I have taken charge of a craftsman 2 cylinder air compressor. It behaves normally, except that it can't seem to pump up to the shut off pressure and just pumps away at about 105 psi and gets hot. Is this a worn piston ring problem? It seems to be a fairly new machine, though.

Assuming you are Mechanically Minded the First answer on this Answerpool Topic by Walks on Water may give you an Idea what to look for

As for pressures without Looking at it and Listening to it for an air Leak, weeping gasket or seal?
As to the "Overheat" Issue I'd check top up the crankcase oil Level, and B) Make sure there is no water in the line/ cylinders by opening the Drain priming valve/s(before use)You may have to turn the wheel pull on the pulley belt to see if anything drips out. If unchecked, This may cause it to "Hammer" when starting. Or you get a few spits of water before air comes out. Not much good if you are spray painting

Daryl

Posted 10-08-09 10:11 PM
Many thanks for the ideas. I tore it down and found that the gasket in the reed valve box had come apart and jammed under one reed valve.As a result, only one cylinder was functional, could not get up to shut off pressure and gradually heated up.
****
Posted in a new thread.