30 gallon compressor laid on it's back

11 years 5 months ago #6 by Ken
We had some friends help us move. Even though we told them not to, they laid the compressor on it's back in the truck. We drove about 5 miles like that without realizing it. Now there is no oil showing in the sight glass on the motor.

Where did the oil go? Do I need to be concerned about removing the oil and, if so, how do I go about doing that?

We have not run the compressor since it was moved.

Thank you!

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11 years 5 months ago #8 by MTR-Admin
Replied by MTR-Admin on topic 30 gallon compressor laid on it's back
Thank you for the inquiry!

Most likely the oil leaked out of the oil breather in the crankcase. First, I'd clean out the oil breather/dipstick and confirm it does "breathe" or vent so air can vent while it's running.

There's a chance the oil leaked through the cylinders into the pump head, but the oil rings should have kept the oil inside the crankcase. When all is said and done, make sure you have no oil getting into your tank or your air lines. You can remove the main discharge tube from the head when you start the unit and will be able to tell if any oil is discharging from the pump head.

Within just a few minutes of setting the unit upright you should be able to tell if there is any oil in the crankcase as it will register on the sight glass.

Fill the crankcase with good 30 Weight NON-detergent compressor oil until it reaches halfway (not below this point) up the sight glass.

Hope this helps!

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