NorthStar 459232 - Troubleshooting

20
Troubleshooting
This section provides a list of the more frequently encountered compressor malfunctions, their causes and corrective
actions. Some corrective actions can be performed by the operator or maintenance personnel, but others may require
assistance of a qualified electrician or Service Center.
PROBLEM
POSSIBLE CAUSE
Motor does not turn.
A,B,C,D,E
Motor overload trips or draws excessive current.
D, G, M
Excessive noise, vibration, knocking or rattling.
H, I, K, L,N, O, P, R, W
Lights flicker or dim when running.
C, D, E, J, M
Air delivery drops off.
I, J, L, M, N, O, P, R, W, X, Y
Compressor does not come up to speed.
C, D, F, H, L, M, P
Compressor is slow to come up to speed.
C, D, F, H, L, M, N
Compressor will not unload cycle.
I, N, P, R
Compressor will not unload when stopped.
I, N, P, R
Excessive starting or stopping.
D, E, G, P, S, U
Moisture in crankcase, “milky” substance in oil.
T
Oil in discharge air.
V
Safety/relief valve “pops”.
N, O, P
Low interstage pressure.
Y
High interstage pressure.
X
POSSIBLE CAUSE
POSSIBLE SOLUTION
A.) Circuit breaker on motor tripped.
Push button located on back of motor.
B.) Supply line circuit breaker tripped.
Reset circuit breaker.
C.) Wiring or electric service panel too small.
Install properly sized wire or service box. Contact electrician.
D.) Compressor wired incorrectly.
Check wiring, contact electrician.
E.) Poor contact on motor terminals or starter connections.
Ensure good contact on motor terminals or starter
connections.
F.) Compressor viscosity too high for ambient temperature
Drain existing lubricant and refill with proper lubricant.
G) Poor ground.
Check all ground connections.
H.) Belt tension too tight or sheaves not aligned
Check tension/ alignment.
i.) Air leaks in discharge piping
Check tubing connections, Tighten joints or replace as
required.
J.) Poor power regulation
Contact power company.
K.) Compressor components leaky, broken, loose
Inspect components. Clean or replace as required.
L.) Loose flywheel or motor pulley, excessive end play in
motor shaft or loose drive belts
Check flywheel, motor pulley, crankshaft drive belt
tension/alignment. Replace or repair as required.
M.) Leaking check valve or check valve seat blown out
Replace check valve.
N.) Clogged or dirty inlet and/or discharge line
Clean or replace.
O.) Defective safety/relief valve
Replace.
P.) Pressure switch unloader leaks or does not work
Realign stem or replace.
Q.) Inadequate ventilation around flywheel
Relocate compressor for better air flow.
R.) Leaking, broken or worn inlet unloader parts at check
valve
Inspect parts and replace as required.
S.) Excessive condensation in receiver tank
Drain receiver tank.
T.) Detergent lubricant in crankcase.
Replace with proper lubricant.
U.) Light duty cycle
Increase duty cycle.
V.) Lubricant level too high
Drain excess lubricant.
W.) Worn cylinder finish
Deglaze cylinder with 180 grit flex-hone.
X,) Low pressure inlet valve leaking
Inspect, clean or repair as required.
Y.) High pressure inlet valve leaking
Inspect, clean or repair as required.