Spring is here! After a long winter, we could all use some sunshine and longer days. With spring, there’s pollen and warmer temperatures. Both of which air compressors are not too fond of. Here are a few things to check to keep your portable compressor running smoothly and avoid costly downtime:
- Check your air entry points. You don’t want them to clog. Clogging will affect compressed air output and prevent air from properly flowing through and keeping your compressor cool.
- Check any plastic tubing that may have cracked during freezing temperatures.
- Check your engine and compressor oil. You want to check your oil level on a regular basis. If the oil gets low, it can cause the air compressor’s temperature to rise and cause your air compressor to overheat and shut down. ONLY USE COMPRESSOR OIL! Rotair AL-0025
- Check your cooler for fouling from pollen, dust, insects, and debris.
- Check your compressor and engine intake filter. It’s common to find dirt or pollen collected in your intake filter. A clogged intake vent can cause issues to your compressor, so be sure to check this regularly throughout the spring season.
- Make sure your compressor is well ventilated! You also want to make sure your fans and louvers are all functional to keep your compressor cool during the warm weather. A well-ventilated compressor works more efficiently and keeps operating temperature down.
- Perform any due preventative maintenance. Keeping your air compressor on a regular service schedule is key to having it perform optimally and fulfill its lifespan.
The check list below are general maintenance interval guidelines. We recommend following the check list below to ensure smooth operations all year long.
Maintenance Intervals
|
Frequency
|
Part
|
Remarks
|
|
Daily
|
Coolant level
|
Check
|
|
Engine oil level (refer to the manufacturer's
manual)
|
Check
|
|
Obstructions to the ventilation system
|
Check
|
|
Oil or fuel leakage
|
Check
|
|
Fuel level and top off (if necessary)
|
Check
|
|
Operation warning lights
|
Check
|
|
Compressor & engine air filters
|
Check
|
|
Check the compressor oil level
|
Check
|
|
Check the readability of measuring instruments
|
Check
|
|
Weekly
|
Compressor Air Filters
|
Check
|
|
Engine Air Filters
|
Check
|
|
After the First 50 Hours of Service
|
Replace Compressor oil with manufacturer specific Rotair 46W AL-0025
|
Replace
|
|
Compressor Oil Filter
|
Replace
|
|
Diesel Fuel Filter
|
Replace
|
|
Engine Oil
|
Replace
|
|
Engine Oil Filter
|
Replace
|
|
Every 30 Days
|
Battery Electrolyte Level
|
Check (fill if needed)
|
|
Torque of All Screws and Bolts
|
Check (tighten if needed)
|
|
Tightness of All Pipe Connections
|
Check (tighten if needed)
|
|
Every 90 Days
|
Belt Tension
|
Check (tighten if needed)
|
|
Oil Recovery Nozzle and Oil Recovery Line
|
Check
|
|
Speed Controls at the Minimum and Maximum RPM
|
Check
|
|
Check the efficiency of the safety valves
|
Check
|
|
Oil Cooler
|
Clean
|
|
Fuel Tank
|
Drain
|
|
500 Hours or 6 Months
|
Replace Compressor oil with manufacturer Specific Rotair 46W AL-0025
|
Replace
|
|
Compressor Oil Filter manufacturer specific
|
Replace
|
|
Compressor Air Filter manufacturer specific
|
Replace
|
|
Diesel Fuel Filter
|
Replace
|
|
Engine Oil
|
Replace
|
|
Engine Oil Filter
|
Replace
|
|
Engine Air Filter
|
Replace
|
|
1000 Hours or Every Year
|
Readability of Name Plate
|
Check, Replace if Necessary
|
|
Orifice
|
Check, Replace if Necessary
|
|
Check Valve
|
Check, Replace if Necessary
|
|
Thermostatic Valve
|
Check, Replace if Necessary
|
|
2000 Hours or Every Two Years
|
Oil Separator Element
|
Replace
|
|
Fan Belt
|
Replace
|
|
Radiator
|
Flush
|
|
Fuel Tank
|
Flush
|
|
Start / Work Valve
|
Replace
|
|
Every Three Years
|
Silent Blocks / Engine Mounts
|
Check, Replace if Necessary
|
|
Inlet Valve
|
Check, Replace if Necessary
|
|
Minimum Pressure Valve
|
Check, Replace if Necessary
|
|
Accelerator Piston
|
Check, Replace if Necessary
|
# - Whichever comes first * - As per air filter clog indicator
Notes: Only use Manufacturer specific oil and filters
ONLY use Rotair 46W AL-0025 COMPRESSOR OIL, DO NOT USE HYDRAULIC OIL!
Download Check List
Do you want to save some time and have a compressed air technician perform a spring service? ELGi has a wide service network across North America readily available to help you with your spring service. To find the nearest provider, contact our support line: 704-523-4123 or email our service team at portableservice@elgi.com
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By ELGi | 
4 min read | 2 December, 2024 
