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Air Compressor Not Running? Try These Pro Tips

Air compressors are vital machines, used for industrial processes, automotive painting, fire suppression, and running machinery, like power tools and medical devices. If yours isn’t running right, it can interfere with your ability to perform an important service. Here are some pro tips from New York City’s Antler Pumps that you can apply with an air compressor not running in your workplace.

Air Compressor Won’t Turn On or Suddenly Shut Off

A wiring or switch issue

Usually if an air compressor won’t start or stops suddenly mid-use, it’s due to an electrical problem. The first thing to try is the reset button, assuming your model has one. If that doesn’t fix the problem, or if you keep having to use the reset button, try changing the pressure to see if that works.

Is the compressor hot to the touch, indicating it may have overheated? Let it cool off to see if it starts up again. Continued problems with overheating should be evaluated by a professional.

When was the last time the compressor received oil (see below for more on this)? If it’s too low, it may not run.

If none of those solutions work, take a look at these potential causes:

• Frayed wiring or a broken plug
• Compressor not plugged directly into an outlet but instead into a power strip (which you should never use)
• Extension cord too long (over 25 feet can cause resistance that prompts overheating) or too fine (not rated for the amperage of the compressor – your extension cord should at least match the compressor’s amperage rating)
• Compressor tripped the circuit breaker (may be a one-off, or may be due to problems with the compressor or the electrical panel)
• Loose switch causing loss of contact with internal components

If you discover wiring problems, a faulty plug, or a broken switch, or if you suspect your property’s circuit panel is malfunctioning, it’s time to have an expert help you. Antler Pumps can address anything not working with the compressor itself, while our Omnia Mechanical Group partners at Bolt Electric can get your electrical panel repaired or replaced, so you don’t have any power supply or safety issues to worry about.

Air Compressor Won’t Shut Off

Pressure problems

Sometimes clients have the opposite problem and their air compressor won’t shut off. Usually, this is a problem with pressure.

The pressure relief valve may be faulty, which increases pressure to dangerous levels. Disconnect the compressor from its source of power and have it professionally serviced.

You might also need a new pressure switch. If the switch is broken, there will be no connection between the switch and the machine’s internal elements. Antler Pumps can replace the switch for you in this case.

Air Compressor Not Providing Adequate or Consistent Pressure

Multiple possible culprits

Pressure issues while running your air compressor can stem from several different problems. Most often, a leak is the cause, which we discuss in the next section. Other possible factors include:

• Blocked air intake (easy to fix on your own)
• Dirty filter (clean or replace)
• Broken belt (take it in for service)
• Hardened, cracked, or disintegrating gasket (have a pro replace)
• Too high a demand on the machine (upgrade to a new model)

Air Compressor Leaking

Like checking a tire

An air leak in your air compressor is easy to detect. Turn the compressor off while it’s still fully charged. Did the gauge drop? Then you have a leak. If you disconnect the hose and the gauge stops dropping, the leak is in the hose.

If the hose seems intact, you can check for leaks elsewhere in the compressor just as you would look for a leak in a car tire. Apply a little soapy water around various parts, such as couplings and connections to see if bubbles appear to show you where the leak is located.

Air Compressor Making Loud or Unusual Noises

Needs internal repairs

An exceedingly loud compressor is usually due to internal parts that need professional repair. But it’s worth checking any mounting if you have made the compressor stationary, especially if you feel or observe it vibrating more than normal. You can also evaluate the following to see if they are the source of the noise:

• Worn vibration pads (replace)
• Loose compressor floor mounting (tighten)
• Low on oil (top off – see below)

When these things don’t turn out to be the issue, we usually find in the shop that it’s a loose internal part, a problem with the crankcase, a worn gasket, or a dirty piston at the cylinder head.

Air Compressor Guzzling Oil

Leaks or level

Is your air compressor constantly in need of oil? We hear this quite frequently from our clients. Here are some things you can check on your own, if you feel comfortable, before calling us for service:

• Leaky oil compartment
• Worn gaskets that need replacing
• Bad piston rings that should be replaced
• Using the wrong oil with the incorrect viscosity
• Oil looks milky (too much air in the oil, so reduce humidity around the air intake)

Don’t forget that using your air compressor at a tilt can make it look like your oil is low. Be sure to use your machine at a level position.

Do you have a malfunctioning air compressor that needs professional attention? Antler Pumps is here to assist you. Call us at 212-534-2500 today to schedule an appointment.