Porter-Cable CPLDC2540S 2.5 HP 4 Gallon Oil-Lube Air Compressor

After looking at the reviews here, elsewhere and comments from a friend about his Emglo, I decided to go with the 2540S. My requirements were portability (60 lbs or so), oil lubed, at least 4.0 SCFM @ 90 PSI so I can use some automotive tools as well. Other compressors did meet these, but what draw me was the oil lube system that permits you to use it on uneven surfaces. This should be the norm! Other good things are excellent build (USA), non-ball type draincock (ice can ruin a brass ball), pressure release valve (to lower the pressure before you open draincock that can shoot projectiles), caged, not too bad noise level about 83 dbA (noisy street), lower running 1.3HP (2.5max) to not trip the circuit breakers, filtered intake (not output though) for longer motor life, shrouded motor for airflow from fan and good manual. Whoa! not bad at all.

Well, all is not well. The regulator unit is actually the weak link here, made of plastic and from Taiwan. Mine leaked just like the last reviewer had, so I opened it from the front and saw that the valves inside weren't centered to each other. The small metal cup also bit part of the plastic grommet retainer. Fixed all those, put a little non-petroleum lubed and it worked. Well I had to fix mine so I can work that day. The only thing I added at the universal coupler end is a water/air filter. It's at an angle but removable. It's been good so far. Hope this helps.


read the breakin directions   April 15, 2003
 8 out of 9 found this review helpful

after you read the directions follow the break in procedure. add the oil before you fire it up. open the tank drain and run it for 20 mins with the tank drain open to break it in. then close the drain. after i used it to inflate some tires on various pieces of equipment i shot 25 or so narrow crown staples into some oak, no problems ( at 100lbs on the regulator. always check your equipment for the proper pressure). then to check the presure gauges i left the tanks fill. tank gauge read 155 lbs. regulator 145. i'm not sure why there is a difference, but the regulator control when it seem to be turned all the way to where it's tight, can still be rotated which i did until i reached 145lbs at the regulator. however, i stopped at 145lbs so that i didn't break it. hope this is helpful.


Great Little Compressor   February 9, 2003
 6 out of 8 found this review helpful

This compressor packs a lot of power in a small package. It is relatively quiet and extremely powerful. The pressure controls are accurate which are very helpful in my situation. I look forward to many years of use.


Good compressor   November 19, 2002
 26 out of 28 found this review helpful

Not that I know much about compressors, but this one seems like a good buy. I considered a few others, but for the price, I liked this one. The features that attracted me were the oil-lube, well protected regulator/switches/valves, and the nice "console" to hook up two hoses. (I think the only other unit offering all these features is that one from DeWalt) I think the noise level is about what I expected. From what I have heard/read, the oil-less designs are much louder than this. It's a bit on the heavy side, but so what.

My only concern that keeps me from giving it five stars is this: the owner's manual states that the compressor should cut-in and cut-out to keep the tank pressure cycling between 120 and 150 psi. According to the gauge, it only gets up to 135 psi. Is this a problem? Doesn't seem right to me.

UPDATE:
Based on the low tank pressure, I exchanged this unit to try another one. The second unit airs up to about 140 psi and stops. Seems to me that if PC is going to use the 150 psi as a selling feature, the unit should air up to 150 psi. I guess my next step is to make a trip to the service center to see if they can make some adjustments.

UPDATE #2:
The second unit went back to the store today, money refunded. This was due not only to the low tank pressure issue, but I also noticed that the unit had a slight leak. It would slowly leak down to the cut-in pressure and then cycle on. This is certainly not the product quality that got PC their good reputation. I think I'm done with PC's compressors for awhile.