I got a good deal on a Craftsman air compressor - belt drive 4 hp/20 gallon tank for $100 (including about 75 ft of good air hose.) I need to change the oil and the sticker on the tank says to use 20w20 non detergent oil. All I can find is NOS on ebay, and it's expensive! I am wondering if oil marked "air compressor oil" would be a good substitute? I can't find any weight ratings on air compressor oil. Does anyone know the difference between the oils? Anyone with this type of older belt drive Craftsman compressor, what have you used for oil changes? Thanks
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20w20 or air compressor oil?
- Thread starter mikec35
- Start date
99LeCouch
Well-known member
It's a regular piston compressor? If it doesn't get too cold where the compressor is, a 30w air compressor oil should be fine. Maybe go synthetic if it gets cold, like below 32*F.
I'd suggest something like a redline 20WT race oil. it's low detergent and 5W20 as a motor oil, which meets your hot temp spec.
amsoil 5W20 compressor oil would be good as well. both are reasonably priced.
Running a thicker cold weight just means you put more horsepower into heat and not into moving air (with a pressure lubed pump), or slower top end lubrication with a splash lube system. there's no benefit to thick cold oil.
amsoil 5W20 compressor oil would be good as well. both are reasonably priced.
Running a thicker cold weight just means you put more horsepower into heat and not into moving air (with a pressure lubed pump), or slower top end lubrication with a splash lube system. there's no benefit to thick cold oil.
theoldwizard1
Well-known member
Use ANY synthetic that does NOT exceed the top number (20). So Walmat brand 5W20 is fine ! Forget the BS about "detergent vs non-detergent" oil.
bob15
Well-known member
Don't use motor oil as a substitute for compressor oil, they have different additive packages (anti-foaming, oxidation inhibitors, faster water separation, etc).
20W compressor oil: ISO 46
30W compressor oil: ISO 68
I would have no issue if using a quality low pour point 30 weight compressor oil
20W compressor oil: ISO 46
30W compressor oil: ISO 68
I would have no issue if using a quality low pour point 30 weight compressor oil
BillK
Well-known member
bob15
Well-known member
Most of them aren't 20 weight.....unless you want a gallon jug or $25 for a quart
Don't use motor oil as a substitute for compressor oil, they have different additive packages (anti-foaming, oxidation inhibitors, faster water separation, etc).
20W compressor oil: ISO 46
30W compressor oil: ISO 68
I would have no issue if using a quality low pour point 30 weight compressor oil
Thanks! It's crazy, all the 20w or ISO 46 oils cost about $20 a quart (including shipping.)
D.J.
Well-known member
Stick with Bob15 recommendations the detergent oils foam and the nondetergents don't also the antiwear extreme pressure additives etc
rburke65
Well-known member
Call TP Tool and see what a couple of quarts would cost ya to have them shipped.
Call TP Tool and see what a couple of quarts would cost ya to have them shipped.
good tip - they have a good price on the oil but like everyone else they want $12 to ship...
BillK
Well-known member
Thanks! It's crazy, all the 20w or ISO 46 oils cost about $20 a quart (including shipping.)
So I guess the question is . . . . do you want to put the right oil in it or not ???? Yes it is expensive but how often are you going to change it ? Every few years ?? If that ? It probably doesn't even hold 2 quarts.
My Craftsman compressor at home is over 40 years old and I dont think I have changed the oil in it more than 2 or 3 times. It doesn't get used all that often but it has always worked fine when I need it. It is probably very similar to the one you have.
TRWham
Well-known member
SAE 20 crosses to both ISO 46 and ISO 68, depending on where you are within the ranges and whose chart you are using. SAE 30 crosses to ISO 100.
sberry
Banned
It will run on all of them. If it needed a change and I was going to the trouble might invest in a qt of Amsoil or other synthetic especially if it had lots of cold starts. For common use it could be good for the life of the unit.
Denwood
Well-known member
We have two 110V compressors in an outside shed that sees -35C temps. They are ganged together with one on a 20 gallon tank and the other at 60. Both have been running 10w30 synthetic for a decade or so. No issues..and they start fine at all temps. I did have to switch to synthetic as in cold weather dino oil + compressor just popped the breaker.
Ign
Well-known member
The IR compressor oil is on clearance at TSC right now....they're getting rid of everything IR
The IR compressor oil is on clearance at TSC right now....they're getting rid of everything IR
Thanks, I noticed some air tools on clearance the other day. I'll have to go back and see if they have any better deals.
Denwood
Well-known member
Just changed out the old oil with 5w20 Mobil1 as the compressors are outside (shed) and see temps as low as -35C during startup.
I had a stuck pressure switch on one compressor, so they both ran for a few hours continuous last week when the pressure relief valve popped. This is the first time this has happened, likely due to big temp swings we're seeing from +5C to -15C overnight. Fortunately both compressors are fine, but I figured this was a good time to change out the 10w30 synthetic that was in both crank cases.
I normally shut both compressors off via the breaker panel when not in use, but forgot this time. This was a good reminder of why powering off any compressor is a good idea when not needed.
I had a stuck pressure switch on one compressor, so they both ran for a few hours continuous last week when the pressure relief valve popped. This is the first time this has happened, likely due to big temp swings we're seeing from +5C to -15C overnight. Fortunately both compressors are fine, but I figured this was a good time to change out the 10w30 synthetic that was in both crank cases.
I normally shut both compressors off via the breaker panel when not in use, but forgot this time. This was a good reminder of why powering off any compressor is a good idea when not needed.
Last edited:
countrysquire
Well-known member
This thread reminded me that my compressor is due for an oil change, so I stopped by TSC on the way home. They had Campbell Hausfield listed on their website for $24.99 a gallon, but it was marked $18.99 in the store as part of a close out. When the cashier scanned it, it had been marked down further and now is only $8.00 a gallon.
Sent from my iPhone using Garage Journal
Sent from my iPhone using Garage Journal
laser3kw
Well-known member
I switch mine to Powermate compressor oil ( Coleman, synthetic blend). It has started at -10°f. No problems
Synthetic blend compressor oil link
Synthetic blend compressor oil link