How should a compressor behave when you set to low psi on the regulator?

An suggestion for anyone thinking getting the compressor from TCP.

The TC-20T with a 1-gallon tank is only $10 more than the TC-20 without the tank on Amazon. It is $89 vs. $79. No reason not to spend the extra $10.

My 2 cents.

Jack, glad to hear you got this sorted. Your problem had me wracking my brain. Not sure I'd have considered a faulty regulator assy.

Don, I have a tankless compressor. You're right, it cycles rapidly during use, but I enjoy the quiet during the periods the compressor is on and not in use.

I don't see the utility of a pressure cutoff switch on a tankless compressor.  The available storage capacity is so low the thing would cycle very rapidly.  Therefore, they do not usually put a pressure switch on that type of compressor.  If no pressure switch, no cycling.

As a followup, received the replacement regulator today.   Got it all set up, and works perfectly now.  Kudos to TCP and their service department.

regards,

Jack

Nathan, je2000 and Bick - thanks guys ... I'm not sure the regulator type, but Bick looks to have described it correctly.  The bottom does have a spring, but this is for releasing water buildup for after use.

This was ordered through Amazon, but I've contacted TCP directly through their web site about the problem.    The regulator was packaged separate from the compressor.  I had to install it myself, but because one of the 1/4" fittings is seized, I had to use the opposite side in order to replace with a brass coupler to fit the hose size - that is why I had no choice to put it backwards.  

I looked at my older regulator again, and there is an actual hole (pressure release?) where air escapes when I try to dial down the psi under 50.   Again the compressor keeps running even though the trigger on the airbrush is not being pulled.  I'm assuming this is happening since the compressor auto start and shut off has a pre-set psi of 43 and 57 respectively.

So je2000, if I understood correctly, you have the same product, and when you dial the regulator down to  40 psi or less, no air escapes and hence the compressor remains silent?

regards,

Jack

jgeratic

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I have since noticed that there is a arrow on the body of the regulator indicating the direction of airflow.  As luck would have it, their set up is pointing back into the tank - this must explain why no air is being introduced to the hose when I dial down the psi.  One would think that it would be a simple matter of switching the fittings around to correct the facing, but man, I don't know what kind of loc-tite they use in China as even a heavy wrench won't budge them.  Right now some WD-40 has been sprayed on, hoping to loosen them up.

I've also tried the regulator from my old setup.  This one does provide air at lower psi settings, but under 40 it runs constantly even without pulling the trigger.  Here I notice air escaping from top of the regulator - is this the norm, or are the odds against me and I have two faulty regulators?

regards,

Jack

Jack,

IMHO that arrow on the regulator does mean direction of flow - there is an inlet and an outlet. If it's connected backward (sounds to me like it is) then compressed air will be entering the low (regulated) side of the regulator and the regulator won't work properly. (my experience I actually blew a diaphragm by connecting a regulator backwards). Your compressor has a regulator (diaphragm) different from the Iwata Smart Jet (a bleed regulator) and the motor should only run when you depress the trigger on your AB. I have the HF equivalent of what you have and mine is connected as I described. The fact that air leaks from the top of the regulator is not normal. It's actually a nice little compressor and maybe TCP will replace it.

Oh, and air escaping from anywhere besides the point of use is no bueno. You should be able to get the whole shebang up to pressure and leave it on overnight without it switching on. If it does then there's a leak. I don't know what to say about the backwards regulator. Mine has two different sized threads I believe. I don't know why your regulator came pre-installed. It sounds like you got a used unit.

Where did you order this from? I have the same setup from Amazon. I don't see how it's even possible to install the regulator backwards.

The compressor should NOT run at all when you aren't using it. If it does then you have a leak somewhere. Use more teflon tape, different hose, etc.

There's no tank to fill. There is a switch inside that turns it off once the set PSI has been reached. Since using an airbrush constantly uses air, the compressor will be running every time you are drawing air out. This is normal. It's not designed for more than 20 minutes of continuous use. That's fine since I doubt anyone here is spraying paint continuously for 20 minutes.The compressor should stop running shortly after you stop requesting air. More or less depending on the PSI you have set.

Is it a spring/diaphram type regulater? Or just a simple bleed off regulator? My Iwata Smart Jet does it too. Air just bleeds out the bottom of the regulator when you start to turn the air pressure down, thus making the compressor run all the time. I have no air tank set up.

hi Greg - yes, seen that video and did use teflon tape.   Thanks!

    TCP was very thoughtful in adding a roll of this when they sent me the compressor.  Their customer service has also responded to my query, and will send a replacement regulator for free.

I have since noticed that there is a arrow on the body of the regulator indicating the direction of airflow.  As luck would have it, their set up is pointing back into the tank - this must explain why no air is being introduced to the hose when I dial down the psi.  One would think that it would be a simple matter of switching the fittings around to correct the facing, but man, I don't know what kind of loc-tite they use in China as even a heavy wrench won't budge them.  Right now some WD-40 has been sprayed on, hoping to loosen them up.

I've also tried the regulator from my old setup.  This one does provide air at lower psi settings, but under 40 it runs constantly even without pulling the trigger.  Here I notice air escaping from top of the regulator - is this the norm, or are the odds against me and I have two faulty regulators?

regards,

Jack

I wonder if this utube video might help you?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KIlV9uJzYQM

This compressor seems to have a regulator ring adjustment that I'm not familiar with. And you did use Teflon tape when attaching the regulator, right?

PS, that looks like a nice compressor. Hope you'll love it once you get it figured out.