Atlas Copco Using OIl

[Amber Gold]

I have an Atlas Copco GV25A vac pump, and it's losing oil. Late yesterday, I topped off the pump and turned it on for the first time this season. I got there this morning, and it was low. I topped it off again, and when I left the woods at 1800, it was low again. I'm not sure where it's going. I've owned the pump for say 5 years and haven't had an issue before with oil use.

The exhaust vents outside the pump shed, and there's a cloud coming out that smells like oil. I figured this is normal, but not sure. Don't the pumps have internal reclaimers? I assumed the mist is humid air being pulled out of the sap lines...but maybe I'm wrong.

Any other ideas where the oil is going?

Thanks for the help.

[wiam]

Have you checked or changed the filter inside the reclaimer?

[BnSmaple]

You need a new exhaust filter and everything will be cured. I have an atlas copco 150 and have been through it all with that pump mostly self inflicted. As long as you change oil yearly and don’t suck sap in them they are a tough little pump.

[BnSmaple]

The only other cause could be if you have major leaks if you are under 20” vac and the pump is working hard you will lose oil and ruin the exhaust filter….just to warn you exhaust filters are not cheap

[Shaun]

The filters are easy to change. Usually remove 4 hex heads on the cover where the exhaust is plumbed. There is usually a small spring that holds a tension tension on the filter that is attached to the cover. Just replace and put the "wick" part facing down. I don't have an atlas pump but they are all about the same.

[Walling's Maple Syrup]

It's probably one of two things or both: the exhaust filter is full of oil and not letting the condensation vapor by and out the exhaust or there should be a float up in that top exhaust port that lets the oil back down in the pump if it gets up in there. I have seen them get stuck and not let the oil back down. My guess is the exhaust port is full of oil.
Neil

[Amber Gold]

Awesome. Thanks guys. I'll look into it this morning and report.

Where can I get a new exhaust filter? I looked online and haven't been able to find one.

[Walling's Maple Syrup]

Awesome. Thanks guys. I'll look into it this morning and report.

Where can I get a new exhaust filter? I looked online and haven't been able to find one. An h20 dealer or mes

[Amber Gold]

I opened the exhaust hatch on the pump, and oil came out.

I checked the float, and it moved freely. Anything more to do with that?

I'm guessing that leaves the exhaust filter. Is that correct? I have not replaced the filter before, and it was quite heavy with oil. Maybe it's because the exhaust port was overfull, so oil is getting sucked up the wick??

I'll give Clayton a call. He's closest.

[Walling's Maple Syrup]

I opened the exhaust hatch on the pump, and oil came out.

I checked the float, and it moved freely. Anything more to do with that?

I'm guessing that leaves the exhaust filter. Is that correct? I have not replaced the filter before, and it was quite heavy with oil. Maybe it's because the exhaust port was overfull, so oil is getting sucked up the wick??

I'll give Clayton a call. He's closest. I would start by changing the filter. Regardless, that float should be letting oil back down into pump. Do you have leaks? That will make oil foamy and light and make it want to spit up into exhaust port.

[Amber Gold]

No leaks. Woods is fairly tight. 24" when I left yesterday.

[BnSmaple]

If your going to put a new exhaust filter in I would also recommend taking the float completely out not needed and only causes problems in maple applications….talk to Clayton he will also recommend that

[Amber Gold]

This morning, I ran over to MES, got some supplies, and asked Clayton to look at my pump. Thankfully he did because I would've swapped the filter out and thought all's good.

BnSmaple, that's exactly what he did. The orifice was plugged up, so he blew it out, pulled the float, and put a new exhaust filter in. I brought it back, plugged it in, and no oil mist. Crossing my finger's that I'm all set now. Pump is pulling 25" with some lines that have minor leaks.

Symptoms for future reference:
Exhaust was heavy with oil mist
Rapid oil loss
Opened access hatch and oil pours out.

Repair:
Replace exhaust filter (can be cause of oil loss)
Cleaned orifice
Removed float (removing future maintenance issue. Clayton says minor loss in vacuum)

Thank you everyone for your help.

[Shaun]

Glad you got back going. Did you mention anything about the gas ballast operation? I'm not sure if running that constantly open is correct even though I do.

[Amber Gold]

Thanks for catching that. Yes, he said gas ballast open.