How to Keep Your Shop Air Compressor Running
Most shops don't think much about the air compressor until it stops.
Then everybody thinks about it.
If the compressor supplies your tire machines, air tools, reels, and other equipment, one failure can affect half the shop. A little routine maintenance goes a long way toward avoiding that.
Drain the water
Compressing air creates condensation.
That water ends up in the tank and compressed-air system unless it is properly removed. Make sure your tank drain is working and actually being used.
Automatic drains help, but they aren't something to install and forget forever. Check them periodically.
If you're constantly fighting water at the tools, the problem may be bigger than just the tank drain. The shop may need better moisture separation or an air dryer.
Check the oil
If you have an oil-lubricated reciprocating compressor, check the oil level regularly and change it at the manufacturer's recommended interval.
Don't just add oil indefinitely and assume it's fine.
Also make sure you're using the correct oil for the compressor.
Keep the intake filter clean
The compressor has to breathe.
A dirty intake filter restricts airflow and makes the machine work harder than it needs to. Inspect the filter and replace or clean it according to the manufacturer's recommendations.
If your compressor lives in a particularly dusty area, it may need attention more often.
Look at the belts
On belt-driven compressors, check belt condition and tension.
Cracked, glazed, loose, or badly worn belts should be dealt with before they leave you without air on a busy morning.
Keep the compressor cool
Air compressors make heat. A lot of it.
Make sure cooling surfaces stay clean and that the compressor has enough ventilation around it.
Packing a compressor into a tiny room with no airflow is a good way to make its life harder.
Pay attention to how often it runs
If a compressor that used to keep up comfortably suddenly seems to run constantly, something changed.
You may have an air leak. You may have added equipment. A valve or other compressor component may be wearing out. Or the compressor may simply be undersized for what the shop is asking it to do now.
Don't automatically assume running continuously is normal.
Fix air leaks
One leaking fitting doesn't seem like much.
Neither does the second one.
Eventually you have a compressor running far more often than necessary just to feed leaks throughout the building.
Listen for leaks when the shop is quiet and repair them as you find them.
Follow the actual maintenance schedule
Different compressors have different requirements.
The manufacturer's maintenance schedule should be the starting point for oil changes, filters, belts, valve service, and other maintenance.
If you don't know what your compressor needs, find the model and serial number and start there.
A little maintenance is cheaper than no air
The worst time to start thinking about compressor maintenance is when the entire shop is waiting for somebody to repair it.
Northcoast Equipment Specialists provides air compressor sales, installation, and service throughout Northeast Ohio. If your compressor isn't keeping up, is due for maintenance, or simply isn't running right, give us a call.
How to Maintain your Shop Air Compressor