TM 5-3805-280-24-1
AIR COMPRESSOR - LUBRICATION
GENERAL INFORMATION
If the unit has been operated for the time/ hours
Lubrication is an essential part of preventive
mentioned above, it should be completely drained of
maintenance, affecting to a great extent the useful life
oil. If the unit has been operated under adverse
of the unit. Different lubricants are needed and some
conditions, or after long periods in storage, an earlier
components in the unit require more frequent
change period may be necessary as oil deteriorates
lubrication than others. Therefore, it is important that
with time as well as by operating conditions.
the instructions regarding types of lubricants and the
frequency of their application be explicitly followed.
Periodic lubrication of the moving parts reduces to a
WARNING
minimum the possibility of mechanical failures.
High pressure air can cause severe injury or death
The Preventive Maintenance Schedule shows those
from hot oil and flying parts. Always relieve
items requiring regular service and the interval in
pressure before removing caps, plugs, covers or
which they should be performed. A regular service
other parts from pressurized air system. Ensure
program should be developed to include all items and
the following conditions are met:
fluids.
These intervals are based on average
operating conditions. In the event of extremely severe
- Discharge air pressure gauge reads zero (0).
(hot, cold, dusty or wet) operating conditions, more
frequent lubrication than specified may be necessary.
blowdown valve.
Details concerning lubrication of the running gear are
in Maintenance Section.
accumulation of dirt, sludge, or oxidized oil products.
All filters and filter elements for air and compressor
Completely drain the receiver- separator, piping, and
lubricant must be obtained through Ingersoll-Rand to
oil cooler. If the oil is drained immediately after the
assure the proper size and filtration for the
unit has been run for some time, most of the sediment
compressor.
will be in suspension and, therefore, will drain more
readily. However, the fluid will be hot and care must be
COMPRESSOR OIL CHANGE
taken to avoid contact with the skin or eyes.
These units are normally furnished with an initial
supply of oil sufficient to allow operation of the unit for
After the unit has been completely drained of all old oil,
approximately 6 months or 1000 hours, whichever
close the drain valve. Add oil in the specified quantity
comes first. If a unit has been completely drained of
at the filler plug. Tighten the filler plug and run the
all oil, it must be refilled with new oil before it is placed
machine to circulate the oil. Check the oil level WHEN
in operation. Refer to specifications in Lubrication
RUNNING AT FULL LOAD. If not near the middle of
Table.
the sight tube, stop the unit and make corrections. DO
NOT OVERFILL.
NOTICE
Some oil types are incompatible when mixed and
NOTICE
Ingersoll-Rand provides compressor oil specifically
result in the formation of varnishes, shellacs, or
lacquers which may be insoluble. Such deposits can
use of these fluids in order to obtain extended limited
cause serious troubles including clogging of the filters.
airend warranty. Refer to Section 2 and 6, Warranty
Where possible, do NOT mix oils of different types and
and Compressor Oil respectively.
avoid mixing different brands. A type or brand change
is best made at the time of a complete oil drain and
refill.
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