Air Compressor Tips and Tricks [Getting More From Your Compressor]

Air Compressor Tips and Tricks [Getting More From Your Compressor]

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning if you decide to make a purchase via my links, I may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. See my disclosure for more info.

While air compressors can be invaluable in a variety of situations, like most complicated machines, they do break down from time to time. Today, I’ll be going over some of the best Tips & Tricks ways to maintain and fix your air compressor to keep it running in tip-top shape.

Although some problems may be too complex to fix on your own, there are many steps you can take to keep your compressor working properly for years to come.

It may seem obvious, but one of the best Air Compressor Tips and Tricks that you can do is take the time to read the manual for your air compressor, this simple task is a small time investment that can payoff big.

In this Air Compressor Tips & Tricks we will look at ways that can help you keep your air compressor in tip top shape.

Table of contents

But before we get to our tips and trick lets have a brief revision of the different types of air compressors we may be dealing with.

Brief Guide to Air Compressors

When looking at Tips & Tricks of an air compressors, there are several types from which to choose. The type of air compressor will be determined both by its appearance, as well as the mechanics of the device itself. Here are the basic types of compressor out there.

Piston-Driven:

This model of air compressor uses a piston to pressurize the air in the tank and drive it through the hose. This system is the most commonly used in air compressors and works similar to the piston system in your car’s engine.

Rotary Screw:

This system is a bit more complex than a piston-driven compressor. By using two screws, air is forced into the tank and the hose at a much quicker rate than with pistons. Because the air can flow continuously through the screws (instead of having to recycle between the pistons), you can fill up your reserve tank and increase the overall pressure much faster. The downside of this system is that it usually requires lubrication and can be expensive to repair or replace.

Centrifugal:

This is the most powerful type of compressor, and it is mostly used in commercial or industrial applications. A rotating blade drives air into the tank and increases the pressure at an incredibly fast rate. This type of system is also oil-free, meaning that the air coming out is completely clean, unlike in a rotary screw mechanism.

Air Compressors Types

Now that we’ve discussed the types of mechanics of air compressors let’s look at the different models.

Pancake: So named for its pancake shape

Hot Dog: Also named for its shape, this compressor comes with a single cylindrical tank

Twin-Tank: Similar to the hot dog compressor, except it has two tanks

Pontoon: This model looks like a pontoon boat with two tanks on either side

Wheelbarrow: This type of compressor is larger than the others and can be moved via wheels, much like a wheelbarrow

Truck-Mounted: As one of the biggest types of compressor, this model is mounted on the back of a pickup truck and can provide a lot of power

Common Do-It-Yourself Tips and Tricks

To keep your air compressor in working order, it’s imperative that you clean and maintain it on a regular basis. Most repairs can be prevented with quality pre-emptive maintenance, so be sure to inspect your compressor regularly for any signs of wear and tear. Below I’ll outline some of the best Tips & Tricks ways to keep your compressor happy and healthy (figuratively speaking of course).

Read the Manual:

This may seem pretty obvious, but many people, especially those who have experience with compressors, will usually use the device in ways it was not intended to be used. After purchasing your compressor, be sure to go through its manual to make sure what operations it is capable of performing, how long each component is rated to last, and what to do in case something doesn’t work. In many cases, improper usage of your compressor will void any warranty, so make sure you know what the manufacturer has listed as “acceptable uses” before turning on the device.

Use Proper Coolant:

As with most machines, air compressors can get hot. Your compressor should come with coolant of its own, but that will run out or need to be changed eventually. Make sure that any replacement coolant you put into the compressor meets or exceeds the manufacturer’s recommendations. However, if you’re not sure about a particular type of coolant, refer to the manual to find out what brand or type you will need specifically.

In addition to providing the proper type of coolant, be sure to fill it correctly as well. If your coolant levels are too low, it can burn out the motor much quicker. If the levels are too high, it could cause other problems as the coolant leaks into the system. Do not overfill!

Keep it Dry:

As most of us know, the air we breathe is not just oxygen and nitrogen. Water molecules are just as prevalent in the air as anything else, which means that your compressor is sucking in liquid as well as gas. To keep everything running smoothly, make sure to clean out your tank and wipe down the components to make everything as dry as possible. Water can have a significant negative effect on your compressor, by clogging up valves and rusting out internal parts. Keeping everything as dry as possible will help ensure that your compressor lasts for years to come.

Maintain the Filters:

Much like your car, an air compressor has a filter to keep out unwanted dirt and debris from clogging the system. Also like your car, this filter needs to be changed regularly to keep everything running smoothly. Check your compressor’s air filter on a regular basis and change it when necessary to ensure that everything works correctly. A dirty air filter can clog the intake, reducing the compressor’s output as well as the amount of pressure generated. A dirty filter can also cause unnecessary stress to the machine, which can cause it to break down sooner than it would otherwise.

