Compressed Air Troubleshooting Guide

Compressor problems can quickly result in hours (if not days) of production downtime and a loss of thousands of dollars per hour.

Unfortunately, not everyone has access to reliable, quick, professional support from a compressor company.

You've found the right website! :)

Together we'll have your compressor back up and running in no time.

Find Your Problem by Compressor Type

Choose your type of compressor and let's get fixing:

Rotary Screw Air Compressor Troubleshooting

Complete Rotary Screw Troubleshooting FAQ - Solutions to the most common problems with rotary screw compressors

Specific Problems (Detailed Step-by-Step Guides):

Rotary Screw Compressor Won't Load - Complete diagnostic tree for loading problems. Start here if your screw compressor runs but won't build air pressure. This guide walks you through the systematic troubleshooting process:

• Control air supply chain problems (solenoid, electrical, lines) - 70% of cases
• Inlet valve problems (actuator, seals, linkage) - 20% of cases
• No control air supply (MPV, bypass hole) - 10% of cases

Who uses rotary screw compressors?

• General manufacturing plants - Most common setup for continuous production
• Food/beverage/pharma facilities - Often oil-free screw compressors
• Energy & large industrial - Large oil-free screw or centrifugal units

Reciprocating (Piston) Compressor Troubleshooting

Complete Reciprocating Troubleshooting FAQ - Solutions to the most common problems with piston compressors

Specific Problems (Detailed Step-by-Step Guides):

Reciprocating Compressor Won't Start - Complete guide for startup problems. If your piston compressor won't start or trips immediately, this guide covers:

• Pressure-related problems (unloader valve stuck, check valve leaking)
• Electrical issues (capacitor failed, thermal overload, pressure switch)
• Mechanical problems (seized pump, low oil)

Who uses reciprocating compressors?

• Workshops & small operations - Perfect for intermittent use (auto shops, home garages, small fab shops)
• General manufacturing - Smaller facilities or as backup compressors

Portable Diesel Compressor Troubleshooting

Complete Portable Diesel Troubleshooting FAQ - Diesel-driven screw compressors have their own specific common issues

Specific Problems (Detailed Step-by-Step Guides):

Portable Diesel Engine Won't Start - Field troubleshooting guide for diesel compressors. When you're remote and the compressor won't start, this guide helps you diagnose:

• Nothing happens (electrical, safety shutdowns, emergency stop)
• Click but won't crank (starter motor, battery, connections)
• Cranks but won't fire (fuel delivery, air in lines, glow plugs)
• Starts then dies (low oil shutdown, fuel issues)
• Cold weather starting problems

Who uses portable diesel compressors?

• Mining & heavy mobile operations - The workhorse for drilling, blasting, remote operations in harsh conditions

Quick Links by Industry

Not sure what type of compressor you have? Find your industry:

General Manufacturing & Factories - Typically rotary screw compressors (oil-injected, 20-300 HP, stationary systems)

Food, Beverage & Pharmaceutical - Often oil-free rotary screw or scroll compressors for air quality

Mining & Heavy Mobile - Portable diesel compressors (high-pressure XRVS/XRHS for drilling, XAS for construction)

Energy & Large Industrial - Large oil-free centrifugal or rotary screw compressors (500-3,000+ HP)

Workshops & Small-Scale Operations - Reciprocating (piston) compressors for intermittent use

Can't Find Your Problem?

Ask Your Own Question

You can ask your own troubleshooting question in the Q&A section of this website. It's by far the largest (if not the only) online Q&A forum for industrial compressed air systems.

I personally answer questions based on 20+ years of field experience. Whether you're dealing with a compressor that won't start, pressure problems, contamination issues, or anything else—post your question and I'll help you diagnose and fix it.

Browse Existing Questions

You can also browse the hundreds and hundreds of questions that I've already answered. There's a good chance someone else has had the exact same problem you're facing right now.

Want Complete Troubleshooting Coverage?

Air Compressor Troubleshooting Guide - Complete field guide with troubleshooting flowcharts, wiring diagrams, and real-world solutions for all compressor types. Everything I've learned in 20+ years fixing compressors in the field—organized so you can diagnose and fix problems fast.

Bottom Line

Compressed air problems are frustrating, expensive, and often urgent. But most problems follow predictable patterns, and most can be fixed with systematic troubleshooting.

Start with your compressor type above, find your specific problem, and let's get you back up and running.

And if you can't find your exact problem listed, ask in the Q&A forum—I'm here to help.