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Ed Garcia Posted on Aug 10, 2012

I have a DeWalt D55168 type 3 air compressor that the motor brushes keep sparking and smoking.

What would be the problem on some thing like this?

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  • Contributor 14 Answers
  • Posted on Aug 12, 2012
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If the compressor is relatively new and performs well, it is probably not an issue. Brushes always spark on the commutator but without seeing the extent of the sparks it is hard to tell for certain if it is "too much" or not. I wouldn't expect any significant smoke from the brushes and commutator or the armature unless it is brand new and the oils from manufacturing are being burned off. If it is a very old machine, it is possible the armature is shorted out and needs to be replaced.

If, on the other hand, it is not brand new, but a couple years old, has had use, but not heavy and continuous and you just see small sparks coming from the brushes, then it is probably ok. If the sparks seem larger than what you are accustomed to and you are seeing smoke coming from the motor at all (presuming it is not the brand new situation noted above) then the armature may be starting to short out and/or the windings in the motor may be starting to burn out. Electric motors that are used within their design constraints (not overloaded, not run on low voltage, not run continuously if not designed for that use, not overheated) do not tend to burn out. However, if the windings get covered with sawdust (which insulates them), you run the compressor continuously for hours on end, day after day, especially in a hot environment and/or with low voltage, then you have probably overheated the windings and the motor is burning out. For a compressor of this size and quality, it would likely cost more to have the motor rewound than it cost to replace the compressor. Also, if it has failed from overly hard use, rewinding the motor will not prevent another burn-out, you need a larger, more durable compressor.

5 Related Answers

John Trevino

  • 1420 Answers
  • Posted on Apr 01, 2009

SOURCE: Air Compressor

Dewalt recommends synthetic oil in their compressors. The dewlat part # 5130427-00 quart, and 5130702-00 for a 4oz size. Available at www.dewalt.com or their service center. I have been using the Lowes brand of synthetic compressor oil. Kobalt oil sells for about $7 and works great. If you do not use your compressor all day like I do, you can use the standard grade of Kobalt compressor oil that sells for around $3. Synthetic oil is for extreme conditions. Good Luck!

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david mcclellan

  • 530 Answers
  • Posted on May 22, 2009

SOURCE: air compressor won't stay running even with resetting

How quickly does it shut off? Is it reaching the turn off psi? or is it immediate.
If it is immediate then it is probably a power supply issue.
Air compressors are power hogs. For instance, a compressor may work fine on an outlet using the supplied power cord, but plug it into an extension cord that is insufficient for it and a repeat of your problem will occur. If you use an extension cord make sure it is made just for this kind of application. Also, if possible, give the compressor a dedicated circuit.
Another problem might be your unloader valve not working correctly. This reliefs the pressure inside the pump after the motor has stopped. it would sound like the pump is working extra hard at start-up.

Anonymous

  • 1 Answer
  • Posted on Jul 23, 2009

SOURCE: sparking brushes

I have a 6.5 hp two stage coleman magnum force 80 gal compresur I had to replace the switch with a presure switch from grainger. Now the motor sounds like it is dragging when it starts then blows the capacitor apart. Any sugestions I am questioning if i have wired it wrong or not.

Anonymous

  • 337 Answers
  • Posted on Mar 01, 2010

SOURCE: I just bought a Dewalt D55168 upright air

Here's a link to a diagram of your compressor. I couldn't tell much by looking at it but maybe it will be of some help since you can look at the diagram and compressor. Part number 37 is the filter. Good luck!

http://www.dewaltservicenet.com/Products/DocumentViewPDF.aspx?productid=66646&typeId=15502&documentId=34640

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Marc Powers

  • 146 Answers
  • Posted on Oct 13, 2010

SOURCE: I have a dewalt D55168 air compresser. motor stays

Here is a parts diagram for the air compressor:

http://shoppingcart.msservicecompany.com/msservice_net/product_files/D55168/D55168_PL.pdf

 

There are a couple of things to look for on the air compressor.

You will need to see if the piston ring is damaged or if you have a broken reed on the valve plate.

 

These are typically the two most common problems with this model.

