Porter Cable C2002 Type 7 pancake compressor

[smokindog]

A little more than a year ago I was in Home Depot and they had a "steal" on this Porter Cable C2002 compressor for $99 including a nailer. Didn't really need the nailer but I did know I eventually wanted air in my reloading room.

I thought I was doing diligence by opening the box and discovered it was obviously used/returned and nicely re-boxed. I've seen folks rip off the Depot like this before . I spoke with the manager and said "fire it up and if it pumps and holds air, I'll give you $60 OTD". We'll it did and I took it. I didn't let it go to cutoff, only 50-60 PSI (DOH!)

Fast forward to this past weekend... I had forgotten about it until I finally needed some "air" in my reloading room so I plugged it in and watched the needle climb up, up, up and then past 150PSI to 155PSI when the safety valve opened. Dropped to about 20 and the cycle repeated.

I did some web searching and it appears these units have issues with both the overall pressure switch (apparently my problem) as well as the line pressure valve.

I can get a new pressure switch for $30, or just replace the compressor for $79 (and now have spare parts), or just use it for its infrequent and intermittent intended purpose but have to turn it on/off manually.

I wouldn't mind having a small portable. The 50 gallon can be a pain to lug around!

I've downloaded the manual and parts diagrams from Porter Cable. Can't seem to determine exactly how to remove the top shroud to get at the parts.

Anyone with any experience on these C2002 units????

 

[longhair]

Have you ever tried to work on a bic lighter? Unfortunately, these compressors are like bics, that's the reason they cost so little.

 

[arjay]

They struck me as hit and miss as far as the quality goes.I think they were aimed at the guy finishing out his basement,but I'd spend the $30 for the switch.

 

[smokindog]

Anyone know the "trick" to remove the top shroud around the motor and the pressure switch? The valve and pressure gauge shroud is simple!!!!

 

[vigil617]

Haven't really had the need for one of these, as my pancakes are pretty compressed right out of the skillet. YMMV.

 

[gunnails]

I would return it to the Depot, and then pick out another one.

Sometimes (way to often) I would return something defective to the Depot, and then spot it back on the shelf a few days later ready to be sold to some poor slub who would also find it defective.

Now when I return a faulty item like a faucet or tool I place it in its original box and with a felt marker label the box on two sides defective and describe the issue.

 

[smokindog]

It's WAY out of warranty and, as I said, I purchased it knowing it was "used" and at a discounted price. Returning it is not the right thing to do, at least for me.... Had I not known about it's status, I would spend more time trying to get a replacement.

I would return it to the Depot, and then pick out another one.

Sometimes (way to often) I would return something defective to the Depot, and then spot it back on the shelf a few days later ready to be sold to some poor slub who would also find it defective.

Now when I return a faulty item like a faucet or tool I place it in its original box and with a felt marker label the box on two sides defective and describe the issue.

 

[gunnails]

It's WAY out of warranty and, as I said, I purchased it knowing it was "used" and at a discounted price. Returning it is not the right thing to do, at least for me....

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Fair enough. I do a tremendous amount of business with the Depot, and have no problem returning defective product even years later, and the Depot has been very good about giving full refunds, this is one of the reasons I shop there so much. They are a big fish in a small pond, they factor in these losses or most often return the products to there vendors.

I don't buy and return things that I have abused, and I do tend to abuse things when necessary. But if I bought a compressor discounted or not and through normal use it failed to properly function with in a few years of purchase....

 

[smokindog]

Pretty much the same boat. I may chat with the manager when I'm there this weekend. He knows me by name and I him I won't ask for anything but if he offers, .....

===================================

Fair enough. I do a tremendous amount of business with the Depot, and have no problem returning defective product even years later, and the Depot has been very good about giving full refunds, this is one of the reasons I shop there so much. They are a big fish in a small pond, they factor in these losses or most often return the products to there vendors.

I don't buy and return things that I have abused, and I do tend to abuse things when necessary. But if I bought a compressor discounted or not and through normal use it failed to properly function with in a few years of purchase....

 

[Airpark]

I agree with Gunnails....expecially with a compressor. If the safety switch fails....for a very brief instant you will have LOTS of air and shrapnel.

I would return it.

 

[chief38]

Those types of Compressors are OK for small jobs, occasional tire fill-ups, air brushing, blowing off the inside of a gun, etc. but as a general purpose Air Compressor they lack the 120 -150 psi and volume to operate Air Tools, blow out Sprinkler Lines, and do more serious work. The price however jumps drastically.

 

[smokindog]

That's all I bought it for. Basically canned air in the reloading room and such.

I stopped at the depot and spoke with the manager, gave my open and honest "sad story". He was very nice but said he could not help. He said if they stocked the pressure switched he'd give me one but they don't. I thanked him and went about buying pre-emergent and other yard items to use tomorrow.

When I got home I decided to see what kind of job it would be to replace the $30 pressure switch. After figuring out how to remove the "motor head" I found things to be very cheaply assembled as has been previously noted. Crimp clamps on the hoses and weak connection from the pump to the tank line. It doesn't look like a big deal to replace the pressure switch but by the time I also buy the crimps and anything else that has to be removed I'll bet I'll be $50 into it. The whole unit new in box is only $79 when it goes on sale. Also, after moving things around while removing the motor, I now have a slow leak, probably at one of those cheap connections. I'm not taking it apart again. It took an hour to drop from 60 to 30 pounds which is fine for my intended use.

I think I'll just leave it be, charge it to 40-50 pounds and shut it off when I need air and call this an education!!!!

Thanks all and hope you've learned from my mistake!!

Those types of Compressors are OK for small jobs, occasional tire fill-ups, air brushing, blowing off the inside of a gun, etc. but as a general purpose Air Compressor they lack the 120 -150 psi and volume to operate Air Tools, blow out Sprinkler Lines, and do more serious work. The price however jumps drastically.