Thanks for showing just what went wrong and how to fix it. You explained it very well ~ just poorly built air pump. Hope you make it to the CAT Company and have a talk with them. Or better yet, send them the link to your RUclips video of what happened and how to correct it. They owe you at least a few cold bottles. 👍
Thank you for making this video. I just bought one of these Cat power stations. I've already used it once to start an old Ford Excursion, which had a battery with a low charge, which wasn't strong enough to start the vehicle. It worked well, and I was thinking about recommending this Cat power station to other people, but I decided to learn a little more about this device, before recommending it to anyone. Now that I've seen your videos about this unit, I will still recommend it, but with the advice to either not use the compressor very often, or modify it, so it will last longer.
@@dr.wrench7704 thanks Dr. Wrench I'm a retired builder of 52 years ... In the figure it out business since I was 18 ... I spent a lot of my time these days watching and enjoying guys like you that test tools and various products that sometimes fall by the wayside ...keep up the good work my friend... you guys are certainly an inspiration when it comes to using patience and diligence... something that would certainly help with all the uncertainties one could encounter in the world we live in today... In fact if things don't change soon guys like us might need to unite in a worldwide effort to help the youngsters and clueless figure everything out ... Oh ...and regarding the product you reviewed.. I have the same unit and I've found it makes a better boat anchor than charging station .. I'm guessing that sometimes a bright color and big name like Cat or Costco might need to be held to scrutiny by guys like us !! God bless and keep up the good work and give the guys at Cat factory a word for me too !!
Oh thank you kind Sir... my roommate has one but I've read many reviews on this unit and the first thing to go seems to be the air compressor and I wanted to understand why! I'd like to use a unit like this more for jump starting in Canadian winters but the air compressor is of course always helpful but did not want to waste 100 dollars for a portion that would easily stop working. My favourites "can't waste half a cent" and especially "2 stars cuz I had to take this sucker out and fix somebody's stupid a$$ mistake" bahahaha... but now if my roommates unit air compressor portion sh*ts on her I could attempt to fix it! :D You are a joy to watch Dr. Wrench!
I used to think it was great as well, my brother bought one 3 months ago and it worked fine until recently. The problem now is that the air compressor doesn't work now, the machine make the noise but there's no air coming out of the hose. We bought it at Costco, and since we lost the receipt I don't think we'll be able to return it. Great video by the way, first time viewer and I gotta say I love your video! 👍👍👍
Is this CAT power station has been recalled? Please let me know where to find such an important information. Manufacture is obligated to fix this machine. I have also a defective air compressor.
I also had issue with air pump after several uses'. Disassembled my unit and the air pump. Finally figured out the issue. The pump cylinder cam was hanging up and sticking to the cylinder wall and restricting movement of the cam. I took it apart and applied silicone grease to it and re-assembled. It worked, for now anyway. The inside of cylinder looked like the original lubricant heated up and burned away causing friction binding the cam.
@@dr.wrench7704 hey dr wrench I had bought it first and then saw your review I just made a video on it, it also doesn’t measure the psi well I’ll send you the link
Thanks for the link. Your analog tire gauge might be off a bit, if you’ve ever dropped it that will knock them out of calibration. I too you my analog gauge (about 1.5 lbs off), then checked it against my electronic gauge and it was spot on. Did you read the instruction book? A lot of helpful info in it. 👍🏻
Thank you for the suggestion, I’ll talk to my editing department about that but he’s doing elearning now (or is he playing games on his chrome book?) and I’ll try. 😊
Very informative. I have the exact same one and been using it for years. Not noticing any leakage however I do find it is taking longer to pump up car tires...
I appreciate the info, I am having the same problem with my CAT at the worst time. I had a puncture 80miles from the closest town. Tried to get to my spare, but I was in a very bad spot. Plugged my tire, and the damn thing barely put any air into the tire. Ended up limping my way to a flat area to get to my spare, which was also flat but with a little more air 😅😅 You got my like and sub
I’m glad you enjoyed it and thank you! I’ll be adding some videos in the near future but on an N scale model railroad that I’ve been working on, it’ll still be fun and full of helpful tips, if this is something you’re interested in.
I bought a unit a few days ago. would you recommend that I put glue around the seal, as you did to avoid the "pop" out to begin with? If "Yes" which glue would you reccommend?
