Air Compressor Oil

[Matt M PA]

Well guys, I figure it's time to change the oil in my compressor. It's a 2 Stage/80gal Sanborn that I've had for many years.

According to the manual, it uses a Sanborn 019-0053SP. Looks like that was disco'd a long time ago.

There are specs in the manual, but no weigh listed. The list flash point, pour point..and viscosity of 525SUS 100F & 65SUS @ 210F. None of this helps me.

Can I just go to Lowes or Home Depot and buy their compressor oil...or....?

 

[tncatadjuster]

I have used mobil 1 10w30 in mine for 20 years, I'm sure someone will say no, but it works fine. That is what the dealer that sold it to me said to use.

 

[sberry]

Yes, that is about as good as any. If it's not full of water and clean to start with, a few years old already a change to a synthetic comp oil, Amsoil is super good, can be good for the life of the unit in common comp under typical home/hobby use.

 

[sberry]

I have a pump I bought 20 years ago, near 2 grand at the time, still has the original oil, I will never change it. My shop unit runs daily, last change was 10 years, still crystal clear, won't do it again unless I need to work on it.

 

[lightning struck]

I use straight 30w non-detergent.

 

[TRWham]

Well guys, I figure it's time to change the oil in my compressor. It's a 2 Stage/80gal Sanborn that I've had for many years.

According to the manual, it uses a Sanborn 019-0053SP. Looks like that was disco'd a long time ago.

There are specs in the manual, but no weigh listed. The list flash point, pour point..and viscosity of 525SUS 100F & 65SUS @ 210F. None of this helps me.

Can I just go to Lowes or Home Depot and buy their compressor oil...or....?

65 SUS at 210F is SAE 30 or ISO 100.

 

[Matt M PA]

Thanks everyone...very helpful!

 

[isb cornbinder]

I use Chevron 15/40 because I have lots of it in stock. My neighbour thinks ATF is the best because he had a transmission shop. It may be difficult to pick a bad choice oil in 2019

 

[isb cornbinder]

Specialized compressor oils are offered in the brand to match many compressors. A good information cheat is to look up the product in the MSDS. The details compared against a main brand of oil will help to make a choice less stressful.

 

[Skin]

Old compressors were just a 30W. You can get it at any HD.

 

[sberry]

Old compressors were just a 30W. You can get it at any HD.

While this is somewhat true and oil change recommendations are general some units went from 60% duty cycle to 100 with synthetic and 500 hr to 8000 hours.

 

[Skin]

I don't see any point in synthetics. Consumer compressors tick over at 1k or below at a constant rate, don't have corrosive combustion gasses, don't get nearly as hot as an engine, and don't benefit off the additive packs. Its a solution to a problem that doesn't exist. The only argument that can be made is if its an outdoor unit and you wanted better start up protection during winter.

 

[JAKES.]

Hi, i would chek to see if your unit likes detergent or not. At my work they changed the oil in the pump with oil with detergent and seals failed. IMHO synthenic oil is worth the $$ for severe duty cyles. -Jake

 

[JAKES.]

If I may double down here. Oil viscosities break down over time losing their friction resistance. I just want to pass along useful info I have learned the hard way! - Jake

 

[MarineScott]

I have used mobil 1 10w30 in mine for 20 years, I'm sure someone will say no, but it works fine. That is what the dealer that sold it to me said to use.

I have been using Mobil 1 10w40 in mine the last 15 years

 

[ATC]

https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=414932

 

[seber]

Generally speaking, motor oil should not be used for compressors due to the detergent additive which will cause carbon buildup. Valves and regulators don't like that.

 

[sberry]

Synthetics are better hot as well as cold too. When one figures in the service life are cheaper. Another thing here is the small volumes, doesn't add significantly to the cost, extra 10 or 15 dollars over a decade doesn't mean much.

 

[anndel]

I use Husky 30W non-detergent compressor oil they sell at HD.

 

[Bretny]

I use amsoil compressor oil. Cheap enough for an every 10 or so year change.