Air Care
Daily Preventive Maintenance Will Extend the Life of an Air Compressor
By Dan Leiss
He is the loyal companion who is always there by his owner’s side. The one who spends his whole life obeying every command. The companion is selfless, always supporting his owner’s needs. It’s a familiar story — that of a man and his trusty air compressor.
Okay, maybe this isn’t exactly what you were thinking, but in many ways an air compressor is just like a pet. When properly cared for, a compressor will provide years of quality, reliable service to its owner. And just like a pet, a compressor needs attention every day.
Even if you feel you lack the time or know-how to maintain an air compressor, rest assured that it is actually a relatively simple and quick process. All it takes is a couple of minutes before each use to perform a few easy checks and procedures and your compressor will work in top condition for years to come.
Before Each Use
 While your pet may need a bath once in a while, it is always a good idea to keep an air compressor clean. It will be easier to detect leaks and broken or loose components on a clean machine.
Before turning on the machine, do a visual inspection. Check the hoses for kinks and the electrical wiring, tubing and piping for any damage. Also check the controls, gauges, accessories and instruments to make sure there are no loose mountings or visible damage. Check all connections and tighten any loose nuts and bolts.
The next step is to check the pump oil level. To do so, first disconnect the power source and place the compressor on a flat surface. Remove the oil fill plug and check the level, then insert a screwdriver into the crankcase. Inspect the oil on the screwdriver. If there are signs of contaminants, such as water or dirt, change the oil. Otherwise, change the oil annually. If a gas engine powers the compressor, check the engine oil level, as well, which also should be changed annually.
Fuel filters may be changed to accommodate an air compressor’s daily task. There are two types of filters: standard and coalescing. A standard filter will trap dust particles based upon micron size, while a coalescing filter will remove water and oil from the air. Provided the correct filter is used for each application, it should only need to be replaced monthly or every few months.
During and After
Now that the compressor is ready to start, listen for any unusual noises or vibrations that may signal a problem. Knocking or vibrating could indicate a worn connecting rod or piston pin, dirt on the piston or a loose flywheel or pulley. Chatter at the pressure switch or magnetic starter may indicate the switch needs to be adjusted or replaced. Listening and recognizing unusual noises are the best ways to identify potential concerns.
 The final task that needs to be performed on the compressor every day is to drain water out of the tank. Depending on the humidity level, this may need to be done more than once a day. Humidity may cause moisture to form in the pump and produce sludge in the lubricant, which will cause premature wear on the parts. Remember to collect and dispose of the condensate properly, as it may contain oil.
While daily maintenance prolongs the life of a compressor, it does not end here. Basic weekly and monthly checks are important. Checking the safety relief valve, inspecting the drive belt tension and checking air connections and compressor joints for leaks are all critical to the longevity of the machine. Information on all maintenance procedures can be found in the owner’s manual.
Costly downtime, expensive repairs and the need to purchase a new machine can typically be avoided if proper attention is given to the air compressor. In fact, a compressor can last 10 to 15 years if cared for properly. Treat a compressor well and it will respond with years of loyal and reliable service. Best of all, it doesn’t need to be taken for long walks.
Dan Leiss is president of Jenny Compressors, based in Somerset, Pa.
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