compressor motor failure?

CasterTroy · 02-17-2010, 03:49 PM

So for the garage I've got a small 3hp/15 gallon horizontal craftsman compressor I've had for several years.

I don't run a DA sander, or spray paint...just run the occasional air tool or pump up tires...no biggie.

Well the other day this normally loud-ass compressor, started sounding like it was losing power and gradually dying. Then it tripped the GFCI. All of a sudden a light smoke and a smell came from it. Like the motor was burning up.

So I pulled the casing off. Tried running it again and sparks were flying all over from the area around the brushes.

So I pulled the brushes.....good and worn down. But I don't know squat about electric motors.

Does it just need new brushes? or is something in the motor itself fried?

02-17-2010, 03:49 PM	#1
CasterTroy ................ Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: NC Posts: 3,028	compressor motor failure? So for the garage I've got a small 3hp/15 gallon horizontal craftsman compressor I've had for several years. I don't run a DA sander, or spray paint...just run the occasional air tool or pump up tires...no biggie. Well the other day this normally loud-ass compressor, started sounding like it was losing power and gradually dying. Then it tripped the GFCI. All of a sudden a light smoke and a smell came from it. Like the motor was burning up. So I pulled the casing off. Tried running it again and sparks were flying all over from the area around the brushes. So I pulled the brushes.....good and worn down. But I don't know squat about electric motors. Does it just need new brushes? or is something in the motor itself fried? __________________ “Being tolerant does not mean that I share another one’s belief. But it does mean that I acknowledge another one’s right to believe, and obey, his own conscience.” Viktor Frankl