Storing compressor for winter

[D_o_S]

Hi all,

as winter is approaching, I am getting ready to put my compressor away for this season (it will not be used at all during the winter).

It will be kept in the garage, where temps are around 5 C (I guess) during the winter.

Should I do anything special so it can be stored for the winter?

I have already drained it.

 

[l_bilyk]

I can't think of anything

 

[timgr]

On a similar note, what's needed to keep a compressor outdoors, under shelter? Are there any startup issues?

 

[bmwpower]

Hi all,

as winter is approaching, I am getting ready to put my compressor away for this season (it will not be used at all during the winter).

It will be kept in the garage, where temps are around 5 C (I guess) during the winter.

Should I do anything special so it can be stored for the winter?

I have already drained it.

Fill it back up with new oil.

Should probably leave the drain open as well to avoid condensation due to temperature changes.

 

[the intimidator]

agreed I would just change the oil so it is fresh for next year and make sure that snow or rain won't get on it and rust anything out

On a similar note, what's needed to keep a compressor outdoors, under shelter? Are there any startup issues?

if you plan to run it outdoor's in cold temp's consider a magnetic oil heater if it is a large compresor, and lighter oil for the temperture's you will be operating it in same as you would in a car. It will help with startup ensuring the oil will flow easily and you won't put such a large load on the motor trying to turn it over full of thick cold oil. compressors typically run for short period's of time and operate at full load right from the start so there is no warm up period to get the oil flowing right and when it does start to warm up they usually kick off because the tank is full.

I am sure somebody can recommend a suitable magnetic heater and the type of oil based on you're compressor type and size.

 

[l_bilyk]

I run mine outside in the cold with the same oil. Hasn't burned out yet.

 

[Charles (in GA)]

Assume this is a portable. TAG THE ELECTRIC PLUG to reservice the oil, to insure you don't forget.

Charles

 

[D_o_S]

The compressor is new and has only been run briefly (15 minutes max.)

The manual says to change oil after first 50 hours.

Do I need to change the oil anyway if I only ran it for such a short time?

 

[SteveU]

I wouldn't bother if all you ran it for is 15 min. Just make sure all the water is drained out of the tank & call it good. As long as you have it stored under cover so the snow & rain can't get to it it should be allright, not much different than those of us who go a month or more without working in the shop in the winter. If for some reason you do have to use it when it's real cold it would be a good idea to warm it up a bit before starting it up. I don't like the idea of draining the oil & not refilling it immediatly. After a long period of not using or thinking about it, you suddenly need to use it so you fire it up dry & don't remember it has no oil until it's too late & something is ruined. Never had this happen to me but there are those who have & it isn't pretty.