I got this compressor in 2009 for $75 on Craigslist (picked it up in the Fleetwood). I don't think it has ever held air the way it should - it leaks down overnight. I finally ordered a check valve, an actual Craftsman branded part, on Amazon for about $25. The old one was completely failed. Now it holds air. This is great, as I don't have to pump up an empty tank every time I want to use it. What I'm really curious about is if the motor has an easier time starting under pressure because the check valve is holding back the air pressure from the pump head. This would also be great as it has trouble with this, and it would be funny if it was just the check valve. I will test this today.
Video: https://youtu.be/OJcuIWvOwzE
Air compressor check valve replacement
Re: Air compressor check valve replacement
It held the exact same pressure in the morning as it did last night. Awesome!
Also it does seem to kick on with much less labor.
Also it does seem to kick on with much less labor.