Campbell Hausfeld Compressor Stopped Working - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

gmercoleza · #1 07-13-2009, 10:21 PM

This is a 5hp unit that I bought new, but is now a few years old. Just stopped working altogether with no warning. Checked continuity on the fuse (20A 320V), it's good. Pump piston moves freely, belt is good. Motor turns smoothly, removed brushes and they look good. Contacts on contactor not burned. It appears that the "contactor" or pressure-sensitive switch is not working. Seems like a somewhat sophisticated device, with a diaphragm and spring-loaded piston which apparently switches the motor on/off depending on the pressure in the tank. There's also a tube from the tank with a tiny pin that pops in/out depending on the pressure. Is this component replaceable? Or can I adjust it? It has a security-type bolt (torx with an "o" in the middle) that seems like it would affect the position of the spring-loaded piston. It's a shame - everything else is in good condition.

Eskimo · #2 07-13-2009, 10:45 PM

Have you tried looking at the Campbell-Hausfeld web site (chpower.com)? I think they sell pressure switches there for some of their units. If you don't have a manual to use to identify the part you need, they also have some manuals available for download.

If you knew just exactly what you needed, then you might get one conveniently from a regular supplier. Grainger, for example, shows oodles of different pressure switches (specifically for use with air compressors) in their catalog.

The Swede · #3 07-13-2009, 11:16 PM

It's prob the pressure switch. Yes, call Grainger and give them the info. They'll look up the switch part #.

mgburg · #4 07-14-2009, 01:04 AM

C/H put out a bunch of compressors that had under-rated contact switches for engaging power to the compressor's motor...I ended up upgrading all the switches to the next higher-rated contacts for the motor's circuit...unless you have a really bad (polluted) air situation (paint mist and the like) and you don't change out the air filters enough...I'd bet the contacts/relay are shot and the pressure switch is fine...

Easiest way to even see if it's the contacts...turn off the power to the unit, take off the belt, massage the pressure switch (listen to see if it *clicks* in its two positions (on/off)) and then making sure all materials are clear, turn on the power...(let's start with the position of the tank is completely empty)...if the motor starts, that's a good thing...but if it doesn't, CAREFULLY use an insulated screwdriver (or a wooden stick) and depress the contacts to see if the motor even starts...

Two things to look for...

#1.) If the motor starts, then the relay is shot...get the next size UP and replace the faulty one...

#2.) If the motor doesn't start, see if there's a "hidden" reset switch on the motor...it may have tripped if the motor had "overheated" earlier...and then replace the relay...it should have "engaged" before you even got to #1. above...

One other thing you might need to look at...

On a 5HP setup...there may be a "start-capacitor" in the circuit someplace...if you're not blowing breakers, that might be a good sign, but see if you can have someone check out that particular component for you...sometimes they "leak" or "short" out or even "open" which would effect operation of the compressor...too many scenarios to go over on this forum...have a competent electric-motor shop check it out for you...spending $50 bucks for some competent testing will save you even more in the long run...and burnt skin doesn't smell too good if you happen to "poke" the wrong part of the circuit yourself...don't ask how I know what that stuff smells like..."I be dumb one time." And that's all it takes...

Good Luck!

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode