You’re having trouble getting your compressed air sprayer tank to hold pressure. Is the problem with the tank itself, or the pump, or a gasket?
It’s the pump mechanism that provides air pressure into the tank. To do so, several parts have to be working. The pump cylinder gasket fits tightly around the top of the pump cylinder to seal the pressurised tank when the lid is tightened down. At the other end, a check valve seals the bottom of the pump cylinder. It opens on the plunger downstroke as air is forced into the tank, and closes tightly against the bottom of the pump cylinder on the upstroke of the plunger to prevent liquid from entering the cylinder.
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Problem: The pump seems to be working properly. You can pump up the tank okay, but it won’t hold the pressure.
Solution: Check the pump gasket at the top of the pump cylinder (tank); it may be cracked or damaged and not forming a seal with the tank cap. Replace the pump cylinder gasket and make sure that it fits tightly around the top of the pump cylinder.
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Problem: The pump is working properly but you can’t get the tank to pressurise.
Solution: Apply grease to the edges of the plastic piston cup and to the inside of the pump cylinder. Replace the piston cup. If the pump cylinder is dented and not forming a seal at the top with the piston cup, replace the plastic cup with a more flexible leather cup.
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Problem: The pump cylinder is filling with liquid. Pumping is difficult. The tank is not getting pressurised.
Solution: Clean residue from the bottom of the pump cylinder. Replace the check valve at the bottom of the pump cylinder. Be certain that it is secure in the bottom of the cylinder before returning the pump to the tank.The mechanical problems that occur with the tank sprayers are usually the result of a poor repair and maintenance schedule. Regular cleaning and gasket and valve replacement can head off many problems before they occur.