TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE FOR UNITS IN SERVICE FOR A PERIOD OF TIME
TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE
Symptom
Motor does not run
Motor hums; motor draws high
amps, trips overload, trips
breaker, or blows fuse on start
up
Compressor runs but builds
pressure slowly
Interstage safety valve pops off
when the unit is running
Oil out breather
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Possible Cause(s)
1. Loose electrical connections
2. Blown fuse and / or tripped
breaker
3. Starter overload tripped
4. Defective capacitor
5. Defective magnetic starter
1. Defective pressure switch
unloader
2. Defective check valve -
constant loss of tank pressure
3. Loose electrical connections
4. Defective capacitor
5. Valve problem or blown gasket
1. Air leak
2. Dirty air filter
3. Valve problem or blown gasket
4. Tank cracked
1. Valve problem or worn gasket
2. Low head bolt torque
3. Defective interstage safety
valve
1. Worn rings or scored cylinder
2. Compressor running hot
Corrective Action
1. The entire electrical system should be checked by a certified
electrician. The incoming wires and the compressor electrical
connections should be checked. Loose connections will cause
malfunctions
2. The breaker and fuses required for this unit must be time
delay.
A tripped breaker or blown fuse may result from a direct short
to ground, high current draw, improper wiring, incorrect fuse
or breaker size and/or type. This needs to be evaluated by a
service center or certified electrician
3. Check and reset if necessary. If the overload trips after
the initial reset, refer to "Troubleshooting Guide for New
Installations."
4. Check and replace (if necessary) defective capacitor
5. First check for any loose wiring and tighten if loose. Check and
replace (if necessary) defective magnetic starter
1. Drain the tank of all pressure. Restart compressor under no
load. If compressor is able to start, then the unloader needs to
be checked. If this problem is not corrected it will fail the motor
and / or other electrical components
2. Determine if the check valve is working properly - pressure
switch unloader should quit hissing after the compressor shuts
off. If the hissing continues and if there is a constant loss of
tank pressure, then the check valve is not working properly.
Replace check valve
3. The entire electrical system should be checked by a certified
electrician. The incoming wires and the compressor electrical
connections should be checked. Loose connections will cause
malfunctions
4. Check and replace (if necessary) defective capacitor
5. Check gasket and replace as needed. Other symptoms occur
when a valve is not sealing or a gasket is blown such as higher
than normal amp draw which may trip out the overload or
breaker
1. Check the entire system for leaks, including the compressor
unit and any piping attached to the compressor
2. Air filters need to be changed regularly based on usage and
environment. A dirty filter may appear to be clean. Change
filters often
3. Check gasket and replace as needed. Other symptoms occur
when a valve is not sealing or a gasket is blown such as higher
than normal amp draw which may trip out the overload or
breaker
4. Replace the tank. The unit should not be run under any
conditions. Tanks cannot be welded or patched
1. Check and replace valve or gaskets as needed.
2. Check and retighten head bolts to specified torque
3. Replace interstage safety valve. Under no circumstances plug
the safety valve port
1. Replace rings and/or replace cylinder
2. Make sure compressor is running the correct rotation.
Compressor should be clean and in a well ventilated area.
Oil should be changed on regular intervals according to the
specifications listed in the manual.
Air filter must be changed as it gets dirty
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