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This article will answer the question commonly asked question on what happens when an air compressor runs out of oil, along with related FAQs.
Table of Contents
What Happens if an Air Compressor Runs Out of Oil?
Oil lubrication is required by an air compressor the same as a car engine, to minimize the friction of moving parts. If an air compressor runs out of oil, it will produce significant heat due to friction and parts will start to expand, before finally seizing the compressor. In compressors, there is a crankcase that is always filled with lubricant.
Of course, not all air compressors use oil, some are oilless. For more information visit our Oilless Air Compressors vs. Oil Compressors guide!
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
If there is no lubricant oil in the oil sump of an air compressor then the internal parts that require lubrication will begin to rub against each other. This will result in friction and premature wear of not only the components but the overall air compressor.
The oil in an air compressor acts as a lubricant, to stop internal parts from rubbing against each other, causing friction and overheating. The oil helps to maintain the internal mechanisms of an air compressor and ensures that the compressor is able to run at its optimum efficiency.
When your air compressor runs without oil, the internal mechanisms that rely on the lubrication will begin to rub against one another, resulting in friction, high temperatures, and the eventual seizure of the compressor.
Additional oil reading:
- Air Compressor Oil Capacity Guide – Air Compressor Oil Levels
- How to Change Air Compressor Oil – Guide to Replacing Compressor Oil
- Air Compressor Oil Types GUIDE – What Oil to Use in Air Compressor
- Air Compressor Oil Sight Glass – Oil Level Sight Glass Guide, Replacing & Reading
- Air Compressor Oil Related Issues – Oil Damage To Compressors
- Air Tool Oil Substitutes And Alternatives
- Air Compressor Oil Substitute – Alternatives Compared
- Oilless Air Compressors vs Oil Compressors – Differences Between Oil and Oil Free Air Compressors
- 10 Best Air Tool Oils
- 10 Best Oil Free Air Compressors
- How to Quiet An Oilless Air Compressor
- Air Over Oil – Air Over Hydraulic Cylinder Benefits & Uses
- Air Compressor Oil Breather / Crankcase Breather Cap Buying Guide
- Air Compressor Oil Separator Guide – Air Oil Separators & Oil Water Separators
- Air Comes Out of the Oil Fill Cap
- Compressor Has an Oil Issue
- Oil in compressor tank drain water
- Why air coming from our compressor has bad smell same as burned oil
- Why does oil come out of the oil fill tube?
If you have any questions regarding an air compressor running out of oil, please leave a comment below, with a photo if applicable, so that someone can help you!
Related Help Articles:
Ingersoll Rand Compressor Oil – Changing It, Which To Use & How Much To Use
Champion Compressor Oil – Choosing Oil, How Much To Use & Changing Oil
DeVilbiss Compressor Oil – Choosing Oil, How Much To Use & Changing It
Speedaire Compressor Oil – Changing It, Which To Use & How Much To Use
Kellogg American Air Compressor Oil – Choosing Oil, How Much To Use & Changing Oil
I have the same issue on my Jun-Air 6-15: how do I access the crank shaft (as above)? So far I have removed the top lid, but without any diagrams, I really don’t know what I’m looking at!
Thank you in advance
Bearings, probably.
Here’s the manual and motor spec sheet.
Not gonna help much I’m afraid. But you can probably figure it out if you stare at it awhile and then go do something else…?
Good luck.
Hi Doug, thank you for the diagram, didn’t see that in my searches: shame it is not a view from the top! Not sure I can, but if I could post a photo of it, would you be able to point me in the right direction?
“would you be able to point me in the right direction”
Most likely. Maybe five – one straight over the top and four more from the different sides – a virtual look at it?