PS Magazine - TB 43-PS-606
PS, The Preventative Maintenance Monthly
ISSUE 606
MAY 2003
PS 606
MAY 03
49
250 CFM Compressor…
Lessons on Air Pressure
Regulator Valve Relief
Some motor pools still have air compressors that don’t have the improved air
silencer, NSN 4330-01-192-8269, in the pressure regulator valve.
These valves clog easily.
When that happens, the
compressor can’t build up
air pressure.
One sure way to tell if the
regulator valve is clogged is
to look at the service air
valve’s push button. A serv-
ice air valve button that
keeps popping out means
the compressor can’t cycle
to build up pressure.
1.
Remove the old silencer with a
5/8-in tube wrench.
2.
Loosen the tube fitting nut on
the moisture filter using an 11/16-
in tube wrench.
3.
Turn the moisture filter by hand
to about the 3 o’clock position.
That gives you enough room to put
in the improved air silencer.
4.
Put two or three wraps of Teflon
tape, NSN 8030-00-889-3534, on
the threaded end of the silencer.
5.
Screw in the silencer. Tighten it
with a 3/4-in open-end wrench.
Don’t over-tighten or you’ll crack
the aluminum valve.
6.
Turn the moisture filter assem-
bly back to the 6 o’clock position.
Retighten the tube fitting.
Air pressure is all
that matters when
you start up your
250 CFM Ingersoll-
Rand air compressor.
Without air pressure
you can’t operate
power tools.
Here are some
pm pointers
that keep the
compressor’s
air pressure
up to snuff.
Bust the Rust
The compressor’s air inlet
unloader valve has a nasty habit of
clogging up with rust. That means
there’s no air pressure build up.
You can bust the rust problem by
doing this once a week:
While the compressor is warm-
ing up (and before you push the
service air button), drain the
unloader valve assembly. This gets
rid of water build-up in the system
and prevents rust.
Rough Start Reminder
Cold weather plays havoc with the com-
pressor, especially when the temperature
drops below freezing.
So easy does it when you press the cold
start button. If the compressor won’t start
after pushing the button a few times at 5-10
seconds each, stop and give the starter a rest.
The cold weather starter system has a
fuel canister that automatically injects ether
into the engine when you push the cold start
button.
Chances are the ether canister is empty.
Have your mechanic replace it.
Let water out by opening
air inlet unloader valve
Hard starts in cold weather?
Replace ether canister
A service air valve button that keeps popping out
means compressor can’t cycle to build up pressure
Remove old
air silencer
Install improved air silencer, NSN 4330-01-192-8269
The valve with
the improved air
silencer does a
better job. But
it’s a little tricky
to install the
silencer.
Here’s
what to
do…
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