What is a common symptom of a clogged air/oil separator in a compressor?

A common symptom of a clogged air/oil separator in a compressor is low air delivery. The air/oil separator plays a crucial role in filtering out oil from the compressed air before it is delivered for use. When this part becomes clogged, the efficiency of airflow is significantly hindered. As a result, the compressor struggles to maintain its designated pressure and flow rates, leading to reduced air delivery capacity. This can impact the performance of pneumatic tools and affect the overall operation of systems relying on compressed air.

In contrast, the other symptoms mentioned do not typically indicate a clogged separator. For example, increased speed is not expected as a result of clogging; instead, performance usually diminishes. Similarly, excessive oil consumption is more likely associated with leaks or mechanical failures rather than just a clog in the separator. Lastly, a clogged separator would likely cause increased noise due to strain on the compressor components, rather than less noise. Thus, low air delivery is a clear and direct consequence of a clogged air/oil separator.