Loud Bang and Lost Air Pressure in A2

[glcaines]

Well, I decided to take my A2 to Atlanta tonight and carry some 12' sheet rock and tools to my daughter's house - a ~225 mile round trip. I started up the A2 and let it idle until it built up air and the buzzer went off. I put it in gear and drove about 50' when I heard a very loud bang and a loud screeching. Sounded like the belt slipping. The low air pressure buzzer immediately came on. I shut it down. I'm afraid I've lost my compressor. It's too dark and I'm too tired to look at it tonight. I'll find out the bad news tomorrow.

 

[clinto]

If I had a spare one, I'd send it your way.

If you can't find another one, I have one we can pull off a truck if you need it to get the truck operational for the rally.

 

[Jeepsinker]

At least it didn't leave you on the side of the road. And everything happens for a reason. May have saved your life.

 

[glcaines]

If I had a spare one, I'd send it your way. If you can't find another one, I have one we can pull off a truck if you need it to get the truck operational for the rally.

Thanks Clint. Fortunately, I don't need another compressor. The compressor threw the belt. I have no idea what caused the loud metallic bang. It sounded like a sledge hammer hitting the engine block. I was very happy when I saw the belt was off and that the compressor would turn by hand. I'm still a little nervous that something in the compressor locked up temporarily causing the belt to jump off. I replaced all three belts with new belts from NAPA and drove the truck about 5 miles without problems. One thing I noticed is now I am running 120 psi when previously the maximum pressure I ever saw was 90. It also charges the tanks faster. I'm assuming that the belt was slipping previously, although I never noticed a problem and the tension was correct.

 

[clinto]

Thanks Clint. Fortunately, I don't need another compressor. The compressor threw the belt. I have no idea what caused the loud metallic bang. It sounded like a sledge hammer hitting the engine block. I was very happy when I saw the belt was off and that the compressor would turn by hand. I'm still a little nervous that something in the compressor locked up temporarily causing the belt to jump off. I replaced all three belts with new belts from NAPA and drove the truck about 5 miles without problems. One thing I noticed is now I am running 120 psi when previously the maximum pressure I ever saw was 90. It also charges the tanks faster. I'm assuming that the belt was slipping previously, although I never noticed a problem and the tension was correct.

Yupp-they charge really quickly when everything is right.

 

[doghead]

Great news!

 

[Flyingvan911]

120 is correct.

 

[John S-B]

Thanks Clint. Fortunately, I don't need another compressor. The compressor threw the belt. I have no idea what caused the loud metallic bang. It sounded like a sledge hammer hitting the engine block. I was very happy when I saw the belt was off and that the compressor would turn by hand. I'm still a little nervous that something in the compressor locked up temporarily causing the belt to jump off. I replaced all three belts with new belts from NAPA and drove the truck about 5 miles without problems. One thing I noticed is now I am running 120 psi when previously the maximum pressure I ever saw was 90. It also charges the tanks faster. I'm assuming that the belt was slipping previously, although I never noticed a problem and the tension was correct.

The belt flying off and hitting the inside of the fender well or hood probably caused that bang you heard. You might be able to find some marks where it hit. There's a lot of power behind them when they break. I've seen them rip out cooling and oil lines.

 

[glcaines]

The belt flying off and hitting the inside of the fender well or hood probably caused that bang you heard. You might be able to find some marks where it hit. There's a lot of power behind them when they break. I've seen them rip out cooling and oil lines.

I considered that, but the sound was a loud deep resonating sound like a large bell. Oh well, everything seems to be working now. I'm not going to take it on any long drives until I assure myself something else isn't wrong. The old belt wasn't that old and it was under proper tension. The engine was basically idling when it happened. The old belt still looked good, but it is now in the garbage.

 

[John S-B]

I considered that, but the sound was a loud deep resonating sound like a large bell. Oh well, everything seems to be working now. I'm not going to take it on any long drives until I assure myself something else isn't wrong. The old belt wasn't that old and it was under proper tension. The engine was basically idling when it happened. The old belt still looked good, but it is now in the garbage.

Hmm, a bell sound might have been the pulley...or some cast piece.