Troubleshooting the Ingersoll Rand P185: Operational System Issues
If your Ingersoll Rand portable compressor is acting up—vibrating too much, running backward, or burning through oil—your issue might lie in the operational system. This guide covers common problems and solutions for models P185A-SJD, P185A-WJD, XP175A-SJD, and XP175A-WJD, helping you troubleshoot and fix the issue quickly—no service call required.
1. Air Cleaner Element Life Is Too Short
Possible Causes:
- Excessive exhaust soot entering the air cleaner
- Contaminated operating environment (dusty or dirty air)
- Oil blowback upon shutdown
Solution: Check your exhaust system and surroundings—heavy soot and poor air quality will shorten filter life. If oil blowback is present, inspect the unloader assembly.
2. Air Discharge Capacity Is Too Low
Cause: Engine speed is too low.
Solution: Verify that your engine is reaching its full RPM. If not, check fuel and air systems for restrictions or clogging.
3. Cannot Obtain Correct Engine Speed
Cause: Clogged fuel filter or air filter.
Solution: Replace both filters as a maintenance baseline and monitor engine performance.
Shop fuel filters
Shop air filters
4. Oil Consumption Is Too High
Possible Causes:
- Unit is out of level
- Excessive oil carryover
- Oil blowback upon shutdown
Solution: Make sure the compressor is sitting level, check for carryover issues, and inspect the unloader assembly for signs of blowback.
5. Oil Readings Are Erratic
Causes: Unit out of level or improper shutdown procedure.
Solution: Always operate and shut down the compressor per manufacturer guidelines and confirm that it’s on level ground to ensure accurate readings.
6. Oil Blows Back into Air Cleaner
Causes:
- Damaged unloader valve or seat
- Missing or damaged unloader valve spring
- Damaged unloader valve bushings
Solution: Rebuild or replace the unloader valve assembly as needed.
7. Compressor Is Overheating
Causes:
- Cooling air is recirculating instead of venting
- Compressor is restarted too soon after shutdown
Solution: Check for obstructions around the cooling outlets and follow appropriate cool-down procedures before restarting.
8. Unit Shuts Down Prematurely
Causes:
- Excessive vibration
- Loose electrical connections
Solution: Inspect all mounting bolts and engine components for vibration issues, and check your wiring harnesses for secure connections.
9. Engine Runs Backward on Shutdown
Cause: Improper shutdown procedure.
Solution: Follow the manual's shutdown process to ensure clean disengagement of air pressure and fuel delivery systems.
10. Excessive Vibration
Cause: Engine idle speed is too low.
Solution: Adjust idle speed to the correct specification per the operator manual. If the vibration persists, check for loose mounts or worn isolators.