How-To Blogs & Videos

This short video shows How To Test A Capacitor. Capacitors for air compressors can be tricky due to the nature in size and the different ratings. We give a brief explanation here. If in doubt, then always check your manual or call the manufacturer for information. How to Test a Capacitor1. Disconnect capacitor from motor and discharge with insulated screwdriver across terminals. 2. Set your ohmmeter to highest scale; connect one lead to each terminal on the capacitor. 3. If need …

The Safety Release Valve is probably the most important item on your air compressor...it saves lives! Here's how to tell if the Safety Valve needs replacement: It constantly leaks (obviously) upon initial start-up (from 0 PSI). If the Safety Valve doesn't blow off at the PSI designated on the Valve itself. If the Safety Valve blows off before the compressor shuts off. NOTE! Find out what the maximum PSI is of your compressor (a.k.a. "cut-out" pressure). If your air co …

This applies to a new Air Compressor, or a new Pump if you're replacing your old Pump. Break-in periods should be anywhere from 30 to 60 minutes depending on the type of Pump. To break in the unit, run it in cycle for the allotted time below. Turn the Drain Cock at the bottom of the air receiver open so that air can escape while it's running (not all the way, though). The unit will then pump up to max pressure, shut off and turn on again in cycle. Smaller, Single-Stage Pumps …

This short video shows how to adjust a pressure switch. Pressure Switch Adjustment Procedure Adjusting pressure switches can be difficult and time consuming unless a uniform and correct approach is used.  The following instructions are based on adjusting the most common pressure switches.  On 69H style switches the large metallic screw (A) is used first to adjust the cut-in pressure (the point at which the compressor comes on as system pressure decreases).  The sm …

This short video shows how to adjust a pilot unloader valve. IMPORTANT:Be sure to check the low and high RPM’S on the engine (e.g. the high RPM at 3,400 and the low RPM at 2,200). If the low RPM setting is too low, it can cause the engine to shut down, at the low idle speed. Oftentimes, when a pilot valve "chatters", it's due to the differential being set too close together. What this means is instead of, say, an idle PSI of 95 and a cut-off PSI of 125, it could be closer to 110/125 or 115/125. …