Operating Guide

Troubleshooting Chart
Symptom Possible Cause(s) Corrective Action
Compressor will
not run
1. Switch in OFF position 1. Make sure compressor is plugged in and switch is ON
2. No electrical power at wall outlet 2. Check circuit breaker or fuse at electrical panel.
3. Compressor has reached automatic
shut-off pressure
3. Release air from tank until compressor restarts
automatically
4. Motor overheated 4. Allow compressor to cool for approximately 30 minutes
so thermal overload switch will reset. Make sure
compressor is run in a clean, well-ventilated area where
temperature will not exceed 100° F.
5. Pressure switch bad 5. Replace pressure switch
Thermal overload
protector cuts out
repeatedly
1. Lack of proper ventilation / room
temperature too high
1. Move compressor to a clean,well ventilated area where
temperature will not exceed 100° F.
2. Compressor valves failed 2. Replace pump assembly
Knocks, rattles,
excessive vibration
1. Tank not level 1. Shim tank to level position
2. Defective bearing on eccentric or
motor shaft
2. Replace pump assembly
3. Cylinder or piston ring is worn or
scored
3. Replace pump assembly
Tank pressure
drops when
compressor shuts
off
1. Loose drain valve 1. Tighten drain valve
2. Check valve leaking 2. Replace check valve
3. Loose connections (fittings, tubing,
etc.)
3. Check all connections with soap and water solution. If
a leak is detected, tighten. Or remove fitting and apply
pipe tape to threads and reassemble.
Do not disassemble check valve.
With air in tank, bleed tank first.
Compressor runs
continuously and
air output is lower
than normal / low
discharge pressure
1. Excessive air usage, compressor too
small
1. Decrease usage or purchase unit with higher air delivery
(SCFM)
2. Loose connections (fittings, tubing,
etc.)
2. Check all connections with soap and water solution. If
a leak is detected, tighten. Or remove fitting and apply
pipe tape to threads and reassemble.
3. Broken inlet valves 3. Replace pump assembly
4. Piston ring worn 4. Replace piston assembly
Excessive moisture
in discharge air
1. Excessive water in tank 1. Drain tank, tilt tank to remove moisture
2. High humidity 2. Move to area of less humidity; use air line filter
NOTE: Water condensation is not caused by compressor
malfunction
Compressor runs
continuously and
safety valve opens
as pressure rises
1. Defective pressure switch 1. Replace pressure switch
2. Defective safety valve 2. Replace safety valve with genuine replacement part
Excessive starting
and stopping
1. Excessive condensation in tank 1. Drain more often
2. Loose connections (fittings, tubing,
etc.)
2. Check all connections with soap and water solution. If
a leak is detected, tighten. Or remove fitting and apply
pipe tape to threads and reassemble.
6
Oilless Compressors
www.chpower.com