Rotary Screw Compressor Troubleshooting

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Problem Possible Causes Solutions
Compressor Will Not Start
  1. No power
  2. Fuse blown in control circuit
  3. Motor overloads not tripped or nor reset
  4. Loose incoming or power connection wires
  5. Low voltage to unit
  6. Faulty temperature switch
  7. Temperature switch tripped
  8. High pressure switch tripped
  1. Check power supply for adequate voltage
  2. Check fuses
  3. Make sure all power wires are tight at connections
  4. Check voltage supply to make sure it is high enough to run the electric system
  5. Check temperature switch for proper operation
  6. Check system pressure
Unit starts-them immediately stalls
  1. Pressure switch out of adjustment
  2. Temperature switch activated
  3. Loose electrical supply wires
  4. Motor overloads tripped
  5. Low voltage
  6. Incorrect compressor rotation
  1. Check compressor power supply for adequate breaker and wire size
  2. Inspect check valve for proper operation
  3. Tighten belts
  4. Check compressor for proper oil level
Low Discharge Pressure
  1. Plugged separator
  2. Plugged oil cooler
  3. Improper pressure switch setting
  4. Low incoming power voltage
  5. Electrical phase imbalance
  6. Possible airend or motor failure
  1. Tighten compressor belts to recommended specifications
  2. Check compressor voltage supply
Compressor does not build up to pressure
  1. Air leaks in shop
  2. Inlet valve malfunction
  3. Compressor belts slipping
  4. Air demand exceeds compressor output
  5. Pressure switch set to low
  6. Solenoid valve malfunction
  7. Compressor rotors damaged
  1. Find and fix shop air leaks
  2. Check inlet valve for proper function
  3. Check air usage requirements on machinery and check for shop air leaks
  4. Check pressure switch for proper setting
  5. Check solenoid for proper function
Compressor will not load to compress air
  1. Pressure switch set to high
  2. Inlet valve malfunction
  3. Faulty solenoid
  1. Check pressure switch for proper setting
  2. Check inlet valve for proper function
  3. Check solenoid for proper function
cfm Flow (air flow) seems low
  1. Restricted air intake filter
  2. Inlet valve partially closed
  3. Air pressure set to high
  4. Insufficient oil flow
  5. Solenoid valve malfunction
Excessive oil consumption
  1. Over filled sump
  2. Broken oil line
  3. Plugged oil return line
  4. Damaged or dirty separator
  5. Excessive unloaded compressor run time
  1. Check sump for proper oil level
  2. Check all lines for cracks
  3. Replace separator
  4. Add a timer to the system
High temperature shutdown
  1. High ambient air temperature around compressor
  2. Low oil level in compressor
  3. Plugged oil filter
  4. Restricted air flow over cooler
  5. Thermal by pass leaking
  6. Faulty temperature switch
  1. Lower ambient temperature around compressor
  2. Check unit for proper oil level
  3. Replace oil filter
  4. Clean oil cooler
  5. Check thermal bypass for proper operation
  6. Check temperature switch for proper operation.
High amperage draw
  1. Restricted air intake filter
  2. Inlet valve partially closed
  3. Air pressure set to high
  4. Insufficient oil flow
  5. Solenoid valve malfunction
  1. Change separator
  2. Clean oil cooler
  3. Check pressure switch
  4. Check incoming voltage
  5. Check air end and motor for proper function
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