Porter Cable Air compressor Parts — Browse All Models

Troubleshooting tips when your Porter Cable air compressor won't start

Check the electrical outlet for power. Reset the house circuit breaker if the electrical outlet is dead. If the electrical outlet works, shut off the compressor and bleed all the air from the tank. Flip the pressure switch control lever to the Auto position.

If the pump starts when the air tank is empty but not when the tank is full, then the check valve may be stuck open. The check valve prevents tank air from back flowing to the pump. A stuck-open check valve causes high pump head pressure, preventing the compressor from restarting. Test the check valve by allowing the compressor to fill the tank until the pump shuts off. Then pull the ring on the safety valve to bleed air out of the tank to reach the cut-in pressure, so the pressure switch attempts to restart the motor to refill the air tank. If the compressor won't start with air in the tank, replace the check valve.

If the compressor won't start with an empty air tank, replace the pressure switch if it isn't activating the pump motor. Replace the pump motor if it doesn’t start when activated by the pressure switch.

What to do when your air compressor won't build tank air pressure

• Shut the drain valve at the bottom of the tank if it's open.
• Check for air tank leaks and replace the tank if it's leaking.
• Tighten loose air tube fittings to prevent air leaks.
• Check the safety valve and replace it if it leaks air.
• Worn pump seals or leaky gaskets can prevent the pump from compressing air. Rebuild the pump if air leaks from the head gasket or the pump won't compress air when running.