VIPER DIESEL
SECTION 6: TROUBLESHOOTING
090058-OP_r0 (AUGUST-2014)
PAGE - 29
VANAIR MANUFACTURING, INC.
(800) 526-8817 • www.vanair.com
TABLE 6.3A HIGH MOISTURE CONDITION OPERATION
Symptom
Cause
Prevention / Corrective Action
Emulsification of oil in compres-
sor system:
• Compressor oil is milky white
in color
• Compressor oil is broken
down and lacks lubricity.
• Compressor oil may develop
solid chunks or clumps
Operating the compressor system
for short periods of time:
• Short cycling prevents the tem-
perature of the oil from attaining a
high enough temperature capa-
ble of vaporizing the moisture
droplets.
Operating the compressor system
unloaded without air flow from the
service line for long periods of
time:
• This can keep the oil temperature
from getting hot enough to vapor-
ize the moisture droplets, pre-
venting the moisture from being
able to escape the system. Addi-
tionally, there is no path for the
moisture to escape the system.
The thermal valve is faulty and
activating the cooling fan too
soon:
• This prevents the oil from attain-
ing a high enough temperature
capable of vaporizing the mois-
ture droplets.
The air filter is saturated with
water:
• This forces moisture to be
ingested by the compressor.
Any of the above causes will be
exacerbated in especially humid
environments.
RECOMMENDED CHANGES:
If the problem is not corrected by standard
operating practices and regular preventative
maintenance, consider the following:
• Raise the average temperature of the com-
pressor oil.
• Change the operating procedure to allow
for the compressor oil temperature to
reach 180 °F before discharging any air. If
the compressor isn't discharging any air,
it's not ingesting any potentially humid air.
It will build pressure upon initial startup, but
then it will run closed and allow it to heat
up.
REPAIR/MAINTENANCE:
Refer to
Section 5
of the Operator's Manual
for inspection, cleaning, and repair instruc-
tions.
1. Once the compressor oil becomes emul-
sified, it must be replaced along with the
oil filter. Depending on the severity,
other parts might also need to be
replaced.
2. Check that the separator element is in
good, working condition.
3. Check that the scavenge line is working
properly.
If the system is badly contaminated, Vanair
®
recommends a lube flush that will help clean
out any remaining contamination throughout
the system. Consult Vanair Service Depart-
ment for lube flush instructions.
Check the moisture drain frequently on the air
tank reservoir, to alleviate moisture build-up.
6.3.2 COLD WEATHER OPERATION
Consult the information in
Table 6.3B
for
preventative and/or repair measures. The
Diesel Viper’s 25HP engine runs on diesel
fuel, which can be more difficult to start in
cold weather. Once the engine is started, the
air density becomes larger and the intake
efficiency also becomes higher. More output
can be expected in cold areas. When the
temperature is very low, extra care must be
taken regarding fuel and oil changes in their
viscosity, freezing of water contained in the
piping, or of water adhering on the filter.
Diesel fuel may gel at very cold
temperatures.
