Tips For Spotting And Fixing Two Common Air Compressor Issues

13 November 2017
 Categories: Business, Blog

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Finding yourself in need of an air compressor for a single project isn't a major concern, because you can always rent one instead of having to purchase it. Unfortunately, if you're not used to using an air compressor, you may be stumped by some of the more common problems that you might encounter. Before you waste time calling the rental company for service, here are some tips to help you deal with a couple of common compressor issues.

Declining Pressure

If the air compressor has been consistently running well without any fluctuations in pressure, finding yourself with pressure loss can be confusing. It doesn't mean the system is failing, though. Sometimes a loss of pressure can be due to a leak somewhere in the compressed air line.

Leaks often occur as a result of a pinhole, cut, or other damage in the line itself. Trace the line back to the compressor looking for any signs of damage. You can run the compressor and then slide your hand down the line to feel for any areas where there may be air flowing through. If it's damaged, replace the line to restore the pressure.

Pressure loss may also be the result of a clog in the air filter or other components. Check the filter and replace it if necessary.

Excess Lubricant Consumption

Your compressor shouldn't be consuming much lubricant through normal operation. However, when the lubricant levels become low, the air coming from the compressor will often feel hot. If you notice that you're having to add oil or other lubricant more frequently, it's possible that the compressor is running hot. In most cases, a compressor will only run hot if the coolant lines are clogged. Trace all of the coolant lines, disconnect them, and blow them out. This will ensure that there's nothing blocking the flow. If that doesn't fix it, you'll need to call the rental company to have it serviced.

Understanding these common compressor problems can help you to keep your unit running at its best. This will help you maintain your production levels and complete your project with ease. When you don't have the time to wait for service technicians to deal with small, easily solved problems, this information can help you keep things running. If the tips here don't solve the problem, a compressor rental company, like Wirtz Rentals CO, can help you determine the source of the issue or replace the unit for you if necessary.