Yeah Florida is probably a long way from we’re it’s built ! I found if I got it and it’s good most of the time I always have to modify it in some manner . Because if it isn’t any good to begin with then forget it you can’t build the whole thing . I alway look at everything the first issue I have this way if I see any thing else I’ll do preventive work to other things to keep them from giving me issues further down the road . Then go ahead and make a list of what could be and what was . Oh boy you can really let them have it then ! Great video poppy ! There is a saying welders because engineers need hero’s too ! I got one for you mechanics because assembly line workers need hero’s too ! I don’t know what to say about quality control workers but they gonna have to find them a hero !
Dr. Wrench, I enjoy watching thorough videos like this. People that can take the time to figure out how to fix and solve the mechanical issues are what I aspire to. A question I have as to a dead battery in the unit: The unit won't recharge and a friend decided to give it to me. I would like to troubleshoot the process of fixing it as I see value in a working unit. Do you have any recommendations?
I just watched your video on the Cat (CJ1000DXT) Power Station. I also have a air compressor problem, the plastic gear on the pump is striped where it attaches to the crank. I don't know if the piston stuck or what (it is free now). Do you have the name of the company and phone number of the manufacture of this unit? Or where I could get a gear or pump? Any info would be helpful.
Dr Wrench have you ever experienced that the Power station won't automatically shut off. I've noticed that it won't shut off which is a problem because it drains the battery. I've tried turning the LED off and on and the USB off and on. I've tried turning the dial to both modes and it still stay on. Any other hacks to get this thing to shut down? THx
I just used my new Cat box to put air in wifes tires and on the end of the hose the brass valve or nozzle popped out the hose so easily. That little spring on hose isn't really tight enough like a clamp. Any quick fixes to keep this in place for next time??
Mine is stopping while I’m inflating could this be the reason so frustrating will the manufacturer provide a fix? I don’t have the skills to break this apart I bought this several years ago at Costco but it’s been inconsistent after the first year
I bought one about a month ago; I wish I would have seen this video before I made my purchase. Will you have a Part 2 to this video and share with us the Company's response?
I just bought this and plugged it in to charge for 40hrs first time, and after about half hour there are 4 solid bars showing and 13.1v. Should I still leave it plugged?
I have the same problem and I just bought it a month ago I don't want to take it apart because it would void the warranty on it but I will like to know what is the warranty so i could sent it back
Is this a common issue with this model? I was just about to order this from Costco. Even though Costco offers a warranty whatever the sell it’s great to know you have the expertise to have found the weak link in manufacturing. Hopefully CAT will correct the problem. I’m guessing they’re consumer grade and mass produced in China. Glad I found your channel.
I seen a guy saying he couldn't get his unit to charge '''there is a video on that somewhere on here it's a easy fix 'something to do with a wire rubbing and cutting out the charger
I used mine a few times to inflate tires, never to boost a car battery. I also wanted the inverter to run my gas fireplace fan if ever we get a power outage in the winter. I fully charged once a month wether used or not. Now battery shows full but as soon as I try to use the compressor battery dies and won't pump. I tried to contact the manufacturer but the phone number doesn't work. Bought at Costco (Canada).
I’m sorry to hear this about the battery discharging like that and so fast. I’ve used all of the features on the unit and only had the one problem with the cylinder head on the compressor that I repaired. I would try to discharge the battery down then plug it in to charge it for at least 40 hours then try it again. If it discharges again after that, return it to Costco (they’ll take it back with no problem. I’ve aired up 6 car tires that needed 10 to 15 lbs in them and 3 bike tires and still had a good charge in it. It’s possible yours has a defective battery, those types of battery are used to power smaller implements such as motor cycles, lawn tractors, snowmobiles, things like that, they do have a pretty good CCA to them. Try doing what I said then please let me know. Have a safe, heathy, holiday 😉
If you mean, “Repair a Battery” , no way, they only last 3-4, maybe 5 years if you lucky and depends on weather conditions and other factors, only jump starts one to get you back on the road or shopping, whichever comes first.
I brought one and used the air compressor for a low tire. Funny thing is now the CAT backlit screen will not power on, nothing will. So I tried to charge it up. While charging the USB area lights remain on but the backlit screen is not displaying a thing. People don't waste your money on this "power station". So disappointing.
these are Chinese knock off ones with the cat logo stuck on. I unfortunately purchased one in the UK and it was rubbish from day one, it was replaced twice but still rubbish
That doesn't matter to me I'm only interested in the starting ability and for the price I'm happy enough I would rather have the cat portable power station than a noco gb50 I had 2 noco a one went on fire the other melted 'I'm not a fan of lithium batteries they don't last any time and these noco units are not cheap 'I don't believe the reviews of people about noco 'I personally think there crap
RUclips videos doesn’t get any better than this..Academy award performance!! Thx for your help!!!!! JP
This same thing happened to me. Mine was brand new and did not even get through 4 tires before this happened. Thanks for the video.
