Rigid 3hp. Air comp. valve issue! Help!!

[waterford409]

I have the 3hp. 5 gal. (OL50135) Rigid air compressor, it sits for long periods of time. The problem is, the valve appears to shut as soon as air passes through it. Still have pressure in the tanks. I am unable to remove the valve for inspection/cleaning.
The knob passes through the sheet metal gauge plate but the knob is too big to pass back through the hole and I can't get at the base for disassembly. What is the procedure to remove the air adjusting valve? Why would Rigid assemble the valve "around" the sheet metal cover plate??? Any help would be deeply appreciated. Thanks in advance.




I just looked at the parts list, the first question should be "how does the knob come off the regulator"

[smallen]

i think that one snaps on and off, pull on it to get it off, service parts are not available to repair regulator,replace only
use the water drain on back of tank to drain air out first