Typical models
LS-16LS-25SES-6185 tow-behind
Field notes
- Sullube 32 is the OEM fluid — do not substitute standard PAO without a full drain and flush.
- 8,000 hr full service: fluid, filter, separator, air filter, and blowdown valve inspection.
- Common controller: WS/Supervisor — fault log tells you the story before you tear anything down.
Symptom → cause → fix
Won't build pressure / builds slowly
Likely causes
- Worn intake or discharge reed valves
- Blown head gasket between HP and LP chambers
- Air leak in tank check valve or unloader
- Loose or damaged intake filter
Fixes
- Pull the head and inspect reeds — replace if cracked, curled, or carboned
- Replace head gasket; torque head bolts in a star pattern to spec
- Soap-test the check valve and tank fittings; replace check valve if seeping
- Reseat or replace intake filter
Won't start / motor hums
Likely causes
- Failed start (or run) capacitor
- Pressure switch stuck closed above cut-out
- Unloader valve not bleeding head pressure at shutdown
- Thermal overload tripped and not reset
Fixes
- Discharge and test capacitors with a meter; replace to nameplate µF
- Bleed tank to zero; verify switch cut-in resets contacts
- Verify unloader releases on shutdown; clean or replace
- Let motor cool 15–30 min; press reset; investigate root cause (voltage, airflow)
Trips breaker or blows fuse
Likely causes
- Motor drawing above FLA (worn bearings, seized pump)
- Wrong breaker size or shared circuit
- Extension cord causing voltage drop and locked-rotor current
- Short in motor winding or capacitor
Fixes
- Clamp-meter the motor at startup and run; compare to nameplate FLA
- Verify dedicated circuit and breaker sized per NEC 430
- Remove extension cord; wire direct or size per voltage-drop calc
- Megger the windings; replace shorted capacitor or motor
Overheats / thermal trips under load
Likely causes
- Blocked cooling fins or fan shroud debris
- Low or degraded oil
- High ambient / poor ventilation
- Extended duty cycle beyond design
Fixes
- Blow out fins with air; clear shroud and belt guard
- Drain and refill oil; inspect for varnish
- Relocate or add ventilation; keep 3 ft clearance minimum
- Add tank capacity or step up to a higher-duty unit
Oil in air / excessive oil carryover
Likely causes
- Worn piston rings or cylinder bore
- Crankcase overfilled
- Wrong oil viscosity or foaming oil
Fixes
- Compression check per cylinder; rering or replace pump if below spec
- Drain to sight glass mid-mark
- Refill with OEM-spec non-detergent compressor oil
Excessive moisture in tank or lines
Likely causes
- Tank drained infrequently
- No aftercooler or dryer downstream
- High humidity + long run time
Fixes
- Drain tank daily (or install an auto-drain)
- Add a refrigerated or desiccant dryer sized for your SCFM
- Add a water separator + coalescing filter at point of use
Tank leak or rust weeping
Likely causes
- Rust-through at the bottom (drain not used)
- Cracked weld at a foot or handle bracket
- Fitting or pressure relief valve threads leaking
Fixes
- Replace the tank — welding an ASME/UL tank is not code-compliant
- Re-tape fittings with PTFE; replace PRV if seeping
- Establish a daily drain routine on the replacement
General guidance for trained technicians. Always defer to the OEM service manual for your specific Sullair model — pressures, torque values, and part numbers vary by production year.