Summary
You have just bought an air compressor and are gradually discovering its use. If you’re not sure which compressor model you want, find out about our opinion on silent compressors to learn more about these multitasking devices and help you make your choice. Regardless of the compressor model you use, it is necessary to perform a minimum of maintenance. This helps prevent malfunction and breakdown, and ensures your safety and that of the unit during use.
Note that if you use a portable compressor, it will not need regular maintenance.
To begin with, it is important to know that compressors are made up of 3 parts: the motor, the pump and the receiver.
In this article, we will look at how to maintain the various components for optimal operation
Before cleaning your air compressor, make sure the unit is turned off and not under pressure. If you have just used it, wait for it to cool down to avoid injury.
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Draining
Depending on your compressor model, you may or may not need to drain the crankcase at least once a year. This is particularly the case if you have a lubricated compressor. The oil ensures proper operation and avoids too rapid wear and tear. Large compressor models and those with sealed motors do not require draining. The oil is needed to relieve the piston cylinder during engine operation.
Before starting to change your compressor, read the instruction manual carefully to find out how often you need to change the oil, and especially which oil to use! Bad oil can be harmful to your compressor, be careful! In addition to the oil change, remember to check the oil level after 20 hours of use.
How do you do it?
Draining is done quickly and easily in a few steps:
- Unscrew the plug on the housing
- Tilt this one to drain the oil inside
- When the tank is completely empty, fill the oil sump with the new oil up to the level indicator
And that’s it!
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Tank maintenance
When you use an air compressor, it sends water under high pressure, which produces condensation, stored in the tank. Therefore, remember to drain the bottom of the tank after each use to prevent the tank from rusting or freezing during the winter. The tank must be emptied regardless of your compressor model! Handling is very simple thanks to a drain cock :
- Open the valve/drain cock under the tank
- Tilt to facilitate drainage if necessary
- Close when all the water has run out.
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Cleaning the air filter
Air compressors have an air filter in the pump to filter out particles from the air. An excess of small dust can quickly clog the filter and thus reduce the efficiency of your unit and cause the motor to overheat, especially if you use it in a dusty or particle-rich area.
To clean the air filter, simply spray compressed air on both sides of the filter to remove all dirt quickly and efficiently. You can then put the filter back in its place for peak performance!
You now have all the main steps for a good maintenance and cleaning of your compressor. Don’t forget to refer to the instruction manual before you start! Each model can present singularities and require special care!
