Five Major Causes of Compressor Failures – And How AIRPULL Helps You Prevent Them

Compressors are the heart of refrigeration and compressed air systems. In industries such as machinery, mining, chemicals, petroleum, construction, transportation, and marine engineering, oil-injected compressors often run under heavy load and harsh conditions.

Industry data shows that over 90% of compressor failures are caused by five key factors:
✔ Poor oil return (oil starvation)
✔ Liquid slugging
✔ Refrigerant shortage
✔ Excessive discharge temperature
✔ Poor system cleanliness

Understanding these problems — and choosing the right compressor spare parts — is the key to building a reliable, long-life system.

1. Oil Starvation – The Hidden Killer of Compressors

Lubricating oil is the “blood” of the compressor. Without enough oil, friction increases rapidly and causes severe wear, overheating, and even total motor burnout.

When oil cannot return smoothly, the upper bearings and shafts suffer the highest load. Once lubrication fails, parts seize, temperatures rise, and the motor is damaged by continuous high current.

Main causes:

• Incorrect oil filling during installation

• Refrigerant leaks that carry oil out of the system

• Poor piping design (no oil traps, oversized pipes)

• Frequent start-stop operation

• Wrong oil used or mixed brands

🔧 AIRPULL Solution:
Use high-quality compressor oil filter and correct compressor lube to ensure stable oil circulation and clean lubrication.

2. Liquid Slugging – When Liquid Destroys the Air End

Liquid refrigerant entering the compression chamber creates extreme mechanical stress because liquid cannot be compressed. This leads to broken scrolls, bent parts, and seized air ends.

Typical causes:

• Expansion valve malfunction

• Evaporator fan failure

• Blocked lines

• Refrigerant overcharging

🔧 AIRPULL Solution:
Pair correct charging procedures with a reliable air oil separator filter to stabilize oil–air separation and protect the air end.

3. Refrigerant Shortage – High Heat, High Risk

Running with low refrigerant causes the compressor’s internal temperature to rise sharply. Seals melt, friction increases, and motor overload occurs.

Main causes:

• Poor installation

• Leaking joints or weld points

🔧 AIRPULL Solution:
Use certified air oil separator and sealing-compatible compressor spare parts to prevent internal leakage and maintain stable pressure.

4. Poor System Cleanliness – Small Dirt, Big Damage

Moisture, rust, and debris react with refrigerant and oil to form acids and sludge. This destroys insulation, blocks oil flow, and causes shaft seizure.

Best practice:

• Nitrogen brazing

• Proper vacuum evacuation

• Clean installation process

🔧 AIRPULL Solution:
Our air compressor filter and oil filtration systems remove fine particles and keep your system clean and protected.

5. Excessive Discharge Temperature – A Warning Signal

High discharge temperature means the system is under stress. It accelerates oil breakdown, causes acid formation, and blocks capillary tubes and dryers.

Main causes:

• Refrigerant leaks

• Dirty heat exchangers

• Cooling fan failure

• Incorrect oil quantity

🔧 AIRPULL Solution:
Using the right compressor lube, matched with premium air oil separator filter, keeps temperatures under control and extends service life.

Why Choose AIRPULL as Your Air Compressor Spare Parts Supplier?

At AIRPULL, we are more than just an air compressor spare parts manufacturer — we are your long-term reliability partner.

✔ Full range of compressor oil filters, air oil separators, and air compressor filters
✔ OEM & replacement parts for major screw compressor brands
✔ Strict quality control with glass fiber media
✔ Stable supply for global customers

👉 Looking for a trusted air compressor spare parts supplier?
AIRPULL helps you reduce downtime, save energy, and protect your compressor investment.

Final Tip

Most compressor failures are preventable. With the right installation, clean system practices, and high-quality compressor spare parts, your system can run safer, cleaner, and longer.

AIRPULL – Professional Filters for Reliable Compressors.