air compressor oil

[nbpt100]

I have a portable Craftsman air compression which I have had since new. It is about 15 yrs old now. I do not use it a lot but when I do I want it to work. I was wonder about changing the oil. the manual says to use SAE 30 ND. The manual also says to use SAE 10 ND in the winter. I have noticed in the winter it is hard to start. Have to put it in the sun for a while and use a short extension chord. I have read: DO NOT use 10w 30 because the detergents can cause carbon deposits on the valve. You must use a non detergent oil. How real is this? If I use a synthetic 10w 30, would that eliminate the deposits build up?

Any thoughts on using 20w ND? I dont want to get oil in the air durring the summer months. But it should help in the winter.

I am only going on what I have read. I am no expert on oil so I would love to get some thoughts from those who have some knowledge about compressor maintenance and oil....... and experience. Thanks.

 

[Woodman920]

We have the same issue with combustion air compressors on boilers. Stick to the non- detergent single weight conventional oils. The 20w should be fine if you're not doing heavy use in high heat.

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[brownbagg]

i ask this question to a quicy rep during a trade show, he laugh at me, how the hell do i know what oil my compressor takes, but can he rebuild an transmission with channel locks and a screwdriver

 

[nbpt100]

i ask this question to a quicy rep during a trade show, he laugh at me, how the hell do i know what oil my compressor takes, but can he rebuild an transmission with channel locks and a screwdriver

LOL......I know that salesman.

Also wondering if i can use Pressure washer pump oil which is a 20w ND (ISO 68). It may have other additives to prevent rust etc.

I guess I could change it twice a year just before the cold weather and then again in the spring. But can't I avoid that?

 

[sselander]

Wal-Mart carries non detergent air compressor oil. SuperTech brand.

 

[Woodman920]

LOL......I know that salesman.



Also wondering if i can use Pressure washer pump oil which is a 20w ND (ISO 68). It may have other additives to prevent rust etc.



I guess I could change it twice a year just before the cold weather and then again in the spring. But can't I avoid that?

I'd be comfortable using the 20w.

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[threeputt]

I use the walmart 30w non detergent and all is good here in the deep south

 

[The Cobbler]

synthetic compressor oil makes for easier starts in cold climates

 

[nbpt100]

synthetic compressor oil makes for easier starts in cold climates

yes, I just saw a Husky brand full synthetic compressor oil. It is ISO 68. (SAE 20) They say it is good in compressors run in the 90 deg temp range down to cold winter temps. I may go with that for $7.

I just dont want to get oil in the air on warmer days.

 

[sberry]

It wont get in the oil. Mobil 1 is a recommended oil also, you can use multi vis with it. Use 10/30

 

[csp]

Found mine on Amazon, received the next day. I don't recall what brand or weight it was, but finding/ordering it took less effort than has gone into this thread.

 

[nadogail]

Because there are Walmart and Home Depot stores almost everywhere and Amazon is in our computers, Compressor Oil should be very easy to to get.

 

[coljar]

The Kellogg-American in my old garage next door gets Castrol 10-30W and is in daily use. It has been there since 1946 and has never been apart. I might add that it is on it's third tank since 1946, though. The Curtis in my newer garage has 30W. It was purchased new in 1972 by an old boss of mine for a Gulf/speed shop I worked at back in the day, but it also has never been apart. Take your pick.

 

[Jlarson]

We do a lot of compressor work, We always recommend ND oils to avoid buildup and excess foaming.

Going to 20w shouldn't be a problem, you're always going to get a small amount of oil carry over with any weight but as long as you don't over fill you should be good.

 

[nbpt100]

Thanks to all who replied. It sure seems like a synthetic 20w (ISO 68)ND is a sensible choice to meet all of my concerns. I have heard claims that it will run quieter or cooler. I am not sure but in theory it should. It will start much better in the colder days for sure. They are coming. If I do get oil in the air then I may go with 10w-30. It is easy to change and the amount it takes is small. Thanks to all of the good input.

 

[matt_i]

An alternative is to go with compressor oil that I-R or Quincy use. All Season Select or Quin-Cip oils or even Mobil Rarus is used in compressors that cost more than normal people's houses.

The above cost more than a Wally World Non detergent oil but potentially its useful to ask Why? Is it pure profit-taking by the companies above or is a person getting more for paying more? I can't answer for you but its worth thinking over.