A head pressure relief assembly for relieving pressure in the head assembly of an air compressor may include an exhaust valve post formed in the head assembly and an exhaust valve assembly comprised of a flapper valve. An aperture may be formed through the exhaust valve post for venting the head assembly prior to start of the compressor assembly. The flapper valve is capable of engaging the exhaust valve post to close the aperture at least partially for preventing flow from the head assembly through the aperture during the compression stroke of the compressor assembly piston. A head pressure relief assembly may also include an aperture disposed in the head assembly, a connecting tube therefor, or a check valve.