Routine maintenance keeps rotary screw air compressors healthy and working. Air compressors that are properly maintained perform better, last longer, and are less likely to break down.
Manufacturers who back their systems with warranties also expect operators to maintain their systems. Failure to follow the maintenance schedule could lead to a rejected warranty claim in the future.
Every air compressor model is unique and will have its own maintenance schedule, which is typically available in the owner’s manual. If your owner’s manual does not have a clear maintenance schedule, check with the rotary screw air compressor’s manufacturer to confirm the schedule for your specific system.
Example Air Compressor Maintenance Checklist
Although maintenance schedules vary between rotary screw air compressors, your maintenance schedule will look something like this*:
Daily Maintenance Tasks
- Check oil level
- Inspect for unusual noises or vibration
- If you have an air receiver tank, drain water from the tank
Weekly Maintenance Tasks
- Clean air filter; replace if necessary
- Wipe down air compressor system exterior
Monthly Maintenance Tasks
- Inspect pressure relief valve
- Inspect for air leaks
- Inspect for oil leaks
- Inspect oil; replace if necessary
- Inspect oil filter; replace if necessary
- Inspect belts for tension, cracks or signs of wear
Annual Maintenance Tasks
*Always confirm the maintenance schedule for your specific air compressor system with your manufacturer. This article is for general reference only and does not replace any manufacturer’s maintenance schedule, including VMAC’s.
VMAC Air Compressor Example Maintenance Schedules
The following maintenance checklist examples are for VMAC air compressors, as of November 2020. For the full maintenance schedules for VMAC systems, including instructions on how to perform critical maintenance tasks, please visit VMAC’s website and download the applicable Manual.
G30 Gas Drive Air Compressor Maintenance Checklist
After first month or 20 hours
- Change engine oil
- Change reduction gear oil
Every 3 months or 50 hours
Every 6 months or 100 hours
- Change engine oil
- Clean sediment cup
- Clean spark plug and spark arrester
Every 6 months or 200 hours
- Change compressor oil
- Change compressor oil filter
- Change compressor air filter
- Inspect pressure relief valve
Every 12 months or 300 hours
- Clean fuel tank and strainer
- Change reduction gear oil
- Check & readjust valve clearance
Every 12 months or 400 hours
- Change compressor oil
- Change compressor oil filter
- Change compressor air filter
- Inspect pressure relief valve
- Change WHASP Tank coalescing filter
- Change blowdown muffler
D60 Diesel Drive Air Compressor Maintenance Checklist
After first 50 hours
- Change engine oil
- Replace engine oil filter
Every 100 hours
- Change engine oil
- Clean fuel filter
Every 200 hours
- Replace engine oil filter
Every 500 hours
- Replace compressor air cleaner element
- Change compressor oil and replace compressor oil filter
Every 1000 hours
- Change compressor coalescing filter
UNDERHOOD 70 Maintenance Checklist
Every 6 months or 200 hours
- Inspect blowdown muffler
- Inspect pressure relief valve
- Replace air filter
- Inspect hoses and PTFE tubes
- Clean the area around the front of the AOST and the oil filter to prevent contaminations
- Replace oil, oil filter, and inspect the o-ring
Every 12 months or 400 hours
- Replace blowdown muffler
- Replace pressure relief valve
- Inspect hoses and PTFE tubes
- Clean the area around the front of the Air Oil Separator Tank and the oil filter to prevent contamination
- Replace oil, oil filter, and inspect the o-ring