Thanks for showing just what went wrong and how to fix it. You explained it very well ~ just poorly built air pump. Hope you make it to the CAT Company and have a talk with them. Or better yet, send them the link to your RUclips video of what happened and how to correct it. They owe you at least a few cold bottles. 👍
Thank you for making this video. I just bought one of these Cat power stations. I've already used it once to start an old Ford Excursion, which had a battery with a low charge, which wasn't strong enough to start the vehicle. It worked well, and I was thinking about recommending this Cat power station to other people, but I decided to learn a little more about this device, before recommending it to anyone. Now that I've seen your videos about this unit, I will still recommend it, but with the advice to either not use the compressor very often, or modify it, so it will last longer.
Most is good, not so with the compressor, I found the head comes off, I’ve repaired it and so far so good but I repaired it my way.
@@dr.wrench7704 thanks Dr. Wrench I'm a retired builder of 52 years ... In the figure it out business since I was 18 ... I spent a lot of my time these days watching and enjoying guys like you that test tools and various products that sometimes fall by the wayside ...keep up the good work my friend... you guys are certainly an inspiration when it comes to using patience and diligence... something that would certainly help with all the uncertainties one could encounter in the world we live in today... In fact if things don't change soon guys like us might need to unite in a worldwide effort to help the youngsters and clueless figure everything out ... Oh ...and regarding the product you reviewed.. I have the same unit and I've found it makes a better boat anchor than charging station .. I'm guessing that sometimes a bright color and big name like Cat or Costco might need to be held to scrutiny by guys like us !! God bless and keep up the good work and give the guys at Cat factory a word for me too !!
You made buying the CAT a good choice. Thanks for a good review.
Oh thank you kind Sir... my roommate has one but I've read many reviews on this unit and the first thing to go seems to be the air compressor and I wanted to understand why! I'd like to use a unit like this more for jump starting in Canadian winters but the air compressor is of course always helpful but did not want to waste 100 dollars for a portion that would easily stop working. My favourites "can't waste half a cent" and especially "2 stars cuz I had to take this sucker out and fix somebody's stupid a$$ mistake" bahahaha... but now if my roommates unit air compressor portion sh*ts on her I could attempt to fix it! :D You are a joy to watch Dr. Wrench!
I used to think it was great as well, my brother bought one 3 months ago and it worked fine until recently. The problem now is that the air compressor doesn't work now, the machine make the noise but there's no air coming out of the hose. We bought it at Costco, and since we lost the receipt I don't think we'll be able to return it. Great video by the way, first time viewer and I gotta say I love your video! 👍👍👍
Thank you so much for this video , it means alot for people like us , that like to do our own repairs 👍🏻💯
Is this CAT power station has been recalled? Please let me know where to find such an important information. Manufacture is obligated to fix this machine. I have also a defective air compressor.
Mines just went out yesterday. Did you return yours?
Pardon my French, but you sir are fkn awesome 👏. Most earned like 👍 and subscribe!
I thank you very much for your kind words, I try to be concise but my paperweights can get the best of me 😄
I also had issue with air pump after several uses'. Disassembled my unit and the air pump. Finally figured out the issue. The pump cylinder cam was hanging up and sticking to the cylinder wall and restricting movement of the cam. I took it apart and applied silicone grease to it and re-assembled. It worked, for now anyway. The inside of cylinder looked like the original lubricant heated up and burned away causing friction binding the cam.
Doc ain’t going to lie as soon as I saw the brushy I knew was a good video cheers 🍻
I bought one yesterday. Was about to use today. I may take it back. Good review and thank you :)
Did you try it or isn’t what you thought it would be? Just curious 🧐
@@dr.wrench7704 hey dr wrench I had bought it first and then saw your review I just made a video on it, it also doesn’t measure the psi well I’ll send you the link
@@dr.wrench7704 here is the video on the machine I did ruclips.net/video/SrqJaceQReE/видео.html
Thanks for the link.
Your analog tire gauge might be off a bit, if you’ve ever dropped it that will knock them out of calibration.
I too you my analog gauge (about 1.5 lbs off), then checked it against my electronic gauge and it was spot on. Did you read the instruction book? A lot of helpful info in it. 👍🏻
You deserve more subscribers. Only recommendation. Lower background music so we can hear you easier. Keep up the good work!
Thank you for the suggestion, I’ll talk to my editing department about that but he’s doing elearning now (or is he playing games on his chrome book?) and I’ll try. 😊
Very informative. I have the exact same one and been using it for years. Not noticing any leakage however I do find it is taking longer to pump up car tires...
