Compressor tries to turn on but takes a while

Sounds like a problem with the compressor. Can you hear it kick in or turn on when you turn the power washer on? Try turning it on and off a few times to see if you can hear it kick in? If the compressor is not turning on then there will be no pressure and the water will just basically flow through the system. Repairing a compressor is not something I can do via email without seeing the machine in person. I would suggest taking it to a repair tech for further evaluation.

Hi and welcome to FixYa, I am Kelly. The symptom your describing sounds like the actual compressor pump take a lot of horsepower to turn it. Use a ratchet and socket on the center mounting nut for the compressor clutch. I would just about bet that it is VERY hard to turn. It should turn through with minimal resistance. If it is VERY hard to turn the compressor has failed. I would like to know either way on how hard or easy the compressor clutch mounting bolt turned. Just make sure you rotate the pump in the direction it would be turned while the engine is running.
Kelly

Replace http://www.appliancepartspros.com/part_details.aspx?part_id=3961332

compressor locked up. try hitting top of compressor with a block of wood on top and a hammer, wait a few min. then turn on. if it dosen' start u will have to replace it.

Hi David and welcfome to FixYa. I am Kelly There are a few things to try before you go replacing parts.

1. after the unit has sat with no power for about 30 minutes plug the unit in and listen for an attempted sart on the compressor. An attempted start will only last for approximately 40 seconds. During that attempted start listen to see if you actually hear the compressor turning. If you hear it turning and it again shuts off wait another 30 minutes and try it again. (On a unit that has been in storage for more than 6 months it can take a few attempts to get it going.) If it just hums and does not move then your compressor is locked and as it attempts to start you will notice a slight dimming of the house lights. Don't give up on it right away... do about 4 cycles of the plug it in.. listen for the 40 seconds then the CLICK of the compressor thermal overload switch. If your not hearing a CLICK after 40 seconds or so then there can be a compressor PTC relay / thermal overload (KliXon) problem or the possibility that the run capacitor has failed. After all of these have been checked out then you start looking at controls and power. Give it a few more tries to see if it takes off. If it does not then just repsond here and someone will help you.

Thanks for using FixYa,

Kelly

Ur backlight IC inverter board is dead.Tries disconnectors & reconnectors the connections to the board see if it work?

you need to replace the start components on the compressor, theres a relay that mounts on to the compressor that takes out the start winding after it starts the compressor up. You can also try whats called a three in one to try to start up the unit. Good Luck.

try plugging it in to a diferent outlet, and plug it directley in witthout using any exstension cords. It sounds to me that it may be pulling more amps than the outlet can handle.

The pressure switch will shut off when the set pressure is obtained. Usually about 100 to 120 lbs. If the compressor stops at lower pressure than mentioned you may try to adjust the pressure by looking under the switch cover for adjustment screw/nut.(no more than a few turns) Increase pressure by increasing spring tension. Quick cycling is usually caused by air leaking from tubing, drain valve or check valve. After compressor shuts off unplug it from the outlet and spray soapy water on all fittings and drain valve. Repair leaks and test for quick cycling, however the compressor should reach 100-120 before shutting off. Some small compressors have a thermal reset but that usually takes a few minutes to reset. Pressure switch is defective if it shuts off before setting mentioned. Enjoy

Does the compressor try to start and the shuts off or is the breaker slamming off as soon as it is turned on. If it takes a few seconds the comp could be locked up and trying to start, high amps and tripping breaker. Tripping breaker right now would indicate a shorted or grounded compressor. Really would need to be ohmed out with a meter to check for ground. Not good either way.