Compressor Not Starting Correctly - Help Please ?
Turbo Mini Forums

Hey All,

Well I have just upgraded my compressor to belt driven got it home yesterday and its fine.

However, my original one is not starting up correctly for some reason, I thought at first it may be because it’s cold but it has never suffered from this problem before, but I’m pretty sure it’s not that as even after finally starting and running, if I try to start it again about an hour later it will still do the same thing, doesn't take as long to start, but doesn't go straight away.

Can anyone help?
Please see videos attached you will have to watch both to see what I mean;

This is first thing this morning………
http://imageshack.us/clip/my-videos/837/7oh.mp4/ OR http://img837.imageshack.us/img837/4133/7oh.mp4


And then some time later (about a minute) it goes……..
http://imageshack.us/clip/my-videos/4/he2p.mp4/ OR http://img4.imageshack.us/img4/4815/he2p.mp4

Edited by Wile E. Coyote on 23rd Dec, 2011.

My 79 Clubman Build Thread - http://www.turbominis.co.uk/forums/index.php?p=vt&tid=451008

Jamie.

our compressor does similar things, particularly when cold but i'm not sure the reason for it; there is a small brass valve on the top of ours that we press in to reduce the pressure and allow the motor to get going.

If the tank is empty, it kicks inot life without much issue so i'd drain the tank as well and try from empty.

As I say, I've no idea what the mechanical reason is for this (perhaps a faulty valve or motor?) but ours has been like this for a good fews years now and still keeps going. Cold weather makes it worse

The brass valve on top is supposed to automatically dump pressure from inside the cylinder when you stop the comp. Then when it starts it can effectively do so "off load" which allows the motor up to speed, then the air flow closes this valve and so you start to build pressure.

sounds like the solenoid needs changing, did ours a couple of back. Speak to machine mart spares line. About £16 inc post if I remember correctly

Hey all.

Thanks for all your comments,

I tried what you said Rob, it started when the tank was empty no problem at all :)

Anyone know if this narrows it down at all ?

My 79 Clubman Build Thread - http://www.turbominis.co.uk/forums/index.php?p=vt&tid=451008

Jamie.

Just to let you all know, it starts and runs up fine now, I just have to empty the tank everytime after use like you guys said.

Thanks alot all.

Jamie

My 79 Clubman Build Thread - http://www.turbominis.co.uk/forums/index.php?p=vt&tid=451008

Jamie.

thats not right though, the relief valve should open every time the compressor fires up. if you turn a compressor off at the plug, then back on while its running you will have the same stalling effect.

EDIT jus twatched the vids, as above either a bad releif solenoid or bad starting cap. but given it starts when the compressor is empty my moneys on the relief solenoid.

Edited by evolotion on 18th Jan, 2012.

turbo 16v k-series 11.9@118.9 :)

Denis O'Brien.