Porter cable air compressor common problems. Advice & Strategies

We’ll discuss a few Porter Cable air compressor common problems run into in this article, along with handy solutions.

The fact is that every compressor machine will eventually experience one or more difficulties, regardless of how old your Porter Cable air compressor is or how long you’ve been using it.

Porter Cable air compressor

What is a Porter Cable air compressor?

A Porter Cable air compressor is a specific kind of air compressor that compresses air using a piston. Following storage in a tank, the compressed air is then utilized to operate tools and other apparatus.

Porter Cable air compressors are frequently portable, which means that they may be transported from one place to another with ease.

They are therefore perfect for usage in garages, workplaces, and other small spaces. Additionally, Porter Cable air compressors are sometimes more affordable compared to other air compressors, making them a fantastic option for consumers on a tight budget.

Are Porter Cable compressors good?

A Porter Cable air compressor is a robust and adaptable instrument that may be utilized for a variety of jobs, such as powering nail guns and tires inflation. Porter Cable air compressors have a wide range of applications and are also reasonably priced, making them a wonderful choice for individuals on a tight budget.

Listed below are just a few benefits of using a Porter Cable air compressor:

1. Its strength

Air compressors from Porter Cable are powerful despite their modest size. They have the power to complete the task fast and effectively.

2. Decent pricing

Because of their low cost, they are an excellent choice for people on a limited budget.

3. Its reliability

They are extremely dependable and long-lasting. Therefore, you can rely on them to complete each task correctly.

Simple steps for utilizing a Porter Cable air compressor

You’ve found the ideal place if you’re seeking instructions on how to operate a Porter Cable air compressor. We’ll go through the fundamentals of using this kind of air compressor in this article.

Inspect the oil level

It’s crucial to check the oil level in your air compressor prior to using it. This can prolong the lifespan of your compressor and ensure that it is properly greased.

To check the oil level, just remove the oil dipstick and clean it.

To check the oil level, insert the dipstick once more and remove it once more. Add extra oil if the level is low until the mark is reached.

Attach the air tube

The air hose must then be attached to the compressor. To prevent an air leak situation, first, check that the air tube is attached correctly.

Attach the hose to the inlet pipe port to accomplish this. Once everything is secure, release the intake and exhaust valves to allow air to begin pumping into the hose.

Utilize an air tube

You are now prepared to utilize your air tube because the compressor is working, and the air tank is not in a situation where it lacks sufficient air pressure. To begin, connect the air tube to the compressor’s connector. Put on your earplugs and safety glasses next. Finally, choose an air tool and start working.

Switch the compressor off

Ensure that the compressor is totally off once you’ve finished using it. The power cord should first be turned to the “Off” mode. After that, allow air leaks by opening the relief valve.

Last but not least, unplug the air tube from the compressor to prevent excessive air leaks.

Drain the tank

Prior to keeping your Porter Cable air compressor, you must lastly air filter the tank. Simply select the unloader valve and allow air leaks to accomplish this. Close the relief valve after the tank has been emptied to put the compressor away till the next time.

What PSI does Porter Cable air compressor shut off?

The Porter Cable is a 150 psi air compressor. It is a fantastic choice if you’re searching for a strong air compressor with a plethora of features. This compressor is simple to use and sustain because it includes an oil-free pump and a maximum PSI of 150.

It is portable and includes wheels and a handy carrying handle. The main drawback is its weight, which is about 80 pounds.

What are 3 common issues problems with a pneumatic air compressor?

No increase in tank pressure

You may occasionally find that your Porter Cable air compressor is unable to build air pressure to drive your equipment and machinery. There are a few potential causes for this.

Your tank pressure drops due to the following typical issues: leakage of the air compressor hose, air intake filter clogging, and leakage of the air compressor tank.

Compressor not turning on

The worst possible scenario occasionally occurs when your compressor refuses to turn on. You could assume your system is completely destroyed and ruined when this occurs. However, double-check there is a power supply that your machine is plugged in and that there is not a disconnected power cord issue.

The pressure switch has to be checked if it is and still won’t start.

You may occasionally find that the pressure switch isn’t being tripped into the on position, leading to a deactivated power switch and the machine’s failure to start if the pressure is set for a pressure lower than the present air pressure of the compressor tank.

The liquid in compressed air 

In fact, this is one of the most frequently raised issues with air compressors, particularly Porter Cable air compressors. When you spray or utilize compressed air, water may condense around the compressor system owing to humidity and the presence of water.

If you’ve ever observed water accumulating in your tank or leaking out when you use it, this is what’s happening. Like in air leaks from the air tank, the water, and air from your air tank accumulates, causing water in your lines and subsequently in your work. 

To resolve this, move your air tank away from a place that is incredibly humid and regularly drain the air tank, ideally upon every use.

