Thread: Brand new Kobalt air compressor stopped running before it even got started.

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I went through the breaking with no problems, it ran great.
Now for the break - in the tank is supposed to be un - plugged so that it does not build up pressure in the tank. Then after the 30 minute break in time is completed you put the plug in the tank and let it build up air pressure. Thats where I had the problem.
After putting the plug in I turned on the compressor to let it build up air.After getting to about 30 pounds of air pressure the motor started slowing down or dragging. So knowing this is did not sound right, I shut it down and called a tech for Kobalt.
He said it sounded like it didn't have enough power or the motor could be bad.
I thought it could have a stuck valve for the head pressure but he said I would hear it leaking down if that was the case. I didn't hear any leaks or air escapping.
I checked the power where it's wired in to the compressor switch and it's at 242 the compressor only calls for 230, so that should be alright. I use the same plugs for my welders and they weld fine so I don't think thats the problem. This ain't a little tank either it's 80 gallons 5 running HP and has 4 pistons. 16.0 SCFM @ 90 PSI and 17.3 SCFM @ 40 PSI.
It shouldn't be slowing down like this at 30 pounds. Anyway the tech will be out to check it on the 27th. Then if the motor is bad he will have to order it, wonder how long that will take. I don't want to have to load this thing up and take it back, believe you me it's to much work loading and unloading this thing, it weighs about 500 pounds.
Kurt

Take it back, Kurt. I know it is a pain, but you paid good money for it and when they start out like this they never get better. I would call the store manager and have them set aside a new one for you.

Don

Kurt-with my I/R I called I/R and they told me I needed a 60 amp 220 breaker.I thought that was too high.I mean I have always used a 30 amp 220 breaker on alot of my stuff before.But I was having shudder starts where it would start up and stop for a second and then start up again.Kind of like what your saying.Running slow.So I did get a new motor for it,but before I tried it again I got a 60 220 breaker for it.We measured it on start up and sure enough it was 53.5 amps.Since then problem solved.You want to measure it on start up what amps it is drawing.That will heat up the motor and if they find a amp problem,they might not want to replace the motor claiming it was your fault.So I suggest you measure the amp draw,correct that before any visit happens,if your low on amp's return it as being defective getting a replacement.

Thanks Gary and Don; I am running a double 100amp breaker out to my box from where two plugs come out.
That box has two 50amp breakers in it and I am running 8 gage wire but it only calls for 10 gage.
From what I under stand the breakers are to trip before the wire melts. This wire should carry
240 with no problems. I use the same plug with a 50 ft. extension cord on my 250 mig.
And that lays the sweetest beads of weld you'll ever see. I think it's just a bad motor.
Don it's not just the loading as well there's over 2 hours of travel time in to and back from Las Vegas.
Then I have to pick the thing straite up and I can't do it by myself so I'll have to wait on someone to come
out and help me. It's just easier for me to wait 2 days and see what the problem is.
I really don't want to start it back up because it was still running when I shut it off, I know to check the drawing
amp's, it will have to run. I'll let thier tech turn it on, only after he checks the power supply out and confirms what
I already know. It's getting 242 at the compressor switch where it turns on.
Kurt

When you get that going Kurt,it does sound like a monster that will cover everything for CFM delivery.

I just want to be able to air up some tire's.
Sand and paint a couple car's and then I will be happy Gary.
I mean, it's just me and I don't move that fast and I ain't
running no big shop with it, so it should be enough.
Kurt

Yep- body tools generally do take alot of CFM.Three cylinder head like that would do it all easily and more.A good CFM for sand blasting makes the job much easier too.

HE! HE! HE! I forgot about sand blasting.
I don't have a sand blaster, I am gonna have to get one of those.
It will sure make frame preping go alot easier.
Thanks Gary.
Kurt

Well I don't under stand it but the tech guy got out here today and we plugged in the compressor and it didn't drag one time.
Go figure HUH!!! Maybe there was some oil or something in the cylinder that was causing it to load up.
It was never turned side ways so maybe just from the bumping going down the road in the back of my truck.
Hey if you want to mess with thier employee's in the store walk up and ask them if one of thier compressors
is a single stage or a 2 stage, then wait for the funny looks to begin. HE! HE! HE! Go ahead I dare you,
in fact I double dare you!!!!
Kurt

Well you got it running Kurt.Just don't leave it on when your not there.Mine would do the same thing too.Did he measure the start up??.What was that??.You do need to know that bud.

No but I can check that tomorrow, thanks Gary.
Kurt