I have never tried using the regulator on this compressor. I have always run nail guns off of what was set when I bought it so the line pressure has always been about as high as the tank pressure. Never had any problems using it this way. Recently I tried adjusting the regulator to run a spray gun by turning the knob counter-clockwise. When I do this air leaks from somewhere around the regulator until the tank is empty if the compressor is turned off. If it is still on the compressor runs continuously because of the air leaking and the tank and line pressure are always about the same. I can still use the compressor if I turn the regulator knob all the way back up because then it will stop leaking and the compressor will shut off and operate like it always has with the line and tank pressure being about the same at close to 140-150 psi. Also tried, with the compressor off and completely drained, turning knob as far as I can counter-clockwise and turning on to see if the tank would fill and cut off and then try to raise the line pressure, but it just leaked and ran continously.
Is this just a faulty regulator? Again, i have had this compressor for 5-6 years and never tried using the regulator and it still works fine as long as the regulator is turned as far as i can turn it clockwise.
Thanks for any help anyone can give me.