Oil Armageddon: Uncover the Mysterious Source of Your Air Compressor’s Black Tears

If your air compressor is shooting out oil, it’s a sign that something is wrong. This can be a frustrating and potentially dangerous problem, but it’s one that can be fixed with the right troubleshooting steps.

In this blog post, we’ll cover the most common reasons why air compressors shoot out oil and provide step-by-step instructions on how to fix the problem.

Causes of Oil Leakage in Air Compressors

There are a number of reasons why an air compressor might start shooting out oil. Some of the most common causes include:

• Worn or damaged seals: The seals in an air compressor are responsible for preventing oil from leaking out. Over time, these seals can wear out or become damaged, allowing oil to escape.
• Overfilled oil reservoir: If the oil reservoir is overfilled, the excess oil can be forced out through the seals.
• Clogged oil filter: A clogged oil filter can restrict the flow of oil, causing it to build up and eventually leak out.
• Damaged oil pump: The oil pump is responsible for circulating oil throughout the air compressor. If the oil pump is damaged, it may not be able to circulate oil properly, causing it to leak out.
• Faulty pressure relief valve: The pressure relief valve is responsible for releasing excess pressure from the air compressor. If the pressure relief valve is faulty, it may not be able to release pressure properly, causing the air compressor to overheat and shoot out oil.

How to Fix an Air Compressor That’s Shooting Out Oil

If your air compressor is shooting out oil, the first step is to identify the cause of the leak. Once you’ve identified the cause, you can take steps to fix the problem.

Here are the steps on how to fix an air compressor that’s shooting out oil:

1. Check the oil level: The first step is to check the oil level. If the oil level is low, add more oil until it reaches the full mark. If the oil level is high, drain some oil until it reaches the correct level.
2. Replace worn or damaged seals: If the seals are worn or damaged, they will need to be replaced. To replace the seals, you will need to disassemble the air compressor and remove the old seals. Once the old seals have been removed, you can install the new seals and reassemble the air compressor.
3. Clean the oil filter: If the oil filter is clogged, it will need to be cleaned. To clean the oil filter, you will need to remove it from the air compressor and rinse it with clean oil. Once the oil filter has been cleaned, you can reinstall it in the air compressor.
4. Replace the oil pump: If the oil pump is damaged, it will need to be replaced. To replace the oil pump, you will need to disassemble the air compressor and remove the old oil pump. Once the old oil pump has been removed, you can install the new oil pump and reassemble the air compressor.
5. Replace the pressure relief valve: If the pressure relief valve is faulty, it will need to be replaced. To replace the pressure relief valve, you will need to disassemble the air compressor and remove the old pressure relief valve. Once the old pressure relief valve has been removed, you can install the new pressure relief valve and reassemble the air compressor.

How to Prevent Oil Leaks in Air Compressors

Once you’ve fixed the oil leak, you’ll want to take steps to prevent it from happening again. Here are a few tips on how to prevent oil leaks in air compressors:

• Use the correct type of oil: The type of oil you use in your air compressor is important. Be sure to use the type of oil that is recommended by the manufacturer.
• Check the oil level regularly: The oil level should be checked regularly and topped off as needed.
• Change the oil filter regularly: The oil filter should be changed regularly according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
• Inspect the air compressor regularly: The air compressor should be inspected regularly for any signs of damage or wear.

The Bottom Line: Troubleshooting Air Compressor Oil Leaks

If your air compressor is shooting out oil, it’s important to identify the cause of the leak and fix it as soon as possible. By following the steps outlined in this blog post, you can troubleshoot the problem and get your air compressor back up and running in no time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why is my air compressor shooting out oil from the breather?
A: The most common reason for oil shooting out of the breather is a worn or damaged piston ring. The piston ring seals the gap between the piston and the cylinder wall, preventing oil from leaking into the combustion chamber. When the piston ring is worn or damaged, oil can leak past it and into the combustion chamber, where it is burned and expelled through the breather.

Q: Why is my air compressor shooting out oil from the pressure relief valve?
A: The pressure relief valve is designed to release excess pressure from the air compressor. If the pressure relief valve is faulty, it may not be able to release pressure properly, causing the air compressor to overheat and shoot out oil.

Q: Why is my air compressor shooting out oil from the oil drain plug?
A: The oil drain plug is designed to allow oil to be drained from the air compressor. If the oil drain plug is loose or damaged, oil can leak out.