The 2nd one I got has that too. Not sure, thats why I choose that one to get it and see what it is. But, I "Think" it is a start capacitor. If it is, Alot of electric motors use them as a "jump start" sort of. It charges, and as soon as you turn it on, it discharges and gives the motor an extra "ummph" to get up to speed. I'm only guessing that is what that specific one is on these. They don't "need" them, but they just simply gave them that extra shot of electricity at start up. That said, im kinda hoping it is a pressure switch. The one I got first didn't have one on it tho..
Yes, they are start capacitors and do as you say. I see them a lot in Air Conditioning units and they are NOTa welcome sight because they are only used when there is trouble. They are usually installed when the compressor is worn and can’t start under high pressures or can’t maintain a high enough pressure. I was taught in HVAC School not to use them except in an emergency. If it says “HotShot” or looks like it was added on, I would remove it. That is if it can maintain the required air pressure. The only way it could be a pressure switch is if an air line was connected to it.
Sigh. JohnnyB is right. That's what it is and what it's there for. I suspect if you pulled it this unit would not be able to maintain its maximum designed pressure. Mine hasn't arrived yet. I hope it's a clean one. :tb-frown:
We don’t know what kind of pressures it was working on. It probably can't work on 60lbs, but may be just fine at Airbrush pressures.
If it were a pressure switch, I would have figured the plumbing was all removed, but, I am still sure it is a capacitor. But, I used to see them alot used in industrial applications, not only because something was worn out. Many industrial motors come with them when they are new. If they are under heavy, or industrial applications, they just require that added punch. Sometimes a compressor does have a hard time starting depending on where the piston is when it stops. If it holds the pressure, and doesn't bleed off, it will have a hard time starting back up under pressure. that is also where the cap may be needed. It is good to bleed the pressure off before starting any compressor. But, that said, these are from an industrial application originally, so who knows. they are pretty much overkill for our uses, and should do plenty fine without the cap.
Twisting this discussion in a different direction. Harbor Freight has a small compressor that sells for $99.00. It comes complete with a light weight air brush, small jars, filter, meter and just about anything else you might need. ALSO: You can buy just the compressor for much less. For those of us lucky enough to be in driving distance of a Harbor Freight "depot", the savings can be a budget enhancer. You guessed it I just learned about and visited one of these for the first time. See you there.
Mr. William Cowie, I would think so but I don't know for sure. I did look it over and I don't remember seeing a zert fitting for grease or oil. I was with someone else and we had other appointments to meet. Otherwise, I would have taken a mental inventory of the unit and everything else in the store. Grin! Here you go, a click away from my new found friends. Harbor Freight Tools Oil less it is!
Well, the very nice UPS man dropped a package at my door a few moments ago. I pulled the compressor out of the box and looked at it. No motor start cap on this one. Plugged it in and it squealed for a few minutes but then smoothed out and now seems to run okay. Quite a bargain if it holds up okay. :thumbs_up: Tudor, your first one looks to have a slightly different label than mine. What is the model number on yours?
Mine is: 607CA32-144 and the number I based my research on. All of them appear to be in the same "Family" even if the numbers are slightly different. It is a propritary model number, so, they may very depending on what they were ordered and built for originally. The "production" version that this is based off of is 617CA32 tho.. Mine squeeled for a minute or so too then quieted down. I assume it was because it may have been some time since they were ran. They may have been sitting on a pallet in a warehouse for years...
I have 2 Thomas 607CA22 pumps that I bought used off ebay over 6 years ago. One of them was used for "several" years by a pet store to run their fish tanks, but was still working fine. When it showed up, it was a bit grimy, with mildew drips, and fish flake caked all over it, but I have been using it for over 6 years at an average of 20 hours a week cooling my laser lens without incident. I figured it would need a diaphram rebuild kit sooner or later, so I purchased a second unit off ebay for $50 brand new surplus. Same model. Well, the Thomas pump is a true workhorse. It's very quiet compared to other continous duty pumps out there, with the Gast pumps be second, but the Thomas are way quieter and run much cooler than any others. I ended up using the second pump as a vacuum pump, since one port is pressure and the other vacuum, it's very versatile. For airbrush service, all you need is an air seperator, and you are good to go. I use this air seperator for mine: Harbor Freight Air Filter
The 607CA22 is pretty much the same pump, the only difference being the max pressure and CFM is slightly more on the 32, but not by much. Both are what they call "Wobble Piston", in lue of a straight diaphram like the hobby lighter duty pumps. Basically, it is a piston, with a rubber seal that wobbles back and forth via a crank. Simular to an articulating piston (like a combustion engine), but not as much vertical stroke. They are used for continuous duty, because they simply last much longer, and take more abuse than a simple diaphram. Good to know that someone has have lots of luck with this type pump already. I am very happy with it. Can't wait for my 2nd one comes in so I can mount it on my pankcake tank. On another note, some feel they dont need a separator, but, ya really do of you are using tools like an airbrush, or other air driven tools. Compressed air condenses, and when releases (being used) the compressed air condensates, and forms water. Without it, water will make it's way through your paint gun and ruin a paint job, or through your air tool and cause your air tool to prematurely wear out due to moisture getting inside and oxidating. Use a separater.
Thanks, I had the day off and I didn’t see a UPS truck today. They usually come through every day because a neighbor across the street from me is a power seller on eBay and has stuff going out all the time. Well, maybe tomorrow.