I appreciate the info, I am having the same problem with my CAT at the worst time. I had a puncture 80miles from the closest town. Tried to get to my spare, but I was in a very bad spot. Plugged my tire, and the damn thing barely put any air into the tire. Ended up limping my way to a flat area to get to my spare, which was also flat but with a little more air 😅😅
You got my like and sub
Dr. Wrench have you ever repaired an AC ⚠️ code?
I had the same issue. When u find any answer pls let me know. Thx!
Love your postings. Please add more reviews. You're the greatest.
I’m glad you enjoyed it and thank you!
I’ll be adding some videos in the near future but on an N scale model railroad that I’ve been working on, it’ll still be fun and full of helpful tips, if this is something you’re interested in.
Thanks for that information 👍 I also had the problem with my compressor burn 🔥 out less than 6 months
"...4.5 down to a 2 [stars] because I had to take this sucker out and fix somebody's stupid ass mistake!". I love it haha, I am now subscribed
I have the unit and the air compressor e won’t pump tires anymore…what a bummer. Such Soddy workmanship from a major brand.
To me? always work with the Belgian Stella Artois ! Cheers Sir ! Thx for posting
I bought a unit a few days ago. would you recommend that I put glue around the seal, as you did to avoid the "pop" out to begin with? If "Yes" which glue would you reccommend?
If it’s not broken, don’t fix it.
@@dr.wrench7704 that's what my dad says! Great advise!
Yeah Florida is probably a long way from we’re it’s built ! I found if I got it and it’s good most of the time I always have to modify it in some manner . Because if it isn’t any good to begin with then forget it you can’t build the whole thing . I alway look at everything the first issue I have this way if I see any thing else I’ll do preventive work to other things to keep them from giving me issues further down the road . Then go ahead and make a list of what could be and what was . Oh boy you can really let them have it then ! Great video poppy ! There is a saying welders because engineers need hero’s too ! I got one for you mechanics because assembly line workers need hero’s too ! I don’t know what to say about quality control workers but they gonna have to find them a hero !
Dr. Wrench, I enjoy watching thorough videos like this. People that can take the time to figure out how to fix and solve the mechanical issues are what I aspire to. A question I have as to a dead battery in the unit: The unit won't recharge and a friend decided to give it to me. I would like to troubleshoot the process of fixing it as I see value in a working unit. Do you have any recommendations?
voice is a bit low, video is GREAT!!! great work
Fantastic video! Thank you so much for an honest review. You have a new subscriber!
Thanks Chad, I’ll be doing more but a different subject line
Love this little guy.mine loses the display 75% of the time. And I can't air up my 3/4 ton truck tires with it :(
I just watched your video on the Cat (CJ1000DXT) Power Station. I also have a air compressor problem, the plastic gear on the pump is striped where it attaches to the crank. I don't know if the piston stuck or what (it is free now). Do you have the name of the company and phone number of the manufacture of this unit? Or where I could get a gear or pump? Any info would be helpful.
Dr Wrench have you ever experienced that the Power station won't automatically shut off. I've noticed that it won't shut off which is a problem because it drains the battery. I've tried turning the LED off and on and the USB off and on. I've tried turning the dial to both modes and it still stay on. Any other hacks to get this thing to shut down? THx
I have the same unit. How do you change out the black battery cable? My dog chewed up my negative cord.
I just used my new Cat box to put air in wifes tires and on the end of the hose the brass valve or nozzle popped out the hose so easily. That little spring on hose isn't really tight enough like a clamp. Any quick fixes to keep this in place for next time??
I'd say that thing was built in China.
Thanks for the review and the fix!
😇🙏👍
was it reading 0 psi when hooked up to the tire valve stem?
Mine just stops after 15 seconds of pumping to so. What do you think I should check?
Thank you, great video.
Just discovered your channel.. great videos!
Thanks for watching
Is the pump available as a replacement part anywhere?
Mine is stopping while I’m inflating could this be the reason so frustrating will the manufacturer provide a fix? I don’t have the skills to break this apart I bought this several years ago at Costco but it’s been inconsistent after the first year
Thank you so very much. It took me 2 beers to fix.
CAN ANYTHING BE DONE WITH THE UNIT IF YOU CONECT THE LEADS TO THE BATTER THE WRONG WAY ROUND OR IS IT UNFIXABLE ? MANY THANKS.
I bought one about a month ago; I wish I would have seen this video before I made my purchase.
Will you have a Part 2 to this video and share with us the Company's response?
Great information.
