I'm having a problem with my 20 gallon, single stage electric air compressor. It's acting like the motor is underpowered - it pumps up to about 95 psi ok, but then the motor stalls. The unloader bleeds the pressure off, the motor restarts, runs for a couple of seconds, and then stops again...repeat...repeat...
It worked fine for years (The pressure switch would shut it down at about 120 psi) but over the past few months, it's gotten worse and worse, and now will only make about 90-95 psi before the motor stalls.
I cleaned and lubricated the compressor itself, and it spins freely and doesn't appear to be binding or otherwise have excessive friction. The check valve/unloader is working and the piping is all open and clear.
It seems like the electric motor (1/3 hp) just no longer has the oomph it used to. It starts up fine, no humming, no smoking, no bad smells, no clunks. It just doesn't seem to have enough running torque to handle the load like it did before.
Anyone have any ideas?
Thanks!