Air Compressor: Why won't my air compressor start with a full air tank?
If the compressor won't restart after it fills the air tank, the check valve is likely stuck open. The check valve prevents tank air from back flowing to the pump. The stuck-open check valve causes high pump head pressure, preventing the compressor from restarting. Follow these steps to test the check valve:
Shut off the compressor and pull the ring on the safety valve to bleed the air from the air tank until it's empty.
Turn on the compressor to fill the air tank.
Bleed air out of the tank to reach the cut-in pressure, so the pressure switch attempts to restart the motor to refill the air tank.
If the compressor won't start with air in the tank, replace the check valve.
THESE REPAIRS MAY HELP SOLVE YOUR AIR COMPRESSOR PROBLEM
Replace the air compressor check valve
The check valve prevents tank air from back flowing to the pump. A failed check valve will apply high air pressure to the head of the pump preventing the motor from restarting once the tank has filled. If the motor starts when the tank is empty of air but won't restart when the tank is full, replace the check valve.
Air compressor check valve
How to replace an air compressor check valve
If your air compressor won't restart after the tank fills, the check valve might be the problem. This DIY repair guide and video explain how to replace an air compressor check valve in less than 15 minutes.
Most common symptoms to help you fix your air compressors
Choose a symptom to see related air compressor repairs.
Main causes: loose air tube fitting connections, bad check valve, faulty safety valve, damaged or corroded air tank, bad…
Main cause: bad check valve…
Main causes: tank drain valve open or leaking air, leaky air tank, bad safety valve, worn pump seals, bad pump valve pla…
Main causes: rusted air tank, loose air tube fitting connections, bad check valve, leaky safety valve, bad tank drain va…
Main causes: bad safety valve, pressure switch failure…
Main cause: faulty output air pressure regulator…
Main cause: bad air tank pressure gauge…
Main causes: lack of electrical power, check valve failure, bad pressure switch…
Most common repair guides to help fix your air compressors
These step-by-step repair guides will help you safely fix what’s broken on your air compressor.
How to replace an air compressor pressure switch
You can replace a broken air compressor pressure switch in about 45 minutes. …
How to rebuild an air compressor pump
If the air compressor won't fill the tank with compressed air, rebuild the pump using these steps in about 45 minutes. …
How to replace an air compressor check valve
You can replace a defective air compressor check valve in about 10 minutes.…
Effective articles & videos to help repair your air compressors
Use the advice and tips in these articles and videos to get the most out of your air compressor.
Learn how to tell whether a fuse is blown…
Find out how to reduce air compressor noise.…
See how to perform routine maintenance on your oil-lubricated air compressor.…