Operating & Maintenance Manual Troubleshooting
5 Book: 46551819 (2-11-2011) Rev B
Troubleshooting
Introduction
Troubleshooting for a portable air compressor is an organized study of a particular problem or series of
problems and a planned method of procedure for investigation and correction. The troubleshooting
chart that follows includes some of the problems that an operator may encounter during the operation
of a portable compressor.
The chart does not attempt to list all of the troubles that may occur, nor does it attempt to give all of the
answers for correction of the problems. The chart does give those problems that are most apt to occur.
To use the troubleshooting chart:
A. Find the “complaint” depicted as a bold heading.
B. Follow down that column to find the potential cause or causes. The causes are listed in order (1,2,3
etc.) to suggest an order to follow in trouble shooting.
Action Plan
A. Think Before Acting
Study the problem thoroughly and ask yourself these questions:
1. What were the warning signals that preceded the trouble?
2. Has a similar trouble occurred before?
3. What previous maintenance work has been done?
4. If the compressor will still operate, is it safe to continue operating it to make further checks?
B. Do The Simplest Things First
Most troubles are simple and easily corrected. For example, most complaints are “low capacity” which
may be caused by too low an engine speed or “compressor over- heats” which may be caused by low
oil level.
Always check the easiest and most obvious things first; following this simple rule will save time and
trouble.
NOTE: For troubleshooting electrical problems, refer to the Wiring Diagram Schematic
found in Parts List Section.
C. Double Check Before Disassembly
The source of most compressor troubles can be traced not to one component alone, but to the
relationship of one component with another. Too often, a compressor can be partially disassembled in
search of the cause of a certain trouble and all evidence is destroyed during disassembly. Check again
to be sure an easy solution to the problem has not been overlooked.
D. Find And Correct Basic Cause
After a mechanical failure has been corrected, be sure to locate and correct the cause of the trouble so
the same failure will not be repeated. A complaint of “premature breakdown” may be corrected by
repairing any improper wiring connections, but something caused the defective wiring. The cause may
be excessive vibration.
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