Tighten It Up:

When the air compressor is in use, it vibrates. Over time, these vibrations can cause the nuts and bolts of the machine to loosen. When this happens, it can cause ruptures and breakages which can severely damage the internal components of the compressor. To avoid this, periodically check all of the connections inside and outside of the device and tighten anything that is starting to become loose. Also, check any seals and gaskets for breakage and other signs of wear. It is far cheaper and easier to replace a gasket before it breaks, rather than after.

Change the Oil:

As I mentioned above, most air compressors must be lubricated. Whether it is a piston-driven or a rotary screw compressor, oil is necessary to keep all of the parts running smoothly. As the oil is used, however, it runs out. Just like when your car’s oil needs to be changed, you must check and replace the oil for your compressor. When replacing the oil, you should clean everything out first to ensure that any residue or buildup is removed before new oil is put into the machine. While this step is not absolutely necessary, it will help extend the life of your compressor. Also, when changing the oil, make sure to use the proper type as listed in your compressor’s manual. Using the wrong oil can have disastrous consequences.

Gauges:

As with all complex devices, even the most robust component will wear down over time. On your air compressor are gauges which tell you the amount of pressure, amount of oil left, among other things. Every so often check the gauges to make sure that they are working correctly. You can simply check to make sure that the connections are still intact and that there are no signs of wear and tear on the gauge or the connector. If there is damage, you may need to replace the gauge. Accurately measuring the output of air pressure is crucial to the overall health of your compressor, as well as providing the necessary amount of air to your tools, so a gauge working improperly can have serious consequences.

Change the Heat Exchangers:

When your air compressor is running, it generates heats. To keep it from overheating, the machine will utilize heat exchangers to help lower the temperature by dissipating the excess warmth. Over time, these exchangers will break down and stop working correctly, so make sure to check them periodically for signs of damage. Check your compressors manual to find out where they are and what type of exchanger you will need should you have to replace them. If necessary, you may need to get it serviced by a licensed professional to ensure that the job is done correctly.

Clean the Fuel Tank:

Just like with the oil, your compressor’s fuel tank needs to be cleaned on a regular basis. If you have an electric compressor, then you don’t have to worry about this, but if your unit runs on a gasoline or diesel motor, then you will need to clean out the tank to remove any excess debris and residue. Each motor is different, so refer to the user’s manual to find out how to remove the tank for cleaning. If you cannot remove the tank, then you can usually run a specialized cleaning liquid through it to get rid of any unwanted grit and grime. Depending on the motor, you may be able to pick this cleaning solution up at any auto parts store, as it should work similar to your car’s engine.

Test the Air Hose:

As one of the more important components to your air compressor, the hose will need to be check for signs of wear and tear. Cracks and rips in the hose will reduce the amount of air pressure and could lead to significant issues down the line. Check the connection between the hose and the compressor, as well as the hose itself. Finally, check the head to see if the connection between it and the hose is damaged. You should be able to replace the hose and the head relatively easily, but if the connection to the compressor is damaged, you may have to replace the gasket, which can be a little more complicated, depending on where the damage is located.

Rotary Screw Maintenance Tips and Tricks

If you have a rotary screw air compressor, here are a couple of best Tips & Tricks especially for you to help keep everything running in tip-top shape.

Check the Airends:

The Airends are the screws themselves. Over time, these pieces can get damaged or get out of alignment. This happens due to excess heat, improper lubrication, or damage to the machine on the job. If your compressor is starting to make extra noise, it could be that the Airends are not aligned properly.

Check these components and make sure they are perfectly in sync. If not, adjust the alignment as needed to fix the issue. If one or both of the screws are damaged, you may have to replace them to keep everything running smoothly. Typically, an air end should be replaced after 50,000 or 60,000 hours, but check your manual for the manufacturer’s suggested replacement schedule.

Check the Drive Train:

Make sure that all the components of the drive train are properly installed and lubricated. This includes belts and screws. Belts should be replaced every 500 hours or so. If you notice fraying or cracking, replace the belt immediately.

Basic Air Compressor Maintenance

  • Turn off the compressor when it is not in use.

  • Reduce the amount of air pressure to meet the needs of the job at hand. Don’t use full power if it’s not necessary.

  • Look for waste and leaks. If necessary, test the hose for air leaking out.

  • Check all fittings, hoses, pipes, and valves for leaks on a regular basis.

  • Service your compressor as needed by the manufacturer.

  • If possible, reduce the air temperature of the air going in, as this can extend the life of your compressor.

  • Shorten the amount of distance between the compressor and the tip of the hose by moving the unit closer to where you need it.

  • Keep a detailed log of all maintenance you perform on the compressor, as well as dates so you know when the last time you check on something. If you get your compressor serviced, a maintenance log can help ensure that you are not being charged for unnecessary work.

Final Thoughts

Ensuring that you get the best out of you air compressor can be an easy task. The main thing to remember is regular checks and maintenance, setting up a regular maintenance routine is the best way you can prevent problems from occurring when you least expect it.

Hopefully by using these simple Air Compressor Tips and Tricks you will be able to extend the working life of your air compressor so that you can enjoy many years for hassle free service.

More Resources

We hope you found our article helpful, if you would like to read some more of our articles then we think these below may be interesting for you.