If all of the air charge has been lost from a ship service air receiver, the compressor mechanical unloading system will __________.

Correct Answer: Option C — fail to function as designed, but the compressor having no load will start with little or no difficulty

Compressor unloaders typically rely on air pressure from the receiver to hold the intake valves open during start-up. If the receiver is empty, the unloader cannot engage, but the compressor starts in an unloaded state because there is no backpressure, allowing the motor to reach full speed without excessive torque.