I picked up an old (tank says 1973 ) Sears compressor on Craigs List for $50 yesterday. When I plugged it in, I saw found that it kicked out at 90 psi, even though it should go up to 150 psi. Then I realized that it wasn't kicking out, it had tripped the 20A breaker.
It has a 1.5 HP Westinghouse motor that, when I examined the info plate, draws 22 amps at 110 volts. Hence my problem.
I have 220 volt availability, but have never rewired anything. In looking at the wiring, there are 3 wires coming in, two attached to "line" and one to the ground, and there are 2 attached to "motor" that go out, unsurprisingly, to the motor. The lighter wires are on the left, and the darker ones are on the right (there are no colors anymore beyond light and dark).
Anyone want to fill me in on what I need to do? All advice is welcome.