Craftsman 3 gal. Air Compressor, 1.5 hp, Horizontal k Logo
Posted on Aug 12, 2009
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I have a craftsman air compressor (small) with 2 wheels on end, my probelm is when i plug it up it buzzes only, will not start motor, what could be problem

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Yeah try manually turning but if it's anything like mine, it's junk. I had mine plugged in for awhile and there was a air leak so it ran who knows how many times. Oil got low and I went to use it and it tried to run but the unmistakable sound told me it was seized.

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  • Posted on Aug 18, 2009
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Are you using an extension cord? if so, plug the compressor into a wall socket and try it, if it fires up, the extension cord is too long or too light - also the start capacitor for the motor could be bad

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The motor has a condenser on it that (starts) the electric motor but it'll not start if its locked up too. with the power off get past the belt gaurd and turn the compressor it could be stuck or worse lock hard. The compressor is just like a motor as it has oil in it and it shises it around to lube the parts. if run on an angle or without enought oil or not changed. the compressor can lock. Many times this happened on a cheap compressor Under $200 the compressor isn't worth fixing, Good luck with your new one

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  • Posted on Aug 12, 2009
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Unplug it and see if you can turn the motor pulley by hand, it should turn freely. If it does, check to see if the motor runs with the belt off. If the motor runs by itself then either the belt was too tight or the compressor is seized.

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