For a long time, I am using Campbell Hausfeld brand’s air compressor and it was doing a great job for me. Once I had a project of spray painting, when I switched on Cambell’s air compressor, it continue to run but doesn’t build pressure. Is it the same case with your compressor? I inspected my whole unit and found some issues, let’s read in detail why the air compressors stop building pressure and what are the best DIY and professional ways to fix it.
5 Possible Issues & their Solution
Here we’ve listed some common problems with the Campbell’s brand compressors that most people face while using them.
Bad Gasket
Most probably, the Campbell’s compressor users who are facing no pressure problems have issues with Gasket. The gasket is available between the valve plate and cylinder and functions as a seal to prevent pressure from leaking. When the gasket is worn out the pressure starts leaking and it feels like the compressor is running and not creating pressure. Its solution is simple, just replace the gasket. Follow the steps to change your gasket:
- Take a new gasket that is made of any rubber type, a thick sponge, or cork paper. You can easily purchase it online according to your compressor model
- Unscrew the top head of the compressor, you will see a rubber-type material (Gasket) that got bad.
- Put the new gasket carefully and make sure it properly fits its exact place.
- Re-assemble the head of the pump and tighten all the screws.
- Leave it for some hours so the gasket will make a solid seal.
Now, switch on the air compressor, and it will start working again.
Bad Piston Seal
Your air compressor won’t build pressure if the piston seals got bad. To check if this issue is real, open the head of the compressor pump and place your palm that covers the whole piston area. Now, rotate the motor to move the piston. When the piston goes down and if you feel some suck on your hand, it is working fine and there is no issue with the seals.
Similarly, when the piston goes up and if you feel pressure on your hand, the piston seals are working great. In both conditions, if you are not feeling any pressure while moving the piston then there is a need to change the seals. Let’s learn how you can change the piston seals correctly.
- Unscrew all the bolts from the plastic housing and uncover the pump.
- Also, detach the airline that connects the tank and the pump.
- Remove the 4 bolts on the head of your compressor to open the pump where the piston is available.
- Put out the cylinder sleeve to get easy access to the piston seals.
- You will see there is a seal or ring on the piston that got bad. So, get new seals online.
- Now remove the old one and install the newly purchased one. Apply some lubricant or grease to the seal to make the surface smooth.
- Add some grease to the piston sleeve so the piston can move freely.
- Re-attach all the parts and after everything finishes, turn on your compressor. The pressure will start building again.
Failing Reed Valve
Bad reed valves are also one of the most common reasons for compressors that fail to build pressure. When the reed valve breaks, the pump isn’t able to compress the air that is available in the piston section and no pressure builds. The piston continues to move up and down without making the air compressed due to a bad reed valve. Whenever you face this type of issue, don’t run the device too much because you may face other serious issues.
Fixing a bad reed valve is very easy, purchase a new reed valve or make your own and replace it. Your problem will be fixed.
Broken Piston Rod
This issue is very rare, only a few people face it. In some cases, I’ve seen some people complaining about their compressor that there is no pressure when we turn it on. Once I received an air compressor from my friend that is not creating pressure and produced a weird sound. When I inspected the whole unit, I found the piston rod broken.
Whenever he turns on the compressor, the motor continues to run and due to the broken piston rod, it isn’t able to create pressure. This issue may be due to less maintenance, rust, and the old age of the compressor. I simply replaced the piston and turned on the machine, it works!
Loose Fittings
Quality air compressors are built to run for long years, they need proper maintenance that keeps them healthy to provide good job hours. Sometimes, when we turn on the compressor it starts losing pressure after filling. This problem is due to air leaking from the fittings of the tool.
As there are multiple fittings in a compressor so how you will know which one is leaking? It’s very simple.
Take some amount of water in your hands and put it into all the available fittings. You will notice bubbles coming out and mark that section. Now properly tighten all the fittings and switch on your device.
I’m 100% sure, your tool will start building pressure.
Wrapping Up
Campbell Hausfeld manufactured air compressors are one of my favorite and I’m using them in my garage for a long time. They are the best option for hard and long-hour jobs. As I’m using it for running different applications like pressure washing and nailing, they never stopped working. One thing I did wrong is that I’m not focused on its service that is recommended after every 2 to 3 months if you are using it regularly. So, must go for regular maintenance of your machine. It will help you to save from these types of pressure-related issues.
After getting all the possible causes, if your problem isn’t resolved yet then share your query below. Our experts will look in-depth to solve any kind of issue.