Compressor overload keeps tripping

[Big Chip]

That motor probably has a run capacitor or a start/run capacitor. I have had similar issues with my gutter machines. They would start fine and just stop or run at a reduced power (slower) and eventually wouldn't work at all.

 

[Bruce Wingate]

Is there a bearing that is seized somewhere perhaps ?

Well you know it's a motor problem if it tripped with the belt off. Is the motor hard to turn with the belt off. Should spin freely.

The motor turns pretty easily by hand. And smoothly too. I doubt it's a bad beating because there's no bearing squeal and generally the motor is quiet

 

[Terry Wilkerson]

I would try replacing the cap. You will have to find a local electrical supply the sales to the public. Take it with you and they can help identify it. They are not that expensive. Take picks of the wires before you take it apart.

 

[Terry Wilkerson]

Don't be offended by this. Unplug it before you take it apart.

 

[Redfish]

Most of the time the capacitor is only for starting the motor, it helps with the inrush current. There are exceptions but on a simple air compressor the capacitor is probably not a factor with the compressor tripping after the motor is already running. Of course if the motor is not getting up to speed because of a bad capacitor...but that doesn't sound like the issue.

Even a good electrician may not be familiar with testing capacitors. A lot of multi-meters don't even have a setting for Farad testing. A new capacitor is a cheap and easy replacement, but may be wasted money.

If the overload is tripping with the belt removed it sounds like a bad motor to me.

 

[Bruce Wingate]

All replies seem to be pointing to a bad motor. I'll have to contact the repair shop and see what my options are

 

[Bruce Wingate]

All replies seem to be pointing to a bad motor. I'll have to contact the repair shop and see what my options are

Fixed: Repair shop replaced a faulty overload switch. Technically a DIY job but I would not have been able to identify it except by just throwing parts at it. Plus it would have required disassembling the motor and I didn't trust my ability to get it back together