When turning on the compressor, both gauges go to the max of 150lbs before shutting off. When turning the knob on the Regulator in order to adjust the outlet pressure for a given tool, both gauges leak down simultaneously staying at the exact same pressure. They stay like that until all air has been drained from the tank. Can I fix the Regulator by taking it apart and if so, I'm not sure what I'm looking for if I can get it apart.
It sounds like a contaminated regulator, possibly due to moisture if you have never drained the tank. If it is a cheap air compressor then the best course of action would be to install another regulator as it is not worth the time to try to rebuild the regulator as most likely it is not a quality part. I would look into Wilkerson or Speedair brand parts to fix your issue.
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Boz, This just began happening lately. It's certainly not an industrial grade compressor and I probably gave 150-200 bucks for it at the time I purchased. It's works fine with my brad guns and nailers around garage. I can't find the manual and was hoping to take the reg apart to see if there may be something inside causing a valve (or whatever allows one side to lead down while keeping the compressor at the 150 lb max. Would you still recommend just purchasing a new reg for it?
Oh and I have drained it but it's been 6 months or so since I last did so.
The air compressor's main control is the pressure switch close to motor with the AC cord coming out of it. That controls both cut-off and cut in of the motor via a diaphragm in most cases. Cutoff is when the pressure inside the tank reaches a set threshold governed by the cut off adjustment screw. Cut-in refers to the set psi that is lost before the air compressor turns back on until it hits the cutoff threshold.
It's possible for the cut-off threshold to be greater than what the adjustable regulators can take which effectively would damaged the regulator seals. Typical air compressors also have check valves and a pressure safety by pass that will activate before this occurs.
However from your post it appears you have two regulators attached to the compressor? Typically there is only the OEM regulator from factory unless you added another one?
It is possible to disassemble the regulator and try to clean it, however unless you replace the seals inside it will probably leak under pressure which will cause pressure loss and make the compressor run longer/harder to maintain pressure.
That is why I recommend purchasing a regulator/drain bowl combo and also draining the tank after every use.
I'm sorry Boz, I meant 2 gauges on the one Regulator. the Gauge that reads tank pressure is OK but when I try to adjust air pressure for nailing guns from 150psi down to 80-100 psi, air leaks through the reg port from the tank and both gauges leak down at the same rate. If I close the know completely off, the air stops leaking but when I open the knob, both gauges are reading the same pressures as it continues dropping.
i'm not sure how the craftsmen regulator is setup but if it worked fine previously with adjusting the line pressure independent of tank pressure and now it bleeds out, the check valve may be damaged. However if it has always done this then it is a function of the regulator assembly and not an issue.
I don't have a manual as I have lost mine but It doesn't appear to be to difficult to take off and clean. I'm going to have to take it off if I'm going to replace it anyway. This thing is noisy but it really does do all I need a compressor to do and it doesn't cut off and on all that much when the regulator is working correctly. Without it working, I can't do what I need unless it's just air up a tire or something simple. I'll probably end up buying a knew Reg as you said but I hate to spend much on a compressor that cost around $150 or so although it does look brand new.
For piece of mind I would just install on of these.http://www.grainger.com/product/WILKERSO...
The moisture trap will extend the service life of all the tools attached to the compressor.
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SOURCE: Craftsman Air Compressor 919.156640 -- Today, when
You could give it a try you don't have anything to loose and you might be able to clean it and thats what it sounds like. But you can redo bolth of the regulators with new ones get rid of the plastic cover and they thread on a pipe that comes out of the air system. You could get two new gauges and a manifold body for 50 dollars at a place that sells auto paint supplys or spray equipment. If the compresser still works good its worth it you just have to do a little retro fitting these parts tend to be vary standard its your call good luck
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Boz, Thanks so Much. I looked at the piece and will get it ordered. Problem is, I've lost my manual for the compressor so I'll have to hunt and peck (so to speak) to replace the one that's on it now. Should there have been a glass trap with this or do I order one with it. Sorry to seem so inept about this. Typically I would fix all my own stuff but in the case of this regulator, I really can't tell how it comes off. I also assume I'll use the same two gauges that's on it now.
If it's a Craftsmen with the part number you can go onto Sears Partsdirect and order one straight from the site. It won't come with a moisture trap however and to install one you would need to install an inline one or replace the regulator with the dual one. Correct the gauges will remain the same.
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