Just got a new craftsman air compressor (33 gal). I have read that it is important to "break in" the unit by running it with the pressurized chamber open (so that there is no load on the motor). How long do I do leave it running in this state? Is there anything else you would recommend I do?
asked Dec 2, 2010 at 16:31
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16I would hook it up to a set of bagpipes, and leave it running until the neighbours call the police.– Chris CudmoreDec 2, 2010 at 16:45
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8@chris: Do you have to dress the compressor in a kilt to do this?– DoresoomDec 2, 2010 at 17:55
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5 Answers
Answering a little late, but the instructions that came with my 20 gal. oil-free Husky say to run the compressor for 10 minutes with outlet and drain open. Times may vary depending on compressor size, lubrication style, etc., so check your owners manual.
Not so sure about needing to break in the unit, but if it is an oiled compressor then make sure you change the oil after the first 10 hours (or about that). Also if you do go ahead and break in the unit, some compressors have a duty cycle that is less than 100% (running 100% of the time). The compressor I have (Sears Craftsman 3 gal., 1 hp, Horizontal Tank) has a 50% duty cycle so it should not run more than 30 minutes in any one hour.
answered Dec 2, 2010 at 17:10
A new compressor should be broken in before being used for work. The compressor should be run for 30 minutes with the unloader valve locked open to seat the rings. The unloader valve can then be reset for normal compressor operation. The oil should be changed after the first few hours of operation. Check to see if there is any specific requirements; if there are no special requirements, use a quality synthetic oil.
I know from experience that break-in is required and a good idea for oilless compressors. I was unaware of that instruction once with a new one and sure enough it failed to reach its rated maximum psi after a single first success. From then on, it consistently came 10 pounds short. The instructions said run for a number of minutes without allowing pressure to build aka, drain valve open (I forget how many minutes...). I simply failed to read the manual! It did make a difference.
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Welcome to DIY.SE! While this does point out the need to break in a new compressor, it doesn't actually answer how to break one in, which is what the question is asking. Could you edit your answer to include the instructions?– mmathisAug 13, 2018 at 13:20
I just picked up a new Mastercraft 8 gallon oil less compressor, the run in instructions say to run it for 30 minutes with the drain clock open and the pressure regulator turned to closed.
