Engine Driven Reciprocating Compressor Troubleshooting

Problem	Possible Causes	Solutions
Compressor Stalls and Dies	1.    Drive engine low on fuel 2.    Compressor check valve not functioning 3.    Compressor Pilot valve not functioning 4.    Spark Plug in Engine bad 5.    Drive engine Low on oil	1.  Check fuel level in drive engine 2.  Inspect compressor check valve 3.  Check drive engine spark plug 4.  Check oil level on compressor drive engine 5.  Check oil on compressor pump
Compressor is running and is not compressing air	1.    Compressor Pilot valve is actuated 2.    Compressor pilot valve is malfunctioning 3.    Compressors pump head unloaders stuck engaged	1.  Check pilot valve to make sure it in the proper position 2.  Replace compressor pilot valve 3.  Check and clean compressor pump head unloaders
Compressor does not idle up for compression	1.    Throttle control valve (bullwhip) not engaging 2.    Throttle control valve cable broken 3.    Drive engine throttle linkage damaged	1.  Check throttle control valve (bullwhip) for proper function 2.  Replace throttle control valve 3.  Check drive engine throttle linkage
Compressor Pump Knocking	1.    Loose motor pulley or compressor flywheel 2.    Low oil level in compressor pump 3.    Carbon build up on valve and piston	1.  Tighten pulley or flywheel 2.  Keep oil level at recommended level for proper operation 3.  Only use factory recommended oil
Excessive oil discharge in air (All Compressorshave a small amount of oil carry over in compression)	1.    Worn piston rings or cylinder 2.    Restricted air intake 3.    Oil level to high 4.    Compressor has exceeded it duty cycle	1.  Clean or replace air filters 2.  Reduce oil level to recommended amount 3.  Reduce compressor duty cycle (repair leaks or add another unit to handle the excess demand)
Compressor Overheating	1.    Poor ventilation 2.    Dirty cooling surfaces 3.    Compressor is out of its operating duty cycle	1.  Relocate compressor to any area with better ventilation (at least 18 inches from the nearest wall) 2.  Clean all cooling surfaces 3.  Reduce compressor duty cycle (repair leaks or add another unit to handle the excess demand)
Excessive Belt Wear	1.    Pulley out of alignment 2.    Improper belt tension 3.    Pulley damaged of loose	1.  Realign pulley with flywheel 2.  Re adjust belt tension
Compressor wont start in cold weather	1.    Bad check valve 2.    Compressor has wrong grade oil 3.    Control lines frozen	1.  Use IS 100 (30W) compressor oil for cold weather conditions 2.  Move compressor to a warmer location 3.  Put a heat lamp on compressor to maintain above freezing temperatures
Compressor has excessive vibration	1.    Compressor is not properly mounted on vibration isolation pads 2.    Compressor pulley is out of alignment 3.    Engine is low on fuel of throttle is out of adjustment	1.  Properly mount compressor on vibration isolation pads 2.  Re-align pulleys 3.  Check drive engine oil and fuel level 4.  Re-adjust engine throttle control (bull whip)