5 Top Tips for Piston Compressor Maintenance

Regular and routine maintenance procedures are important for every kind of air compressor, but especially piston compressors.

They have a number of moving parts which leaves them more susceptible to damage, so here are some top tips to ensure you look after your piston compressor properly.

Piston Compressor Maintenance

Filter Changes

One of the simplest procedures you should always remember is to change your filters regularly; this includes oil filters, air inlet and discharge filters, and an air/oil separator. If you check and replace them every 2000 hours of use, you will prevent the oil from becoming contaminated and damaging the mechanisms. For dirtier environments, they will need to be changed more regularly.

Lubricant Checks

With so many moving parts in a piston compressor, you need to remember to check your lubricant level and how clean it is. Lubrication always needs to be at the optimum level and quality because it protects the moving parts from excess wear, keeps the compressor cool and removes contaminants. You should check it by regularly sampling and always follow your manufacturer’s guidelines when it comes to replacing it.

Motor Bearings

With the crankshaft being driven by a motor inside a piston compressor, you need to check and lubricate the bearings inside the motor on a regular basis. By lubricating it with motor grease, you will increase its lifespan by keeping the bearings cool and preventing them from breaking down. Always remember to use the correct type of motor grease, avoid mixing grease types, and do not over grease as this can cause further problems. When you check your motor bearings, make sure you replace them before they’re worn out as this can hinder performance.

Drive Belt Inspections

Piston compressors are belt-driven models so it is important to check that all belts are properly adjusted and haven’t slipped, and that there isn’t any signs of excessive wear. By using a belt tension gauge, you can compare the reading to the one in the manual; if it is low, you should tighten the bolts and if it is high, you should loosen the bolts. You should stay on top of this because not only can it reduce the performance speed, but it can damage the belt in the long run.

Temperature Control

The number of moving parts within a piston compressor means that you need to take into consideration the space that is around it to avoid overheating. They can reach up to 200°C when operating, so always make sure that you have enough clearance in order to allow the air to flow and cool it down. Overheating can severely damage the mechanisms within the compressed air system, so remember that they should only be used intermittently and they should be stored with lots of space around them.

Air Compressor Maintenance from Air Power East

If you require any help with your maintenance needs, or would like to ask any questions, contact us today to get expert advice regarding your piston compressor.