NorthStar 459232, Owner'S Manual

Page: 18 / 34

18
Inspect Compressor for Air Leaks
Inspect system for air leaks on a monthly basis. To test:

Squirt soapy water around joints during
compressor operation and watch for bubbles.
Developing bubbles indicate a leak is present.

Tighten fittings, if necessary.
Change Pump Oil
WARNING: Burn hazard
Never open oil fill port while compressor is running. Hot
oil can spray over face and body.
After the first 50 hours of use then every 3 months or
500 hours,
change pump oil while crankcase is still
warm. (See “Appendix A: Lubricants” for suitable
alternatives.)
1. Remove the oil fill and drain plugs. Collect the oil
in a suitable container.
2. Replace the oil drain plug and refill compressor
crankcase with clean oil.
3. Replace the oil fill plug.
4. Start the unit and run for several minutes. Shut
down the air compressor and recheck the oil
level. If necessary, add more oil. (Figure 17)
Figure 17
Drain Receiver Tank and Inspect Tank
Drain water from the receiver tank daily. Water left in the
tank can cause the tank to weaken and corrode,
increasing the risk of tank rupture. Badly rested receiver
tanks must be replaced.
Northern Tool recommends a tank inspection after every
2 years of service. See “
Inspection of Unfired Pressure
Vessels ,” volumes 2-9, August 2001, Bill McStraw
(available on-line at NTIS).”
WARNING: Air tank hazards
Failure to replace a rusted air receiver tank will
eventually result in tank rupture or explosion, which
could cause substantial property damage, severe
personal injury, or death. Never modify or repair a tank.
Obtain replacement from service center.
Check Drive Belt for Tension and Alignment
CAUTION: Pulley/sheave hazard
Improper pulley/sheave alignment and belt tension can
result in motor overload, excessive vibration and
premature belt and/or bearing failure. To prevent this
from happening, check the pulley/sheave alignment and
belt tension on a regular basis.
Belts will stretch from normal use. When properly
adjusted, a 5 lb. force applied to the belt between the
motor pulley and the pump will deflect the belt about ½”.
To align and adjust drive belt tension:
1. Remove the belt guard cover.
2. Loosen the four fasteners securing the motor to
the compressor unit.
3. Slide the motor to achieve proper belt tension.
(Usually 1/8” to 1/4” is sufficient.) The belt must
be properly aligned before refastening the motor.
4. To align belt, lay a straight edge against the face
of the compressor sheave (flywheel) touching the
rim at two places. (Figure 18)
Figure 18
5. Adjust the motor pulley by shifting the motor so
that the belt runs parallel to the straight edge.
6. If necessary, use a gear puller to move the motor
pulley. Tighten set screw after motor pulley is
positioned.
7. Check for proper belt tension. (Figure 19)
Figure 19
8. Tighten the four fasteners holding the motor to
the top plate while tension and alignment is
maintained.
9. Attach the belt guard cover.
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