Hi,
I recently have been having trouble with my 60 gal single stage compressor.

I have had it for 2 years and probably used it about 200 hours.

Recently, it has been sounding like it has been laboring, and very loud. Shortly after that, it would build pressure extremely slowly. It would build pressure to around 60-80 ish psi, then I would not want to run it after that because of it being on so long to try and build up that pressure.

At that point in time I did not change the oil once, or the air filter *I know, very stupid*.
I ordered a new air filter from you guys (and head gasket), only installed the air filter.

I changed the oil and added a new air filter ( the previous one was disgusting and completely clogged).

After doing both of those, It sounded so much quieter directly from startup.
However, still built up pressure very slowly.

I took the head off and realized the gasket was nearly gone.

I replaced the head gasket and put it on with the flat side facing the pistons, the rounded facing the cylinder head.

After tightening everything up, I could not build pressure again. (I did spray a little lubricant on the outside of the cylinder head where the gasket is to see if anything was escaping, I did have a fair amount of air bubbles.

Did I install the head gasket incorrectly? Is that likely the reason it is not building air? The reed valves did have slight a slight burn mark, but nothing alarming looking.

I have not had time to take the head off and turn the gasket over to see if I installed it incorrectly.

Fair enough! I did notice a little bit of buildup on the pistons. I cannot tell if it is from the gasket, or just carbon? Once I have the head removed. Do I just have to lift the valve plate assembly off? Or is it held on in another place? Thinking about removing it so I can hit the piston with sea foam and suction it out.