Product Review: PORTER-CABLE C2002-WK Oil-Free UMC Pancake Compressor with 13-Piece Accessory Kit


4.0 out of 5 starsGreat compressor for the price and decent accessories, break-in procedure should be mandatory


 I am very happy with the product but there are a couple of tips that are need to get your compressor working properly and consistently. I originally purchased this compressor for some easy DIY projects and was also thinking I would use it to winterize my sprinkler system.  While this compressor features 2.6 SCFM at 90 psi allowing for better than average compressor recovery time (per ISO1217).  This is only capable of putting out ~10CFM for a few seconds and so you would need more pressure than that for a decent job.  Also in order to completely clear the lines you would need a larger volume unit in general  to avoid water from pooling in in the lowest part of the lines, probably 15-20 at a minimum. 

 While the air accessories are nice, the air chuck that is shipped with the Accessory Kit that comes with the compressor is too shallow to depress the air valve stem far enough to let air into the tire. It will let it out, so I assumed it should let it in. But the stem has to be depressed further to allow air in. I ended up buying a new Campbell Hausfeld Dual Foot Chuck MP3231 from a local retailer and this solved the problem. 
I would like to focus on the 'break-in procedure' that is overlooked as it's easy to do, just follow the directions. This procedure is required before the air compressor is put into service and when the check valve or a complete compressor pump has been replaced.
  1. Make sure the On/Off switch is in the "Off" position.
  2. Plug the power cord into the correct branch circuit receptacle. (Refer to Voltage and Circuit Protection paragraph in the Installation section of this manual.)
  3. Open the drain valve (counter-clockwise) fully to permit air to escape and prevent air pressure build up in the air tank during the break-in period.
  4. Move the On/Off switch to "On" position. The compressor will start.
  5. Run the compressor for 15 minutes. Make sure the drain valve is open and there is minimal air pressure build-up in tank.
  6. After 15 minutes, close the drain valve by turning clockwise. The air receiver will fill to "cut-out" pressure and the motor will stop. The compressor is now ready for use.
Summary Version: Open the drain valve to prevent pressure from building up. When you turn on the compressor, it will blow air out the valve. Run for 15 min. Basically a "dry run." No pressure. After 15 min, screw the valve the other way to close it and let pressure build up until it shuts off and then you're all set, enjoy!

Amazon Product Link: PORTER-CABLE C2002-WK Oil-Free UMC Pancake Compressor with 13-Piece Accessory Kit