I think you could be right about the blow-by being air passing worn rings. While I have a Rix, I don't have any experience with worn rings yet... but in conventional oiled compressors there can be be more blow-by until the machine warms up and parts expand some.SurfLung wrote:I have a NEW Issue with my RIX SA3E...
- After servicing the 3rd stage head, I've pumped quite a few tanks just fine and I think it has even been pumping a little faster than it used to.
- But recently, it takes a little while for the compressor to start building pressure. When I switch it on, I can hear a leak for a little while and it doesn't build pressure. Then the leak stops and the pressure builds normally.
- The leak sounds like it is coming from the open bottom of the third stage cylinder. The manual says the 3rd stage piston is the one that needs new rings more frequently. I'm thinking the newly serviced cylinder head is sealing so well it may have put just enough more pressure load on those well worn 3rd stage rings to push them into overhaul condition?
- The compressor seems like it leaks until it warms up enough to seal the leakage. Once, opening and closing the 3rd stage moisture valve seemed to flick it to stop the leaking. Other times it just has to run awhile and then it seals.
Another cause for leak you hear could be a leaking tubing or pipe fitting that seals up somewhat for the same reason - from expansion of the parts upon warmup. As you know, the source of even an audible air leak is often very difficult to discern!
You probably did not cause the problem by servicing the head valves and seals... could just be time is up on the rings, or you have another leak source.