located at the tank fitting. Without this part working (probably gummed up and stuck) air goes in the tank and back to piston and you gain nothing. Simple clean up in 15 minutes it should be good as new.
Ron

 

Well guy's...I tried cleaning, sanding and everything esle I could think of, but to no avail. So I broke down and ordered a new check valve. That's where the problem has to be, let's hope it is. So whenever it get's here I'll install it and let you know.
Thanks for the input!
hm

Well guys...I installed the new check valve. That didn't help a bit. This one is getting thrown away and I'll be @ Harbor Freight this morning buying a replacemwnt for a lot less $$$$. I know, you get what you pay for....we'll see what happens.

 

I bought the 4HP HF compressor about a year ago and have had zero problems with it. Kinda noisy. It has the horizontal tank and looks like the $99 2HP model but has much better specs than the vertical 3HP (more $) model. When I need more volume I hook op the tank to my old (antique) compressor, stored outside.

andygears