What does Gardner Denver shutdown 136 high separator rate mean?
Short answer: Rapid separator temperature rise. If your Gardner Denver AirSmart controller is showing SHUTDOWN #136 HIGH SEPRATR RATE, the controller has logged a specific, documented condition. This page covers what it means, what causes it, what you can safely fix yourself, and when — and why — it takes a technician.
What exactly is the machine telling you?
The controller detected an unusually fast temperature rise in the air/oil separator tank, which can indicate a separator element or oil cooling problem.
Which machines show this?
Gardner Denver rotary screw compressors fitted with the first-generation AirSmart microprocessor controller — a wide range of oil-injected packages, including VFD-equipped variable-speed units where the controller supervises the drive. The first-generation AirSmart reports problems as numbered codes: SHUTDOWN #1xx and #2xx faults that stop the machine, and ADVISORY #3xx warnings that let it keep running while flagging maintenance. That numbering matters when you search — the later AirSmart G2 dropped the numbers and displays plain-text fault names instead, so a numbered code on the screen tells you that you are on the earlier controller. Shutdowns clear with Stop/Reset once the machine has stopped; advisories acknowledge with the Enter key.
What causes it?
- Oil level dropped low enough that separator temperature climbs abnormally fast
- Oil cooler exterior fouled so the oil circuit can't shed heat
- A separator element or oil cooling problem developing inside the tank
Can you fix it yourself?
Maybe once — check oil after full cooldown, clean the cooler, and try one closely watched restart. A repeat is a clear signal to stop and get service promptly.
Step by step — what to try, in order:
- After full cooldown, check the oil level at the sight glass
- Clean the oil cooler exterior with the machine off
- Press Stop/Reset and attempt one closely watched restart
When do you need a technician — and why?
Separator element replacement means opening the pressurized air/oil tank, which must be fully depressurized and handled by a technician — a fast temperature rise in that tank is not something to keep resetting.
If it does come to a service call and you're in Nashville, TN or Birmingham, AL, we maintain independently compiled lists of local companies that service industrial air compressors — real businesses with verified contact information, none of whom paid to be listed.
Related questions
What does SHUTDOWN #136 HIGH SEPRATR RATE mean on a Gardner Denver AirSmart controller?
Rapid separator temperature rise. The controller detected an unusually fast temperature rise in the air/oil separator tank, which can indicate a separator element or oil cooling problem.
Can I fix SHUTDOWN #136 HIGH SEPRATR RATE on a Gardner Denver AirSmart controller myself?
Maybe once — check oil after full cooldown, clean the cooler, and try one closely watched restart. A repeat is a clear signal to stop and get service promptly.
When does SHUTDOWN #136 HIGH SEPRATR RATE on a Gardner Denver AirSmart controller need a technician?
Separator element replacement means opening the pressurized air/oil tank, which must be fully depressurized and handled by a technician — a fast temperature rise in that tank is not something to keep resetting. Call a technician promptly if it repeats — separator element replacement is a pressurized-system job.
Verified against service documentation: Gardner Denver AirSmart controller documentation for SHUTDOWN #136 HIGH SEPRATR RATE (best-aire.com)