 

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Related Questions:

1helpful
1answer

Dewalt D55168 225 PSI Air compressor: What are the preset pressure limits for this model? Is it actually 225 - 180?

https://www.manualslib.com/manual/494085/Dewalt-D55168.html

Specifncations
MODEL D55168
WEIGHT 88 Ibs. (39.92 kg)
HEIGHT 41.75" (1060.5mm)
WIDTH 19.0" (4826 mm)
LENGTH 21.25 (539.8 ram)
AIRTANK CAPACITY (GALLONS) 15 Gallon (56.8 fiters)
APPROX CUT-_N PRESSURE 160 PSI (1103.2 kPa)
APPROX. CUT-OUT PRESSURE 200 PSI (1379.0 kPa)
SCFM @ 90 PSI (620.5 kPa_ 5._

cant get fixya comment to work so will edit here...

The 200/160 are the typical DS55168 settings from factory and meet the 90 psi @ 5.4 cfm rating.

Pressures can be adjusted to a MAXIMUM 225/185 with a resulting lower cfm rate.

I'm not familiar with "type 9". Likely nothing special just different setting from factory?
0helpful
1answer

Dewalt air compressor model d55146 motor brushes sparking bad brushes look good

Clean the spaces between the copper segments on the armature of the motor where the brushes touch. Put new brushes in it too.
0helpful
1answer

I HAVE A BRAND NEW DEWALT D55168...I'VE HAD IT ABOUT 3 MO.S... I WAS USING IT INSIDE ABOUT 2 MO.S AGO AND IT SIMPLY STOPPED... I HAVEN'T HAD TIME TO DEAL WITH IT, AND I DIDN'T FILL OUT WARRANTY...

If you bought it at HD return it for a new one. If not you will need to use a meter and check power from receptacle to on/off switch to pressure switch., Check motor winding. If all else fails call Dewalt and they will help you.dfffd6xqamff+a17gofmrmxewaaaaaelftksuqmccaa==
0helpful
1answer

The compressor motor is getting hot, I removed the cover and one of the brushes is shooting sparks when the motor is turned on, the brushes seem to have plenty of pad left and seem to be aligned properly...

If there were a problen with the field or the armature, both brushes would make fire(look at both sides of each brush for spark). Sparking is normal, however heavy blue fire would indicate problem. When one brush is making unusual sparks I would suspect that the spring applying pressure to the brush against the armature has failed. Look at both brush springs and see if there is a color difference or feel the pressure that the springs are exerting. They should be equal. You can push on the brush slightly with wood or plastic tool. To see if there is an improvement. Replace parts as needed. Test the motor with amp meter and compare to amp rating on plate to be sure that there is not a problem with motor. If amp draw is slighly high, check for tight bearing, leaking head gaskets/reed valves or leaking checkvalve at the tank. Good luck.
0helpful
2answers

Dewalt D55168 air compressor runs until 95 psi and never stops. Pressure never goes above 95 psi. It use to stop around 140 psi.

Check for leaks all over the machine. Possibly the O ring on the drain valve is damaged. If the machine is oil-less, the big rubber O ring on the piston could be worn away.
When the machine is turned off can you hear air leaking from anywhere?
0helpful
1answer

I have a dewalt D55168 air compresser. motor stays running ,air pressure won't go over 35 psi.. thanks , frank n2141s

Here is a parts diagram for the air compressor:

http://shoppingcart.msservicecompany.com/msservice_net/product_files/D55168/D55168_PL.pdf

 

There are a couple of things to look for on the air compressor.

You will need to see if the piston ring is damaged or if you have a broken reed on the valve plate.

 

These are typically the two most common problems with this model.

 

0helpful
1answer

D55168 lost compression while running

The dewalt model d55168 is a high-end oil-free compressor. Oil free compressors could have a short life span due to dusty or dirty conditions at the job site. The cylinder of your compressor is open from the bottom and will **** in debris scratching the cylinder/ silicone-vinyl piston ring reducing pressure. However the reduction in pressure will be over time till the point that the compressor will not reach cut-out pressure and just keep running. If you lost pressure suddenly to "0" then you probably lost the drive belt. A replacement can be found at a local dewalt service center or ordered thru www.toolpartsdirect.com. When you take down the compressor, be sure to examine the cylinder /piston for wear. These are the two most common problems. Good Luck on your repair and email if you have other questions.
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