Compressor Auto-Shutoff has stopped working

First, check for leaks. If air leaks at any where of the airbrush or in between the AB and compressor, the pressure will not build up to trip the auto-off switch. If there is rubber or plastic parts on the compressor, check for crack.

It is also possible that the cylinder has worn off enough that the pressure never build up to the tripping pressure of 40 psi. No much you can do about this except to get a new compressor. On the other hand, with this low power, low pressure compressor, it is not a problem to let it run continuously. Except that it may wear out even faster.

The auto-off pressure switch may be bad. It is easily replaceable. Check your manual to find the replacement part number and call Central Pneumatic. They have an 800 number. I am very interested in what kind of customer service one may get from Harbor Freight. 

And good luck.

Probably a stuck switch. Moisture and rust are causing the pressure switch not to work. When is the last time you purged and flushed the air tank to remove debris (rust) from inside it? You might be able to take the switch apart and give it a cleaning or you might find you'll need to replace it.

HawkeyeHobbies

Probably a stuck switch. Moisture and rust are causing the pressure switch not to work. When is the last time you purged and flushed the air tank to remove debris (rust) from inside it? You might be able to take the switch apart and give it a cleaning or you might find you'll need to replace it.

It is one of the tiny power job sold at Harbor Freight. The auto-off pressure switch is the black color bell shape thing at the aft end of the cylinder. It does not have an airtank.

I checked for air leaks and found none. I called Customer Service a half dozen times and got the busy signal each time. Finally I did reach a representative but he hung up on me after I described the problem and gave him the model #. Back to the busy signals. I get the feeling that Harbor Freight won't be much help so I'm thinking of other options, like a new compressor. I would like a light duty hobby compressor, similar to my current one, but of higher quality. I see that Dixie Art has a Slient Aire Scorpion 1 1/8 HP for $169 (on sale), a Paasche DA300R 1/8 HP for $149, and a Paasche DA400R 1/6 HP ("best seller") for $199. I spent $69 for the Central Pneumatic unit so I'm thinking I need to spend more to get something that will last longer. What do you think of the units listed above? Do you have other suggestions? I would consider opting for a tank unit but NOT a general purpose unit that must be located in another room because of a high decibel level. 

As long as the one you have is delivering sufficient working pressure when it runs, there's no real need to replace it.

There's nothing wrong with turning it on/off manually is there? It may be a very slight inconvenience, but otherwise it's much cheaper to run the one you have till it drops.

NiceFit

I checked for air leaks and found none. I called Customer Service a half dozen times and got the busy signal each time. Finally I did reach a representative but he hung up on me after I described the problem and gave him the model #. Back to the busy signals. I get the feeling that Harbor Freight won't be much help so I'm thinking of other options, like a new compressor. I would like a light duty hobby compressor, similar to my current one, but of higher quality. I see that Dixie Art has a Slient Aire Scorpion 1 1/8 HP for $169 (on sale), a Paasche DA300R 1/8 HP for $149, and a Paasche DA400R 1/6 HP ("best seller") for $199. I spent $69 for the Central Pneumatic unit so I'm thinking I need to spend more to get something that will last longer. What do you think of the units listed above? Do you have other suggestions? I would consider opting for a tank unit but NOT a general purpose unit that must be located in another room because of a high decibel level. 

Check at you nearby Hobby Lobby. They stock the Sparmax TC-2000 twin piston compressor. It is similar to the Paasche DA400R, but is a higher quality and better overall arrangement. It is about $210 with the 40% off coupon.

I have the old DA400 that was made by Sparmax and am very happy with it. The current DA400R is a made in China product since 2008. I am not sure about its quality in the long run.

Phil_H: Yes, I would like to use this compressor till it drops, however, I'm keeping my eye out for a replacement as I'm not sure just how long it will last. Besides the auto-off not working, the unit just doesn't "sound" as strong as it used to, although the pressure gauge seems to indicate all is fine.

Keilau: Thanks for the recommendation. I just noticed a brand new TC-2000 online at 50% for $149. I might have to grab it!

keilau

 

NiceFit:

 

I checked for air leaks and found none. I called Customer Service a half dozen times and got the busy signal each time. Finally I did reach a representative but he hung up on me after I described the problem and gave him the model #. Back to the busy signals. I get the feeling that Harbor Freight won't be much help so I'm thinking of other options, like a new compressor. I would like a light duty hobby compressor, similar to my current one, but of higher quality. I see that Dixie Art has a Slient Aire Scorpion 1 1/8 HP for $169 (on sale), a Paasche DA300R 1/8 HP for $149, and a Paasche DA400R 1/6 HP ("best seller") for $199. I spent $69 for the Central Pneumatic unit so I'm thinking I need to spend more to get something that will last longer. What do you think of the units listed above? Do you have other suggestions? I would consider opting for a tank unit but NOT a general purpose unit that must be located in another room because of a high decibel level. 

 

 

Check at you nearby Hobby Lobby. They stock the Sparmax TC-2000 twin piston compressor. It is similar to the Paasche DA400R, but is a higher quality and better overall arrangement. It is about $210 with the 40% off coupon.

I have the old DA400 that was made by Sparmax and am very happy with it. The current DA400R is a made in China product since 2008. I am not sure about its quality in the long run.

I'm digging my new Sparmax TC-2000. Thanks for the recommendation, keilau.

NiceFit

I'm digging my new Sparmax TC-2000.

Great that you like your new purchase. Please, describe what you like about it that may help future compressor shoppers. 

keilau

 

NiceFit:

 

I'm digging my new Sparmax TC-2000.

 

 

Great that you like your new purchase. Please, describe what you like about it that may help future compressor shoppers. 

 

Three things mainly: 1) it is much quieter than the Central Pneumatic, 2) the pressure gauge mounts on my table (instead of to the compressor) making easier to read, and 3) it includes an airbrush holder.