This article will answer the commonly asked question of what happens when an air compressor runs out of oil and provide related FAQs.
Table of Contents
What Happens if an Air Compressor Runs Out of Oil?
An air compressor requires oil lubrication, like 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!
