Replies

1. 
   hammer1 | Dec 07, 2008 01:33am | #1

   I'm in Maine and we have cold winters, too. I'll blow most fuses or breakers if I try to start the compressor when it is full of air. It's just too much back pressure for the motor when the tank is full. Try starting it with an empty tank. Things will have a chance to warm up before it starts working hard.

   Beat it to fit / Paint it to match

1. 
   cut50 | Dec 07, 2008 08:34pm | #5

   Try an insulated box over top, with small hole for air intake, the compressor will keep it self nice and warm.

    

1. 
   hammer1 | Dec 07, 2008 11:27pm | #6

   My compressor is a little large, 30 gal. tank, cast iron, oil type pump with an attached hose reel. I don't take it out of the truck and the nights can get well below zero. I work in older as well as new homes. The motor draws 15 amps, which is one reason I chose it. If I let the air out, I don't have any problems starting it up, regardless of the questionable wiring, I sometimes encounter. I still carry an assortment of older style fuses. I hate to be all set up on a job in the boonies and not have any juice. I use a BBQ cover on it in the bad weather. Once the empty tank is full, the oil seems to be warm enough that it runs all day without trouble, even on 30 below days.
   Beat it to fit / Paint it to match

1. 
   cut50 | Dec 07, 2008 11:48pm | #7

   Sorry, that was meant for BV Johnston.

   Nice set-up, what stops the bad people taking it?

     

1. 
   hammer1 | Dec 08, 2008 12:57am | #8

   I have a chain and lock that attaches to the headache rack and to eye bolts in the bed. Keeps it from rolling around when driving. I'm fortunate to live in a very low crime area. Must be the dogs and guns. I avoid places like Home Depot parking lots. I can't lock everything down or fit it in the cab. These days, I'm mostly doing cabinets and millwork. The Speedair comes into the shop if I'm not out installing. The large tank will supply a paint gun or air tool.I highly recommend the hose reel to anyone that is tired of wrestling air hose. 100' usually gets any where and I can always add a length when needed. It pays the hose in, or out, in seconds. Hold a rag and clean it up as you reel in. Worth every cent.Beat it to fit / Paint it to match

2. 
   PapaHeiser | Dec 07, 2008 03:41am | #2

   Mine sometimes does that even when it's not cold outside. My is reconditioned - makes me wonder why it was "reconditioned"

3. 
   rasconc | Dec 07, 2008 03:44am | #3

   That is usually a problem with oil lubed compressors but I thought most of the PC pancakes were oilless.  I have a Hitachi twin stack oil type that acts like that when cold.  It is pretty sensitive to voltage drop, poor wiring, extension cords, etc.  If cold I open the drains and usually it starts, after the first run it is fine.  I replaced an unloader valve and it is a lot better.  That lets pressure off for startup.  It is that little pssst you hear when it shuts down.

   Another option is make sure it is inside and warm before you take it out to use in very cold.  I have more trouble getting my old joints to work at that temp than my compressor. 

   For those who have fought for it Freedom has a flavor the protected will never know.
1. 
   CAGIV | Dec 07, 2008 06:28am | #4

   we have a few PC pancakes at work, they're not the best out there but they're certainly cheap enough and seem pretty durable.  The gauges on the newer models are #### in my opinion though.

   We used to have problems with them not firing up in the cold.  To avoid it we drain the tank everyday (which you should do anyway) start them empty and warm.  Make sure not to leave them out in the cold and they're usually fine.

    

4. 
   wood4rd | Dec 08, 2008 01:13am | #9

   This topic is covered every winter.  I have had good results with synthetic compressor oil with my stubborn 20 year old Emglo. I dont remember the viscosity right now, but the synthetic oil doesnt thicken with the cold weather like the standard compressor oil.
    
    Is the PC an oiless compressor? also drain the tanks, no extension cord.

     

1. 
   BVJohnston | Dec 08, 2008 11:04pm | #10

   Thanks to everyone for the input.  I have been methodical on draining the tank and usually don't use an extension cord.  I also tried the compressor again, inside the house, and got the same issue.  I plan on calling PC and talking to them about this, I just wanted to know if anyone had a quick fix for this.  I may end up taking it apart to see if I can fix it as well.  Only if they don't offer me a new one or something.