TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE
SYMPTOM
Low discharge pressure
Excessive noise (knocking)
Large quantity of oil in the
discharge air
NOTE: In an oil-lubed
compressor there will always
be a small amount of oil in the
air stream.
Water in discharge air / tank
Motor hums and runs slowly
or not at all
POSSIBLE CAUSE(S)
1. Air demand exceeds pump capacity
2. Restricted air intake
3. Air leaks (fittings, tubing on
compressor, or plumbing outside of
system)
4. Blown gaskets
5. Leaking or damaged valves
1. Loose motor pulley or flywheel
2. Loose fasteners on pump or motor
3. Lack of oil in crankcase
4. Worn connecting rod
5. Worn piston pin bores
6. Piston hitting the valve plate
7. Noisy check valve in compressor
system
1. Worn piston rings
2. Compressor air intake restricted
3. Excessive oil in compressor
4. Wrong oil viscosity
Normal operation. The amount of water
increases with humid weather
1. Low voltage
2. Use of extension cord
3. Too many devices on same circuit
4. Loose electrical connections
5. Malfunctioning pressure switch -
contacts will not close
6. Malfunctioning check valve
CORRECTIVE ACTION
1. Reduce air demand or use a compressor with more
capacity.
2. Clean or replace the air filter element.
3. Listen for escaping air. Apply soap solution to
all fittings and connections. Bubbles will appear
at points of leakage. Tighten or replace leaking
fittings or connections. Use pipe thread sealant.
4. Replace any gaskets proven faulty on inspection.
5. Remove head and inspect for valve breakage,
misaligned valves, damaged valve seats, etc.
Replace defective parts and reassemble.
time the head is removed.
1. Tighten pulley / flywheel clamp bolts and set-screws.
2. Tighten fasteners.
3. Check for proper oil level; if low, check for possible
damage to bearings. Dirty oil can cause excessive
wear.
4. Replace connecting rod. Maintain oil level and
change oil more frequently.
5. Remove piston assemblies from the compressor and
inspect for excess wear. Replace excessively worn
piston pin or pistons, as required. Maintain oil level
and change oil more frequently.
6. Remove the compressor head and valve plate
and inspect for carbon deposits or other foreign
matter on top of piston. Replace head and valve
plate using new gasket. See Lubrication section for
recommended oil.
7. Replace check valve.
pressure in tank.
1. Replace with new rings. Maintain oil level and
change oil more frequently.
2. Clean or replace filter. Check for other restrictions
in the intake system.
3. Drain down to full level.
4. Use Mobil 1
®
10W-30 or full synthetic.
1. Drain tank more often. At least daily.
2. Add a filter to reduce the amount of water in the
air line.
1. Check incoming voltage. It should be approximately
230 volts. Motor will not run properly on 208 volts.
Low voltage could be due to wires (from electrical
source to compressor) being too small in diameter
and / or too long. Have a qualified electrician check
these conditions and make repairs as needed.
2. Do not use an extension cord. Use longer air hose
with larger diameter.
3. Limit the circuit to the use of compressor only
4. Check all electrical connections.
5. Replace pressure switch.
6. Replace check valve.
air pressure in tank.
12
Unit care and maintenance.
Install a new head gasket each
Risk of Explosion. Do not
disassemble check valve with air
Risk of Explosion. Do not
disassemble check valve with