| Questions |
Answers |
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Maintenance
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| How often should we change the oil? |
In a rotary screw compressor, oil should be
changed about every 7000-8000 hours. This depends on the
type of compressor you purchase. For a Reciprocating air
compressor, generally you would change the oil approximately
every 3 months. For a more accurate time frame, call in with
a model number to find the recommended schedule for your
compressor. |
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| When should I replace the air intake filter? |
If your compressor has an Air Intake Filter, it
should be cleaned on a weekly basis (assuming you are using
the compressor about 3 days a week). When the filter starts
to develop debris that is becoming harder to clean out, or
you notice any tears or holes in the filter, the filter
should be replaced. |
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| What is the difference between stop-start and
constant run |
Simply put, a start-stop air compressor has a
pressure switch that turns the machine on and off. Most
small electric and small gas air compressors are start-stop.
A constant run compressor means the motor continuously runs
and continuously turns the pump. Many industrial shops who
need consistent air on a daily basis will purchase a
constant run compressor |
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Voltage
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| What voltage do I run on? |
It depends on the size of Compressor. Most
Homeowner sized small compressors are built to run on a
single 110V Outlet. As you get into larger models, many
compressors offer the choice between 110 or 220 voltage. |
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| Will my compressor run on a generator? |
The compressor should be able to run given the
proper requirements, however we recommend not using a
compressor with a generator. Generators have fluctuations in
power, and because a compressor needs constant voltage to be
able to run, it is generally best not to use a generator if
no power is available. |
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| What is the difference between stop-start and
constant run? |
Simply put, a start-stop air compressor has a
pressure switch that turns the machine on and off. Most
small electric and small gas air compressors are start-stop.
A constant run compressor means the motor continuously runs
and continuously turns the pump. Many industrial shops who
need consistent air on a daily basis will purchase a
constant run compressor |
Water
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| What happens when water stays in my compressor? |
Compressor tanks are made of steel, which means
if water is left in the tank, rust will start to accrue.
Depending on the severity, contact your local service center
about the best way to eliminate the problem. One place to
start would be to look into purchasing an air dryer, to help
eliminate the problem. |
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Hoses
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| What size of hose should be used? |
This will depend on the type of compressor that
you have. The two most common sizes are 1/4" and 3/8". Check
your compressor manual, or give us a call to help find the
right size to use. |
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| What is the maximum hose length I should use
with my compressor? |
This will also depend on the size of compressor
and CFM required. The Maximum hose length is one of the most
open ended questions related to air compressors. For a small
homeowner unit, it would be smart not to exceed 150'. For a
shop or industrial compressor, contact your local
installation provider or give us a call to help figure out
your maximum length. |
Other
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I got a new pressure switch and installed it over the weekend. When
I turned it on it worked well, and filled up the tanks, however once it turned off
air started to leak out of the back of the unloader valve. It doesn't matter what
the pressure is in the tanks, if the pressure switch is turned off, air always
leaks out of the back of the unloader valve and at a pretty good rate.
Have you seen this happen before and do you have any suggestions? |
It sounds like the one-way check-valve is bad, and actually that
may have caused your pressure switch to fail in the first place. This is fairly
common. The usual causes are;
- older machine
- lots of hours, worn-out check valve
- oil is passing from the pump and into the tank
- running without and/or with a dirty intake filter
- spring gets weak or breaks
The whole compressor relies on this little part and when it fails it can ruin
everything else.
Much of the time one can take the check-valve off, take it apart and clean it. There may be some
debris in it, carbonized oil or both. Sometimes you will find the spring inside is
broken.
This part is between the (copper) tube from the pump and tank and
is usually threaded directly into the tank.
We stock many of these and most are around $20.00-30.00.
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| How much air will I need to power my air
compressor? |
Generally, most air tools will take around
70-100 PSI, and will consume less than 10 CFM, however
consult the manual or manufacturer of your tool for exact
air requirements. |
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| How often until a new compressor is "broken in" |
Air Compressors do not need to be broken in.
Check for any leaks or malfunctions during the first
start-up, but after that you should be ready to go. |
| How often should I service my compressor? |
This answer depends on how often you run your
compressor. If you are running your compressor occasionally,
then annual service would be fine. If you are running your
compressor routinely, then quarterly service may be needed. |
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| What is a good tank size? |
The tank size you will use will depend on the
amount of air that you need stored. A benefit to a larger
tanked air compressors is that the motor will not start and
stop as often as a smaller tanked compressor. However, if
you do not believe that you will use a good amount of air,
it may be smarter and cheaper to use a smaller tank |
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