Troubleshooting - North Star M459211B Installation, Operation And Maintenance Manual

This section provides a list of the more frequently encountered compressor malfunctions, their causes and
corrective actions. Some corrective actions can be performed by the operator or maintenance personnel, and
others may require assistance of a qualified electrician or Service Center.
PROBLEM
Engine does not start.
Air delivery drops off.
Compressor does not come up to speed.
Compressor is slow to come up to speed.
Compressor will not unload cycle.
Compressor will not unload when stopped.
Excessive starting or stopping.
Moisture in crankcase, "milky" substance in oil.
Oil in discharge air.
Safety/relief valve "pops".
Low interstage pressure.
High interstage pressure.
POSSIBLE CAUSE
A.) Low Oil Shutdown
B.) Cold Engine
C.) No Fuel
D.) Engine not turned ON
E.) Spark plug wire not attached
F.) Compressor viscosity too high for ambient temperature.
G.) Belt tension too tight or sheaves not aligned.
H.) Air leaks in discharge piping.
I.) Compressor components leaky, broken, loose.
J.) Loose flywheel or motor pulley, excessive end play in motor shaft
or loose drive belts.
K.) Leaking check valve or check valve seat blown out.
L.) Clogged or dirty inlet and/or discharge line.
M.) Defective safety/relief valve.
N.) Pressure switch unloader leaks or does not work.
O.) Inadequate ventilation around flywheel.
P.) Leaking, broken or worn inlet unloader parts at check valve.
Q.) Excessive condensation in receiver tank.
R.) Detergent lubricant in crankcase.
S.) Light duty cycle.
T.) Lubricant level too high.
U.) Worn cylinder finish.
V.) Low pressure inlet valve leaking.
W.) High pressure inlet valve leaking.

Troubleshooting

POSSIBLE SOLUTION
Fill engine with the adequate amount of oil.
Choke engine to start.
Add gas to engine. Make sure fuel shutoff valve is open
Place ON/OFF switch in the ON position.
Attach spark plug wire to spark plug.
Drain existing lubricant and refill with proper lubricant.
Check tension/ alignment.
Check tubing connections, Tighten joints or replace as required.
Inspect components. Clean or replace as required.
Check flywheel, motor pulley, crankshaft drive belt tension/alignment. Replace
or repair as required.
Replace check valve.
Clean or replace.
Replace.
Realign stem or replace.
Relocate compressor for better air flow.
Inspect parts and replace as required.
Drain receiver tank.
Replace with proper lubricant.
Increase duty cycle.
Drain excess lubricant.
Deglaze cylinder with 180 grit flex-hone.
Inspect, clean or repair as required.
Inspect, clean or repair as required.
11
POSSIBLE CAUSE
A,B,C,D,E
H, I, J, L, M, N, P
F, G, J, K
F, G, J, K, L
H, L, N, P
H, L, N, P
N, Q, S
R
T
L, M, N
W
V