5hp 220v compressor motor issue

[RPM Motorsports]

My 80gal 5hp air compressor keeps kicking the breaker. It will rotate slow with the belt on the pump. Pulled the belts and it ran for about 30sec and kicked it again. I found the start capacitors on line, wondering if there are any motor savvy people on here. It's only $70 for the two start capacitors, but would be nice if there is some knolagable assistance on here if that's what the issue is. I can't meg the windings at the moment, but it does not have the smoked winding smell.

 

[DAVe3283]

When you take the belt off, does the motor run full speed? If it still turns slow, then the starting circuit is most likely the problem, and the new capacitors should fix it. If it turns full speed, then it isn't necessarily the capacitors (but still could be).

 

[catman3126]

Can you spin the pulley by hand and turn it and will it go up to normal rpm? If so its the capacitor/s

 

[TheBac]

Sounds like the same thing that happened to our central A/C unit last year. It was the capacitor.

 

[RPM Motorsports]

Thanks fellas. With the belt on it won't get up to speed even hand start, belt off the rpm sounds correct but still kicks out.

 

[c20elephant]

Most A/C systems have one of each, a start and a run capacitor, just be sure the capacitors match the type you are replacing on your compressor.

 

[unionmax481]

It mosts likely the capacitor wouldn't hurt to check continuity on the winding though

 

[Trevore]

You can check the UFD rating of capacitor on a meter too. There's a setting for it. But it's a good chance it's the cap.

 

[Porno Joe]

every time I have ever had an issue with my compressor, its been the capacitors