possible comprssor problems

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OK, my new compressor has suddenly stopped building to full pressure. The compressor's peak pressure is 155 psi which it got to in good time but just today the needle stalled at about 120 psi and the compressor ran and ran, that was it.Calling the manufacturer will most likely mean being without a compressor for 30 days because that's how lowes service works, been through that with my lawnmower so I just had to fix it myself.any thoughts on what could be wrong? I followed the break in instructions to the letter. I considered changing the oil after break in but the instructions didn't mention that being necessary.  It's cast iron and I expected it to last just a little longer than that.HH187Hobart 500i plasma cutterClark 4.5" GrinderDewalt 14" chop saw30 gallom 1.6 hp compressor10 gallon pressure pot sand blasterlots of hand tools
Reply:Leaky valves?  Worn piston/cylinder/rings? (do shop compressors have rings?).When you shut it off do you hear any air leaking?Sounds like a tear-down/rebuild but for a relatively new compressor still under warranty (??) I'm wondering if Lowes will simply swap for a new one.Miller 211 w/ spool gunMiller Dynasty 200DXLongevity 60i IGBT plasmaO/A w/ crappy chinese torch/gaugesSouth Bend 10K latheGrizzly 4029 10x54 millGrizzly 7x12 hor bandsawangle grnders, bench grnder, bench belt sndr7.5 hp 80gal cmprsor
Reply:bad valves or rings seem to be the only possibilty but this thing is new. No, I don't hear any leaking after I shut it off and it holds pressure.and yeah, I'm hoping lowes will swap it but I have my doubts, theyll probably make me go through the mfg warranty which will take forever.HH187Hobart 500i plasma cutterClark 4.5" GrinderDewalt 14" chop saw30 gallom 1.6 hp compressor10 gallon pressure pot sand blasterlots of hand tools
Reply:Check for a blown discharge manifold gasket if it has one.  My Husky blew its gasket about a year ago and did the same thing.  Replaced it with a new one made from exhaust gasket material from O'Reilly Auto.MM200 w/Spoolmatic 1Syncrowave 180SDBobcat 225G Plus - LP/NGMUTT Suitcase WirefeederWC-1S/Spoolmatic 1HF-251D-1PakMaster 100XL '68 Red Face Code #6633 projectStar Jet 21-110Save Second Base!
Reply:Originally Posted by duaneb55Check for a blown discharge manifold gasket if it has one.  My Husky blew its gasket about a year ago and did the same thing.  Replaced it with a new one made from exhaust gasket material from O'Reilly Auto.
Reply:Thats a long way to span for a really thin piece of gasket.  Looks like you might be able to make the new one with some more meat in there.  Might make it last longer.Dynasty200DX w/coolmate1MM210MM VintageESAB miniarc161ltsLincoln AC225Victor O/A, Smith AW1ACutmaster 81IR 2475N7.5FPRage3Jancy USA1019" SBAEAD-200LE
Reply:Originally Posted by AndyAThats a long way to span for a really thin piece of gasket.  Looks like you might be able to make the new one with some more meat in there.  Might make it last longer.
Reply:To me, 155psi seems like too much pressure for a single stage pump.Considering gauge error, pressure could actually be 160 plus.Could you back down the working pressure a little?Good Luck
Reply:Originally Posted by denrepTo me, 155psi seems like too much pressure for a single stage pump.Considering gauge error, pressure could actually be 160 plus.Could you back down the working pressure a little?Good Luck
Reply:I haven't taken apart any of the pressure switches for air compressors.  I've worked on a few for water well systems (pump and an air bladder tank).  All the ones I've seen have two adjustments.  One for the high side kickout pressure, and one for the low side turn on pressure.Dynasty200DX w/coolmate1MM210MM VintageESAB miniarc161ltsLincoln AC225Victor O/A, Smith AW1ACutmaster 81IR 2475N7.5FPRage3Jancy USA1019" SBAEAD-200LE
Reply:Originally Posted by denrepTo me, 155psi seems like too much pressure for a single stage pump.  Could you back down the working pressure a little?
Reply:yeah , they're right ken , turn it down , it will last ALOT LONGER........the newer models have only One adjustment spring inside the "pressure switch".....you'll see it when u take off the cover.........turn it down a full turn at a time , so you'll remember the factory setting.        thermal arc 252i  -  millermatic 350P -   miller XMT, cp300ts, 30a 22a feeders, buttload of other millers, handfull of lincolns, couple of esabs  -   Hypertherm 1250 G3
Reply:I'd turn it down to 125-130 on the pressure switch, then set the regulator about 100.  Seems like with the 150 psi compressors, that last 25psi takes longer to build than the first 125.  Also, it is responsible for most of the wear and tear.For the gasket, I've cut new ones out of rubberized paper before and sprayed 'em with copper coat or a thin layer of silicone gasket maker to help them stick.My name's not Jim....
Reply:Originally Posted by woi2ldyeah , they're right ken , turn it down , it will last ALOT LONGER........the newer models have only One adjustment spring inside the "pressure switch".....you'll see it when u take off the cover.........turn it down a full turn at a time , so you'll remember the factory setting.
Reply:The knock might be the check valve. I like 30w non-detergent in my compressors.Lincoln SA200, HH135, Lencospot, HF80 Inverter, Rockwell 11x35 lathe, HF drill mill, Kama 554 tractor w/ FEL & BH, Belarus 250AS, lot's of Chinese tools
Reply:In large industrial compressors the synthetic really works well. And does not create carbon balls in check valves. I don't think the little compressors get them, but why take any chances. The synthetic stays clean four times as long too. In case you forget to change it.        Sincerely,             William McCormick
Reply:Originally Posted by William McCormick JrIn large industrial compressors the synthetic really works well. And does not create carbon balls in check valves. I don't think the little compressors get them, but why take any chances. The synthetic stays clean four times as long too. In case you forget to change it.        Sincerely,             William McCormick