A few months ago I was given a 2hp compressor , which works fine  holds air etc.
  The problem I have is that it's currently full and holding pressure, but I can't seem to drain the air out when its unplugged (or does it need to be plugged in). There is a drain plug underneath but I don't really want to be messing around with it while full.
I also want to give it a service / clean as it lived under a tree before I claimed it  . What's best thing to do with the compressor?

is there a pressure switch on the top oof the regulator manifold -red push/pull button- may be in the off position?

Don`t try taking the drain plug out until the pressure is at zero. You need to empty it out by using one of your tools with the compressor switched off until all the air has gone. I use one of these dust blowers - good tool to have in the garage too.




Drain regularly to prevent moisture build up inside and it will last a long time - ignore the drain plug and it will just rust very quickly inside.

Quote from: Badger on February 27, 2017, 11:32:24 PM
is there a pressure switch on the top oof the regulator manifold -red push/pull button- may be in the off position?

Tried and no joy I'm afraid

Quote from: Dave DND on February 27, 2017, 11:40:46 PM
Don`t try taking the drain plug out until the pressure is at zero. You need to empty it out by using one of your tools with the compressor switched off until all the air has gone. I use one of these dust blowers - good tool to have in the garage too.




Drain regularly to prevent moisture build up inside and it will last a long time - ignore the drain plug and it will just rust very quickly inside.

That's the problem , is that it won't let me drain any air out while it's turned off, I've got one of those air blowers and some air line as part of one of those kits from Aldi. Could it be a wiring or sensor problem?

The drain plug at the bottom of the tank should have a knurled end and should not be so tight. I have always emptied the tanks like this on portable compressors with no issues.. Just crack the plug open a little so air purges out and leave for a while. any condensation will also come out. can be plugged in or not if plugged in and switched on the compressor will spring back into life and try to refil the tank.

If it won`t let you drain any air whilst switched off, there must be some form of electronic valve on there.

Whilst Simon is right about slightly cracking open the drain plug a little, I really would not recommend it on a high pressure vessel as the chances of injury can be quite substantial if you get it slightly wrong.

Suggest to post some pictures of it on here and lets see if we can identify what you have, where the valves are, and how to override them safely.

Quote from: Dave DND on February 28, 2017, 08:44:03 AM
If it won`t let you drain any air whilst switched off, there must be some form of electronic valve on there.

Whilst Simon is right about slightly crackingi open the drain plug a little, I really would not recommend it on a high pressure vessel as the chances of injury can be quite substantial if you get it slightly wrong.

Suggest to post some pictures of it on here and lets see if we can identify what you have, where the valves are, and how to override them safely.
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Good idea😃 Ill up to the lock up after work and get some pics. I don't really want to be messing with the compressor while full, I've heard some horror stories about them exploding 😳

Quote from: railking on February 28, 2017, 09:46:31 AM
I don't really want to be messing with the compressor while full, I've heard some horror stories about them exploding

Indeed - they can be very dangerous.

If you have any Sub-Aqua enthusiasts or mates nearby, have a quick word with them, as they will be trained and taught about compressed air and how to purge it safely.

I would put goggles on, gloves on, then just crack the dump plug.
It will ssshh a little...leave it to drain and come back to it when its emptied.

I know i'm runnin through the basics sucking eggs and all that, so no joy with the red button,
Is there an in-line valve tween the regulator and the hose??
(plastic/metal handle may be broken off so not noticable straight away)
another way of letting the air out - there should be a pressure release pin behind the regulator -- a pin with a small split ring on -- put some string on the loop and pull that from a distance as it will be under pressure you dont want to be leaning over it looking when you do it.
wouldent entertain opening up the dump plug myself you dont know how much force you'll need for it to open up and as dave says 1 slip
Rich.

Is the outlet flow regulator screwed fully out or in the reduce the delivery pressure to 0psi so it will not let the air out.

Quote from: Badger on February 28, 2017, 08:08:32 PM
I know i'm runnin through the basics sucking eggs and all that, so no joy with the red button,
Is there an in-line valve tween the regulator and the hose??
(plastic/metal handle may be broken off so not noticable straight away)
another way of letting the air out - there should be a pressure release pin behind the regulator -- a pin with a small split ring on -- put some string on the loop and pull that from a distance as it will be under pressure you dont want to be leaning over it looking when you do it.
wouldent entertain opening up the dump plug myself you dont know how much force you'll need for it to open up and as dave says 1 slip
Rich.

I honestly don't know , as I'm a complete novice myself. I'll get some pics posted up tomorrow as I didn't get chance to go to the lock up tonight .

Do you have any pics of the compressor? or a model and make?

May help us if we knew what we were talking about

I've got some pics but can't work out how to post them  . I do have a model number which is Ol2-25NETUK