[rwarre]

I have an older air compressor that someone gave me. It ran fine while building, but now upon start up, it will run for maybe a minute and then will start slowing down. I have checked the motor which seems to be fine and will continue running even if the compressor starts slowing. If I don't let the air build up, it seems to run fine. I don't much about the controls of a compressor, so if anyone has suggestions, I would appreciate the help.

 

[FresnoR]

It might be a problem with the electricity to the motor. It sounds like once pressure builds up, the motor cannot handle the additional load and is bogging down. Does the breaker eventually trip when the motor stalls?

From my experiences, it sounds like the problem can be
1. Not enough power (amps) coming from your house to the high demands of the compressor.
2. The motor needs rebuilt
3. The Check Valve is no longer working properly


That is probably why it was given to you.

What type, size, compressor is it? How many Volts? Can you hook up a volt meter to it and monitor the change when this happens?

 

[longranger]

Is the belt slipping?

 

[datsclark]

Be sure to check the belt. I had a similar problem with mine recently.

Tightening the belt up fixed the problem right up.