A compressor cannot protect its running gear without adequate lubrication. When there is not enough oil in the crankcase, damage can show up as a seized crankshaft, scored bearings, broken rods or simply a low oil level.
Signs of Lack of Lubrication
- Seized crankshaft
- Scored bearings
- Broken rods
- Low oil in the crankcase
The condition is often the result of not having enough oil in the crankcase to properly lubricate the running gear.
Five Checks to Make
- Check the oil failure switch
- Check pipe sizing and look for oil traps
- Ensure adequate defrost
- Verify proper load
- Eliminate short cycling
Before startup, also check oil levels, verify the oil type and inspect for restrictions.
Lubrication problems rarely improve on their own. Confirming the oil supply and correcting system conditions before startup can help prevent the same damage from happening again.
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