How do you fix an air compressor that won’t build pressure?

As previously mentioned, provided your air compressor is still under warranty, the firm that sold it to you has the option of sending someone out to fix it, or you have the option of looking for a replacement.

You can try to tackle these problems by using these hints and tactics if you need to look into repairing this problem on your own. The pressure switch could have been damaged. The pressure gauge needs to be replaced if your air compressor is unable to attain pressure.

Examine the pressure relief valve and make sure the pressure relief valve is tight to avoid a faulty pressure release valve complication. Examine the piston rings, and substitute any defective or damaged ones.

Check the air compressor for loose connections and loose joints. Filter cleaning. If the pump is leaking, check it for leaks and replace it. Check the tank for cracks and look for air seeping around the connections.

Some of these issues can be difficult to resolve, and some failures may cost too much to be justified when compared to buying a new air compressor. Always compare the price of a new machine to the price of the repairs you are considering making.

Smaller air compressor systems are rarely so expensive that finishing significant repairs makes sense, but if you have a fairly pricey and huge air compressor, it might sound right to fix certain large items.

Your air compressor’s pressure switch is vital to how well it works. The compressor can sustain and build pressure thanks to this pressure switch. When the pressure range reaches the cut-off point, the compressor is turned off. Additionally, the pressure switch instructs the compressor when to recharge and supply more air.

Your compressor cannot easily charge up air or take air in if there is a problem with leakage at the pressure switch or if it has failed. Additionally, it could erratically turn on and off while maintaining regulator pressure for your requirements.

Your air compressor’s pressure switch is essential to its operation, therefore trying to ignore this kind of problem can only cause long-term damage and eventual compressor failure.

Fixing a compressor that won’t turn on

Ensure that the power source is turned off or unplugged before checking your circuit breaker.

Look to see if your circuit breaker is tripping on overload due to a loose cable or connection. A faulty electrical connection or even a switch that needs to be replaced could be responsible for this.

Check the amount of oil in the tank and add more if necessary. Be sure to use the appropriate oil.

Make that the tank has enough air pressure to operate at maximum capacity, If not, check your filter and, if necessary, clean it.

Additionally, If your filter has been ruined or clogged with dust and debris, you could also need to swap it.

If none of these suggestions work, your compressor head or motor may have an internal issue that has to be repaired by a specialist. Just keep in mind that every air compressor has a specific duty cycle, usually expressed in percentage.

The compressor can run for a longer period of time relative to its rest time, the greater the duty cycle percentage. A Porter Cable air compressor typically has a 50% duty cycle, which means that for every 50% of the time it is in use, 50% of the time must be spent resting.

Your compressor may simply be being used too soon after each session. When in doubt, pause before trying to switch it back on after checking the duty cycle.

How to fix an overheating compressor

Overheating in your air compressor can result in early compressor failure. If this occurs, replacing the motor and other components of your compressor will take some time. Cleaning out and frequently checking your air compressor will help to solve this issue. Verify that it all fits firmly together and check for any broken or loose pieces.

Get your compressor fixed soon away if you notice any concerns, so they don’t develop into more significant ones. Regularly check the region around your air compressor for overheating symptoms, such as warped blades or other heat-related damage.

Try and ensure your air compressor has enough ventilation so that it won’t overheat when it is at its maximum capacity or for extended periods of time. In order to prevent heat from accumulating inside the housing or casing of your compressor, you should also make sure that there is excellent ventilation surrounding the area where it is kept.

What to do if there is high humidity in the air

A high level of air moisture is the most frequent issue with Porter Cable air compressors. Normally, the water separator filter can handle 50% of humidity, but if you see fluids coming out of your air compressor, you may need to shift the unit.

This is simple to spot if you notice mist spraying from your air tube instead of regular air. Your compressor increases the air’s pressure by around ten times as it draws it in. Normally, the air in that condition is unable to contain water.

Moving your compressor to a less humid area is the simplest solution to this problem.

A reasonable rule of thumb is that your air compressor won’t function properly if the air is more humid than 50%. Your air receiver tank could fill up with water as a result of this.

Even though the air receiver tank ought to be drained between usage, you should quickly transfer your compressor if you see a lot of water there to prevent malfunction.

Conclusion

Excessive humidity is one of the dominant porter cable air compressor common problems. Condensation can accumulate within your equipment and lead to a variety of issues when the outside air is overly humid. To counter this, relocate your compressor to a less humid location.

Replace the pressure switch, if necessary, and there are issues, and replace the air intake filter after eleven weeks of use. If everything else fails, reset the device by pressing the “Reset” button on the motor housing’s rear.

Also Read About Porter Cable Air Compressor Won’t Shut Off – Keeps Running