5 HP Ingersoll / Rand two stage air compressor - oil is mixed with water as well

by Andy

Oil sump seems pressurized upon removing oil fill plug. also oil is mixed with water as well. i am wondering does this indicate worn piston rings?

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Bill answers...

Hey Andy, thanks for visiting and taking the time to write in.

Hmmmm. The oil sump is vented on most (all?) oil lubricated compressors I've seen, so the fact that your sump is pressurized might suggest that the vent is plugged. Check with I/R or your manual about where the vent is a ensure that it's open.

All piston compressors can have condensation occurring in the sump.

It is possible too that compressed air is bypassing your seals, and since that air is rich in water vapor, that can be a cause of water in the sump as the vapor condenses.

The question is how much water, and is that amount changing? If it's sufficient water to degrade the lubricating ability of the oil, then that is a problem. That would suggest to me, too, that your piston seals are extremely worn.

Cheers,

Bill