HF air compressor - easy fix

[CoronetDarter]

I've owned the HF 21 gal, 125 psi upright air compressor since 2015 with no issues until recently. Compressor turns on but didn't build pressure. Pulled the head to check for the obvious sign of broken reed valve or cracked gasket(s). Couldn't find anything out of the ordinary.
Turned the compressor back on and it ran, but it didn't sound "right", like motor was muffled. Unscrewed the air filter intake cap and the paper element fell out in pieces. The upper rubber piece in the picture had separated from the paper element (it looked like it was originally glued on) and got sucked back into the inlet, probably restricting 90%+ air flow. Turned the compressor back on without the element and it quickly ran up to 125 psi and held.
Just ordered a new element from Amazon for $8, arriving tomorrow. Made my day.

 

[beebest]

Love an easy fix, now I'll go check mine!

 

[493 Mike]

Preventive maintenance is a time saver in the long run.
Mike

 

[Kern Dog]

Some things are so reliable, the idea of maintenance sometimes gets lost. That is how a slant six throws a rod.....People drive the car for years and it just keeps running until it doesn't.
It is great to diagnose and fix stuff yourself, even more so when the fix is something cheap and simple!

 

[YY1]

I replaced the filter on my big compressor with an automotive type unit.

 

[6PKRTSE]

Nice. Makes me think I should go check my filter now. I should probably change the oil also. Thanks.

 

[Ray70Chrg]

Some things are so reliable, the idea of maintenance sometimes gets lost. That is how a slant six throws a rod.....People drive the car for years and it just keeps running until it doesn't.
It is great to diagnose and fix stuff yourself, even more so when the fix is something cheap and simple!

That's exactly what happened to my '64 dart, 225 engine in 1969. My excuse for lack of maintenance is that I was too busy keeping the world safe for Democracy. US Navy.