Top 10 Craftsman 3 gal. Air Compressor, 1.5 hp, Horizontal k Questions & Answers

It is definitely the little spring steel flappers in the head. They are similar to the reeds in a 2-stroke motorcycle engine -- if you've ever had one. They open up a little to let air in on the down-stroke and close off the air intake port on the upstroke. Probably just a piece of one has broken off and it will allow the compressor to pressurize the tank somewhat depending how much of the flapper has broken off. You will notice that your air gage needle on the compressor pulsates when it comes up to the maximum pressure it can attain with that piece missing.

There are two different sets of the flappers in the head -- one for air intake and one for allowing the newly compressed air into the tank. Buy them both and a new head gasket or "O" ring.

Good Luck, Richard

YES IT MAY BE THE CAPACITOR . IT COULD ALSO BE THE WIREING IN THE MTR, THE PUNP ITSELF.

Most brands of air comperssors are built to work on either 220 or 110 v. I believe that 220 v compressors are more efficient and draw less current and run cooler.
The more expensive compressors have a switch allowing for voltage selection. Still others will have a wiring diagram printed on the motor allowing voltage change by changing jumpers. Most all of the sears compressors that I have repaired were of single voltage with no other way to change except change motor. Do not worry however, you have the better motor. It is easier to convert the outlet plug to 220 by isolating the circuit and installing a 220 v breaker. enjoy

compressor will not build pressure

I WOULD TRY DISCONNECTING THE PIPING FROM THE HEAD DOWN TO THE TANK AND SEE IF ITS BLOWING AIR. COULD THE COMPRESSOR BE RUNNING BACKWARDS - YOU WOULD HAVE HAD TO CHANGE THE WIRING IN THE MOTOR.
VALVES IN THE HEAD COULD ALSO BE BROKEN. YOU CAN REMOVE THE INTAKE AND IT SHOULD **** YOUR FINGERS AT THE OPENING. HOPE THIS HELPS.

I have a 2hp craftsman air compessor with a two cylinder pump, Here is the info from my manual as far as oil capacitity:

Remove oil fill plug and slowly add
a compressor oil until it is even with the
top of the oil fill hole. NOTE: Do not
allow oil to be lower than 3/8"
from the top at any time. When filling
the crankcase, the oil flows very slowly
into the pump. If the oil is added too
quickly, it will overflow and appear to
be full. NOTE: Crankcase oil capacity is
approximately 16 fluid ounces.

I buy my compessor oil from Lowes in the tool department. It comes in 16oz and sells for about $3. I wouldnt worry about how many ounces it holds but rather that the oil level is to top of filler hole. Lowes also sells a synthetic oil for about $7 and is recommended for severe conditions (hot / cold / used all day). Good Luck!

Craftsman compressors are model numbers starting with a 919.xxxxxx Find this number and look it up on searspartsdirect.com. Some manuals are available for viewing without purchase.
Eric

I have a new Durabuilt Air compressor Model # DP0200604
6 gal. tank, Wp 0f 140psi ; I need a owners manual that I misplaced. Where can I go to down load this item? FLT 04-2010

There are several things that can cause your problem. Using an extension cord of insufficient rating, a failed capacitor, a failed motor and last a faulty unloader valve.

The extension cord is easy to check so I'll skip it.

The unloader valve is easy to check. It will cause this problem when the unload fails to discharge the pressure remaining between the tank check valve and the cylinder. It is the sudden release of pressure when the tank has reached it's max psi. If it doesn't release the piston has to work against the max psi. from a dead start. Most of the time a compressor will run really slowly then trip the breaker but your compressor is well please don't take this personally it's a girlie compressor.
Simply loosen one of the fittings on the tubing that run between the compressor head and the switch to bleed off any pressure manually.

If you have no pressure release then most likely it's the starting capacitor.

Below is a link where you should be able to get a new capacitor.
However I would like you to remember this your compressor is not built to last. In fact it is commonly referred to as a throw away. So before you spend anything you might want to ask yourself how much do you use it. If you use it a lot now or are planning on using it more in the future you may want to replace it with something a little better built.
Hope this helps



http://www.mastertoolrepair.com/921153101-p-24902.html

The problem with compressors not building pressure is usually a bad pressure switch or bad regulator. Does the motor shut off at 20psi or does it continue running and not build pressure? If the motor continues to run with no increase in pressure, the you should go over the machine looking for air leaks from your regulator back all the way to the motor. Any air leak while the compressor is running can cause the pressure to "peak" way before the intended shutoff that it is regulated to.