Air Compressor

I used a 12 volt air compressor with a 6 gallon portable storage tank when I needed an air supply.  With a little planning I could fill the storage tank and could add air to low tires of my mowers and rototiller.  Seemed to meet my needs until I added a 6x10 trailer and had leaky tire rims on an old pickup truck.  I chose a Goodyear compressor to fill my needs.  It had a little large motor than the cheap models and was priced half way between super cheap and small contractor grade compressors.  

In June 2023, I added a Goodyear 3 gallon air compressor (Model No TAW-0512).  It featured a 0.5 HP motor, direct drive piston and  an oil-free reed valve system.   The compressor was rated to 110 lbs and cost $92.  Initial testing showed it was quiet and came up to full pressure after a few minutes.  I used the compressor to fill tires and as a source of compressed air.  

In 2024, the compressor started to have problems.  It would fill the tank and refill a couple more times, but eventually would shut down.  If you waited 5 minutes it would fill the tank again.  Not a big deal but royal pain if you need a lot of compressed air.  

In 2025, it got worst where it would only fill once before shutting.  Repaired by cleaning the reed valve head and cleaning and lightly applying silicon to the reed valves (see steps below).

Steps for repair. 

1.  Open tank air valve

2. Remove cover screws and lift cover. 

3. Loosen tubing connected to top of compressor.

4. Remove the 3 bolts holding the valve head.

5. Clean junk out of the valve head.

6. Examine the reed valves and clean with a toothpick .

7. Lightly apply Silicon to the valves.

8. Reassemble

9. Close tank air valve

10. Test

The compressor came up to full pressure.  It was quiet like when it was new.  Only use will tell if it is fully repaired.

Thoughts and hacks

1. Replace rubber valve head gaskets with new O-rings.  

2. Purchase a longer air hose and additional air tools.

3. Add quick couplers for fast hose and tool connects and disconnects.

4. Consider purchasing a dual action tire pressure gauge/filler unit if you ar filling a lot of tires.   Several are available under $40.