How to Repair a Gas Air Compressor

Motor Repairs

• 1

  Check the gas tank of a compressor that will not start and fill it if needed. If the gas tank is full, check to see that the throttle is set to the start position and try again.

• 2

  Remove the boot from the spark plug wire of a motor that refuses to start or runs excessively rough, pulling straight out. Unscrew the spark plug by turning it counterclockwise with a spark plug wrench or socket. Examine the spark plug; if you can see the metal on the tip, reinstall it. If the tip is chalky white or burned black, replace the plug with a new one and reinstall. Try the motor again.

• 3

  Remove the spark plug again and reset the gap on a spark plug that still runs rough. Use a metal gap gauge fitted into the mouth of the contact on the tip of the plug. Turn the gauge until the contact is aligned with the correct gap for the spark plug and press it firmly against a hard surface to pinch it against the gauge. Remove the gauge and reinstall the spark plug.

• 4

  Clean the air filter if these steps still do not get the desired results. Remove the cover with a screwdriver and rinse any foam filters with solvent cleaner. Replace paper filters with new and reinstall the filters and cover. Take a motor that does not respond to these repairs to a professional service center.

Tank Repairs

• 5

  Spray soapy water around the fittings of a tank that seems to be running to often to check for leaks. Look for bubbles near the fitting seam to indicate escaping air. Look for signs of damage to the fitting, such as cracks or rough edges that indicate breakage.

• 6

  Turn off the compressor and locate the bleed valve, which is a metal and plastic cylinder with a pull ring. Pull out on the ring to allow air to escape to discharge the compressor so that leaky fittings can be safely removed.

• 7

  Loosen and remove the fitting with a wrench by turning it counterclockwise. Twist the fitting clear of the threads and replace it with a similar fitting, if there are any signs of damage. Wrap Teflon plumber's tape around the threads of the fitting and twist it back in clockwise, tightening it with the wrench.

• 8

  Turn the compressor on and allow it to charge. Check for signs of leaking around the fitting again. Repair any leaky fittings using this procedure. Consult a service technician if leaking persists, as this could lead to rupture.