Inspect Compressor For Air Leaks; Change Pump Oil; Check Drive Belt For Tension And Alignment; Keep Compressor Clean - NorthStar M4592900A.4 Owner's Manual

Inspect Compressor for Air Leaks

Inspect system for air leaks on a monthly basis. To test:
Squirt soapy water around joints during

compressor operation and watch for bubbles.
Developing bubbles indicate a leak is present.
Tighten fittings, if necessary.


Change Pump Oil

WARNING: Burn hazard
Never open oil fill port while compressor is running. Hot
oil can spray over face and body.
Every 3 months or 500 hours, change pump oil while
crankcase is still warm. (See "Appendix A: Lubricants"
for suitable alternatives.)
1. Remove the oil fill and drain plugs. Collect the oil
in a suitable container.
2. Replace the oil drain plug and refill compressor
pump crankcase with clean oil.
3. Replace the oil fill plug.
4. Start the unit and run for several minutes. Shut
down the air compressor and recheck the oil
level. If necessary, add more oil. (Figure 12)

Check Drive Belt for Tension and Alignment

CAUTION: Pulley/sheave hazard
Improper pulley/sheave alignment and belt tension can
result in motor overload, excessive vibration and
premature belt and/or bearing failure. To prevent this
from happening, check the pulley/sheave alignment and
belt tension on a regular basis.
Belts will stretch from normal use. When properly
adjusted, a 5 lb. force applied to the belt between the
motor pulley and the pump will deflect the belt about ½".
To align and adjust drive belt tension:
1. Remove the belt guard cover.
2. Loosen the four fasteners securing the motor to
the compressor unit.
3. Slide the motor to achieve proper belt tension.
(Usually 1/8" to 1/4" is sufficient.) The belt must
be properly aligned before refastening the motor.
Full
Add
Figure 12
4. To align belt, lay a straight edge against the face
of the compressor sheave (flywheel) touching the
rim at two places. (Figure 13)
5. Adjust the motor pulley by shifting the motor so
that the belt runs parallel to the straight edge.
6. If necessary, use a gear puller to move the motor
pulley. Tighten set screw after motor pulley is
positioned.
7. Check for proper belt tension. (Figure 14)
8. Tighten the four fasteners holding the motor to
the top plate while tension and alignment is
maintained.
9. Attach the belt guard cover.

Keep Compressor Clean

Do not allow air intakes to become blocked. If dust or
debris accumulates in the compressor, clean the
compressor with a damp cloth or soft bristle brush.
Note: Do not spray compressor with a garden hose or
pressure washer. Water may enter the compressor
and cause damage to the engine and pump.
IMPORTANT
If a part needs replacement, only use parts that meet
the manufacturer's part number specifications.
Replacement parts that do not meet specifications may
result in a safety hazard or poor operation of the
compressor. Major service, including installation or
replacement of parts, should be made by a qualified
electrical service technician.
14
Figure 13
Figure 14