How-To Blogs & Videos
Troubleshooting Your Air Compressor When Your Motor Just Hums, Clicks, or Won't Start
There’s no sound more frustrating in a workshop than the failed attempt of an air compressor to start. Instead of the satisfying roar of a motor kicking on, you get a hesitant hum, a lonely click, or, worst of all, silence.
When this happens, your project stops, but the solution is often simpler (and cheaper) than buying a new unit. At Master Tool Repair, we know these symptoms are clues. Here is your definitive guide to diagnosing the three most common air compressor motor issues and gett
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Dec 17, 2025
Is Your Air Compressor Motor Failing? It Might Just Be a Faulty Capacitor!
Your air compressor is a workhorse, but when it sputters or refuses to start, it can be frustrating. Often, the first thought is a major motor failure, but a common culprit is a much smaller, more affordable component: the electric motor capacitor. Knowing how to diagnose a capacitor failure can save you time and money, getting you back to work with a simple parts replacement.
What is a Capacitor?
An electric motor capacitor is a small but mighty component that provides the initial jolt of energ
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Aug 19, 2025