Sometimes starts, sometimes doesn't

[cloudhome]

I traced the problem back to an intermittent start switch circuit on the motor. Sometimes the extra capacitor kicks in and sometimes it doesn't. This switch is centrifugally activated by motor rotation. Can't find a replacement part either in Porter Cable or GE motor to purchase a new switch assembly. Porter Cable doesn't list the motor, and can't seem to get any help from GE. Does it make sense to throw away the compressor because of an intermittent switch? If I do, I won't buy Porter Cable again! Anyone know how to get a switch?

[Tinkerdave]

Hi cloudhome,
If I remember right most of that style motor has an adjustable centrifugal capacitor switch.The switch has a closed circuit when the motor is at rest.When the motor starts, current charges the capacitor, starting the motor. At a preset RPM the centrifugal dogs will move out opening the circuit and cutting current to the capacitor. When the motor shut off and slowed down, the dogs would move back in and close the circuit until the motor started again.
The trouble with a lot of the centrifugal switches was over time the contacts would get burnt and pitted and make poor contact thus not allowing a closed circuit to exist. Also most of the centrifugal dog assemblies sit on the output shaft and can be moved forward or backward depending at what RPM you want the circuit to open up at. The adjustment is done with an allen screw that you can loosen and make the adjustment. often over time the screw will loosen allowing the dogs to move on the shaft throwing the switch adjustment off.
Again I'm not quite sure how yours work but as long as you don't see anything broken it can be a matter of cleaning up and resetting the centrifugal switch. Hope that helps you some.Good luck.
Tinker