OIL LEAKING THRU AIR INTAKE FILTER

by ART
(NEW YORK)

FOUND OIL LEAKING FROM COMPRESSOR FOUND SOURCE OF OIL LEAKING FROM AIR FILTER. ASSUME LEAK IS CAUSED BY WORN PISTON RINGS ????

_________________________
Bill says...

Art, the nature of an internal piston lubricated by an oil sump is that wicking of oil past the piston seal is inevitable, and in some cases, desirable, within limits.

Lubrication on the cylinder walls is good for the wear parts.

As the seals wear though, more and more oil will bypass them, leading to oil making it's way into the tank, into the air stream, and into your applications. This is not good. Read the oil pages for reasons why.

You don't indicate how much oil, so you be the judge of whether or not your seals (piston rings) need replacing.

The oil is getting into your intake filter via another problem. And that is, you have a failing intake valve. Air is (check it while the motor is running) chuffing out the intake port, and the oil is migrating out with it.

Your compressor efficiency is compromised, and eventually, if this is the case, your compressor will not be able to build sufficient pressure for you.

Cheers,

Bill