Homeowner

[978115]

I have a D55141 DeWalt compressor. It runs but will not build more than 35-40 lbs of pressure. It continually runs. What do I need to fix this problem?

[Tinkerdave]

Hi homeowner,
The D55141 compressor's pump and motor is a none serviceable unit.It would need to be replaced as a whole unit.Does the compressor pump up to certain level and stay there as the compressor runs or does the gauge just stay on zero and not pump up at all when running.If it pumps up to say 40 psi and sit there while it continually runs you might have a bad check valve Check Valve Part Number: D27022.To check this run the compressor and when it gets up to the maximum pressure that it will pump,shut it off and listen and see if you can hear air leaking out around the pump area.That check valve holds the high pressure in the tank while the pump is pumping air into the tank.If its not working then the tank will push air back into the compressor head until it equals the pump pressure.Hope that helps.Good luck.
Tinker

[TerryB]

I got the air check valve and installed it but the compressor still won't exceed 50 PSI. If the regulator knob is defective could that cause the problem? If so do I need to replace the manifold unit or is there another solution?

[Tinkerdave]

Hi terryB,
The D55141 is a very light duty compressor.Being that it's an oil less compressor its duty cycle is rather low.It can't deal with thermal issues very well so if one happens to use the compressor on a job where the compressor has to run on a continual bases then there is a chance that the pump won't dissipate the heat fast enough and the teflon piston ring will get too hot and peal part of the way off the piston and preventing the piston from making a good seal.The degree to which the teflon ring peals back would determine how much pressure is built up before it stops building up pressure in the tank.
If you take the pump apart I bet you'll find a damaged piston ring and cylinder or a broken reed valve.The problem is you would have to replace the whole pump assembly.Hope this helps.Good luck.
Tinker