Fridge compressor

[SpudFarm]

Yes yes, I know! It has been asked before and I have looked at some threads regarding my problem but could not find a defenetive answer.

Problem: Have a fridge compressor to use on my mini, just ripped it out of a new refridgerator so i have the thermostat assembly.
But; can`t get it running. I suck at electronics and I have to much respect for it to go the trial and error route.

The wires you see that are cut goes to the thermostat/light assembly, and the longer one is the power cord.
I tried to just plug it in to see if it ran but it didn`t so I hooked up the thermostat again to see if that was the problem but it still was not running.

Would like a explanation that a carrot like me can understand and no advanced schematics ETC

I did cut the sealed pipe without thinking it through so that might be a problem to.

Some pictures:





Thank you

[POLAND_SPUD]

are there just 3 wires in the cable that was connected to the thermostat ?

the green-yellow one is ground and the other two can be hooked up to a simple on/off switch

[SpudFarm]

Nevermind, I got it working! Just had a faulty extension cable..

I looked in the thermostat to see which wire went to the thermostat itself and just hooked them together and used some heat shrinking tube to insulate them.

You still helped Poland. I saw you write the same thing to Mr.C a year or so ago Thanks

Now its just a matter of my epoxyjob holding up..

[POLAND_SPUD]

I did cut the sealed pipe without thinking it through so that might be a problem to

ohh I forgot about this... AFAIK this shouldn't be a problem as the pipe leads directly the the inside of the compressor casing (and it will work as another inlet too)

[SpudFarm]

I did cut the sealed pipe without thinking it through so that might be a problem to

ohh I forgot about this... AFAIK this shouldn't be a problem as the pipe leads directly the the inside of the compressor casing (and it will work as another inlet too)

You are right, that`s what I discovered when I started it. So now I just have to add a air filter and a switch.

Almost time to have a catastrophic malfunction killing all of Norway once this thing reaches the pressure and temperature required for nuclear fusion.

[Gun Freak]

Add a quick connect to the air inlet and pressurize it! You'll get so much more pressure.

[SpudFarm]

Add a quick connect to the air inlet and pressurize it! You'll get so much more pressure.

Why do I need more pressure? It should handle 500+ Psi just fine as it is and I don`t think I would bring my epoxy over that anyway.

I am buying parts to add a pressure gauge, bleed valve and a quick connect to the compressor tomorrow and I added a air filter today.

The only bad thing is that this thing has to get a break after use before it will start again. Seems as there is air being trapped somewhere creating back pressure. Annoying!


How much pressure do you recon my epoxy joint can take? I cut the pipe lengthwise about a quarter inch and flared it out on the other side of the fitting I glued to the pipe. Wouldn't like to have it fail and make me deaf and blind..

[POLAND_SPUD]

Why do I need more pressure? It should handle 500+ Psi just fine as it is and I don`t think I would bring my epoxy over that anyway.

well there is no need for that. Sure if you pressurise the input you should be able to reach higher pressures and higher flow - but the question of whether it is worth it or not is up to you

The only bad thing is that this thing has to get a break after use before it will start again. Seems as there is air being trapped somewhere creating back pressure. Annoying!

are you venting the output ? if yes then there should be no back pressure...

I suspect that the thing you are experiencing is caused by the PTC starting relay - let's say that 'they need time to reset'

Switching the compressor on and off is a PITA so you might want to add a tank or, if you don't have one, open the venting valve...
so for example once you pumped up your gun you disconnect the airline and open the valve allowing air to vent to the atmosphere - there is almost no load on the motor so in some cases it is better to just leave it running
(but of course it is best to have a tank and use air stored in it to pump the gun while the compressor runs continuously)

[SpudFarm]

well there is no need for that. Sure if you pressurise the input you should be able to reach higher pressures and higher flow - but the question of whether it is worth it or not is up to you

My chamber is only a 1/2" coupling so filling time is no problem, I just want to pressurize the gun faster then I did with my shock pump and perhaps make a very small high mix hybrid.
The possibilities is endless

I suspect that the thing you are experiencing is caused by the PTC starting relay - let's say that 'they need time to reset'

That is most likely the problem as there is no constrictions to the flow out of the compressor. The reset time is not more then a minute or so and that I can live with.

Thanks, really hope it catches on to me this time so I stick around..

[SpudFarm]

Well, ran into a bit of a snag.. Have been using this compressor since I got it without problem.

But now that I started using it in the garage with a bigger gun I noticed myself getting electrocuted. Not bad at all but I would compare it to a 9V-battery-on-tounge-feeling on my hand that I hold the cannon with while pressurizing.

I think it is a ground problem, I haven`t done anything other then putting a switch on the thermostat wires (Blue and black) and the ground wires are as is in the picture. The ground wire hanging off the starter (not thermostat cable) was connected the the framework of the refridgerator and that leads me to belive it was in contact with the thermostat ground as the compressor itself is attached to the fridge with vibration absorbing rubber and there was no contact.

Any clue on what is tingling my hand?

(Me-N00B)

[POLAND_SPUD]

Any clue on what is tingling my hand?

either I am too drunk (which is possible) or you haven't explained clearly enough if the compressor is grounded or not.

Could you have a look and check if the ground wire from the lead is actually connected to the compressor casing ?

[SpudFarm]

Damn, I am not used to this forum thing anymore, forget to reply!

Turned out the compressor is not the problem, I drilled and threaded a hole in the casing to be sure it is properly grounded but the problem did not resolve.

However when I took the compressor inside from the shop it does not electrocute me.. Strange thing!
Very hard on my nerves to pressurize something to 40bar in the house..