A reciprocating compressor with leaking valves will typically show which of the following characteristics?

A reciprocating compressor with leaking valves typically exhibits a low amp draw, high suction pressure, and low head pressure.

When valve leakage occurs, the compressor does not function efficiently. Leaking intake valves allow some of the incoming gas to escape back into the suction line instead of being compressed. This situation results in high suction pressure since the gas doesn't fully convert into a compressed state. As a direct consequence of the compromised efficiency from the leaking valves, the compressor draws less current (low amp draw) because it's working less hard to move gas through the system.

The low head pressure is a result of the same inefficiency: with less gas being compressed effectively, the pressure on the discharge side remains lower than it would normally be if the compressor were functioning correctly. This set of symptoms is indicative of the poor performance caused by valve leakage in the compressor's operation.

Overall, this pattern of reduced current draw combined with high suction pressure and low head pressure denies the compressor the proper balance needed for effective operation.