Rotary Screw Air Compressor Troubleshooting Guide | by Wemano

First, let's use a small case to explain it most intuitively.

When a workshop manager in Malaysia noticed his screw air compressor stopped building pressure, production froze for hours. The cause? A simple oil separator clog that nobody checked for months.
This guide is built for real users like him — not textbook theory, but practical rotary screw air compressor troubleshooting you can apply today.

1.Understanding the Basics: How Rotary Screw Compressors Fail:

Before troubleshooting, know the system. A rotary screw air compressor relies on oil, airflow, and temperature balance.
Failures usually start with one of these areas:

• Oil system (lubrication or separator)

• Air system (intake, filter, or valves)

• Electrical controls (motor, contactor, controller board)

2.Common Problems and Quick Fixes:

(1)Compressor not building pressure

• Possible causes: Air leaks, intake valve stuck, or separator clog.

• Fix: Perform a leak test, clean/replace intake filter, inspect pressure relief valve.

• Maintenance tip: Link to Maintenance Guide on main site

(2)Compressor overheating

• Possible causes: Oil cooler blocked or fan motor failure.

• Fix: Clean the cooler fins; check fan motor wiring.

• Pro Tip: Keep ambient temperature below 40°C.

(3)Oil carryover (oil in air lines)

• Possible causes: Oil separator saturated or poor-quality oil.

• Fix: Replace separator and drain condensate regularly.

• Try Wemano genuine parts: Link to Wemano Product Page

(4)High amp draw or tripping breaker

• Possible causes: Motor bearing wear or wrong voltage phase.

• Fix: Measure current imbalance and inspect bearings.

3.Preventive Actions: Keep Problems Away:

• Schedule oil and filter replacement every 2000–4000 hours

• Drain condensate daily

• Calibrate the pressure switch monthly

• Use original Wemano consumables to ensure stability

For more details, visit Wemano Maintence Blog.

4.FAQ Section

Q1: What is the first thing to check when a rotary screw air compressor won’t start?
A: Check for blown fuses, emergency stop, and low oil pressure alarm.

Q2: Why does my compressor stop after running a few minutes?
A: Usually overheating — inspect oil level and cooler fans.

Q3: Can I use regular motor oil in a rotary screw compressor?
A: No, use only compressor-grade synthetic oil. See Oil Change Guide.

Q4: How can I tell if my separator needs replacing?
A: Pressure drop >10 psi between separator and aftercooler indicates clogging.

Q5: How do I reduce oil carryover?
A: Replace separator and ensure proper shutdown procedure.

5.Step-by-Step Troubleshooting Flow (PDF Guide Download):

To simplify, we’ve created a visual flowchart showing diagnostic paths.
Download Wemano Rotary Screw Compressor Troubleshooting PDF.
(Click below to download the printable version with step-by-step visuals)
Download PDF – Wemano Troubleshooting Guide.

6.Conclusion: Stay ahead of downtime

Every hour of compressor downtime costs productivity. By following this rotary screw air compressor troubleshooting guide, you can prevent 80% of issues before they shut you down.

Wemano engineers have compiled this guide based on years of OEM-level service data — download the PDF and keep it next to your compressor for quick access.