I have about 5 years not charging.
Can anything be done.
Thanks.
I just bought this and plugged it in to charge for 40hrs first time, and after about half hour there are 4 solid bars showing and 13.1v. Should I still leave it plugged?
I can't even get the air compressor part to turn on. Any suggestions??
Talk to the guy who made it! Sum Young Guy 😲
I have the same problem and I just bought it a month ago I don't want to take it apart because it would void the warranty on it but I will like to know what is the warranty so i could sent it back
i don't have the tools to fix this. will they replace it?
Great Video
Would you still recommend buying this product?
Very nice video young man I loved it
Young man? OMG YOU’RE MAN NEW BEST FRIEND!!! 👍🏻😂
Very insightful. Hope all went well with your talk to the manufacturer...
I have the same problem,I'm gonna try what you did
I love this guy
Great video! Is there a better compressor? Any recommendations
check out "project farm" he tested a bunch of them.
Love your video and paper weight except if you lived in Texas you would need to change to Shiner paper weights.
I know that but here in the Midwest we like a variety, watch my WAX choice video and you’ll see what I mean 😂
Glad you enjoyed it 😊
We just bought this recently. This is disturbing to know. Guess we will be returning it to Costco soon enough when it breaks.
Is this a common issue with this model? I was just about to order this from Costco. Even though Costco offers a warranty whatever the sell it’s great to know you have the expertise to have found the weak link in manufacturing. Hopefully CAT will correct the problem. I’m guessing they’re consumer grade and mass produced in China. Glad I found your channel.
Turns out, YES!
After 3 years, I had a similar problem with my compressor on the CAT, but decided to simply return it to Costco for another.
Costco allowed return after three years? I did not know this was allowed. Gonna return mine if that’s the case
Did you return yours?
I’m having this same problem myself.
I seen a guy saying he couldn't get his unit to charge '''there is a video on that somewhere on here it's a easy fix 'something to do with a wire rubbing and cutting out the charger
That could be true, if so it better be a negative or ground wire or it will short out all the wiring inside the unit.
I'm having trouble connecting my power switch and battery , can someone send me a picture of how its suppose to be connected
I used mine a few times to inflate tires, never to boost a car battery. I also wanted the inverter to run my gas fireplace fan if ever we get a power outage in the winter. I fully charged once a month wether used or not. Now battery shows full but as soon as I try to use the compressor battery dies and won't pump. I tried to contact the manufacturer but the phone number doesn't work. Bought at Costco (Canada).
I’m sorry to hear this about the battery discharging like that and so fast. I’ve used all of the features on the unit and only had the one problem with the cylinder head on the compressor that I repaired.
I would try to discharge the battery down then plug it in to charge it for at least 40 hours then try it again.
If it discharges again after that, return it to Costco (they’ll take it back with no problem.
I’ve aired up 6 car tires that needed 10 to 15 lbs in them and 3 bike tires and still had a good charge in it.
It’s possible yours has a defective battery, those types of battery are used to power smaller implements such as motor cycles, lawn tractors, snowmobiles, things like that, they do have a pretty good CCA to them.
Try doing what I said then please let me know.
Have a safe, heathy, holiday 😉
@@dr.wrench7704 i have the same problem i try tha
is posible fix battery ? from tha model
If you mean, “Repair a Battery” , no way, they only last 3-4, maybe 5 years if you lucky and depends on weather conditions and other factors, only jump starts one to get you back on the road or shopping, whichever comes first.
👍🏻
I brought one and used the air compressor for a low tire. Funny thing is now the CAT backlit screen will not power on, nothing will. So I tried to charge it up. While charging the USB area lights remain on but the backlit screen is not displaying a thing. People don't waste your money on this "power station". So disappointing.
Recorded horizontally:)
Yes Sir
these are Chinese knock off ones with the cat logo stuck on. I unfortunately purchased one in the UK and it was rubbish from day one, it was replaced twice but still rubbish
Mine will not recharge. Plugged in for 2 days and still at 2 bars.
Mine did the same thing, I slap the digital panel & it jumped up to 4 bars
That doesn't matter to me I'm only interested in the starting ability and for the price I'm happy enough I would rather have the cat portable power station than a noco gb50 I had 2 noco a one went on fire the other melted 'I'm not a fan of lithium batteries they don't last any time and these noco units are not cheap 'I don't believe the reviews of people about noco 'I personally think there crap
I must’ve got one from the same batch yours came from, mine smoked 😱
😂
What you are doing is called staking not shot peening.
are you an alcoholic? Always beer bottles in your videos
Gotta love Stella LOL But no, not really