Campbell Hausfeld air compressor is an oiled unit that is designed for them who undertake menial tasks at home. Even for small scale automotive technicians as this compressor can power impact wrenches, spray guns, and other air tools.
The ambient air contains traces of moisture when the same air get’s compressed, the moisture gets condensed. So don’t forget to install an air dryer or a water filter, especially when your job requires completely dry air.
There’s a manual/user guide attached to the unit you buy, which is very, very important. You need to understand all the safety guidelines, precautionary measures first, to run the compressor safely and efficiently.
Now let’s see in detail how to unpack, assemble, install and operate the Campbell Hausfeld air compressor.
Contents
How to Use the Campbell Hausfeld Air Compressor?
Unpacking:
I am sure there’s no need to tell you how to unpack.
So when you are done with the unpacking, check the unit for any damage which might have caused due to transportation.
After that check the bolts and other fittings, if they are loose then tighten them before you start the unit.
Assembling:
Part of assembling is the lubrication.
When it comes to lubrication, ALWAYS use the oil which is packed with the compressor.
Note: In case there’s no oil with the shipment, then look in the manual for instructions regarding lubrication.
Also remember not to use any common automobile oil (e.g. 10W-30), as these oils consist of additives they get accumulated on the valves thus affecting the life span of the pump.
If you want the pump to last long, which I am sure you do, then replace the oil after running the compressor for the first few hours. Just have to do it once.
Around 13 ozs (380 ml) is the amount of oil needed by your compressor, the level of oil is visible through the sight glass present on the crankcase area of the pump.
Note: Don’t overfill the tank, the oil level should reach “max” present on the sight glass.
Installation:
Air Filter.
Installing an air filter is of utmost importance, it is threaded onto the side of the compressor.
While installing this make sure that your surrounding is clean, tidy and completely ventilated.
At least 20 inches of distance should be present between the compressor and the wall, this will prevent any objects from acting as an obstruction.
Electrical wiring.
- Depending upon your locality the electrical wiring code varies, make sure you know your local code.
- Plug, wiring, and protector should be suitable for the compressor’s voltage and amperage.
- The power cord of the compressor has a grounding facility, keep in mind that the electrical outlet is grounded as well, as this helps during short circuits.
Operation:
Main switch.
Off or Auto switch, when you turn the switch to off the compressor will shut down, this is what you should do when you have to either connect or disconnect the power cord.
When you turn the lever to auto the compressor will start compressing the air, and when the tank reaches its max level it automatically shuts down the unit.
ASME safety valve.
In case the tank pressure exceeds the maximum preset level, this valve will release the extra air immediately.
Regulator.
This knob controls the air pressure at the release outlet.
Check valve.
It’s a one-way valve that prevents the backflow of air into the pump.
Exhaust tube.
The job of this tube is to carry the air from the pump to the check valve, as it happens it gets very hot while the compressor is working, so avoid touching the tube.
Drain valve.
Present at the underside of the tank, use this valve to drain moisture from the tank. Do it regularly to avoid corrosion.
Note: Make sure the tank pressure is not above 10 psi.
Handle.
It is designed to help you to move your compressor.
Operating steps involved:
- Turn the regulator knob to the left to stop the airflow.
- Attach the air hose with the outlet of the regulator.
- Turn the switch to off position.
- Plug the power cord in.
- Now turn the switch to the auto position, the compressor will run until the pressure reaches the maximum, then it gets automatically turned off.
- Attach any air tool at the end of the hose.
- Lastly, turn the regulator knob to the right side and set the desired pressure for the air tool that you are about to use.
How to connect and disconnect the portable compressor?
Disconnecting:
- By holding the collar present on the coupler remove the connecting hose.
- Now remove the knob by unscrewing it.
- Push the larger tank back so that you can pull the small one forward, now unhook the base of those two tanks.
- For storage purposes, replace that knob in the larger tank.
Connecting:
- You need to make sure that the feet of both the tanks are aligned. So that the foot bracket of small one fits into the foot bracket opening of the large one.
- Just as before, push the bank and bring the large tank forward to mount the holding pins of the large ones into the holes of a small one.
- Connect the knob, it will secure the large tank with the small tank’s handle.
- Reattach the connecting hose.
Pressure gauges
There are two gauges present, one on the left side of the regulator which shows the pressure going towards hose including any air tool attached to it.
Another is present on the right side of the regulator, which shows the air pressure of the tank.
Maintenance
- Pull the ASME safety valve to release the pressure from the unit, after turning the compressor off.
- Using the drain valve removes the moisture from the tank, tilt the tank if needed.
- Clean-up dust particles from the intake air filter, valve, pump, and air lines.
- Replace oil after 50 hours of usage, drain the oil by removing the oil drain plug.
Conclusion.
Follow these steps carefully and remember to keep the unit away from any spraying area.
When your compressor is not in use make sure it is in a dry, cool place, and hang the disconnected open ends of the hose downward to allow any moisture to escape.