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Air Compressor pump oil level?

Almaz

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Nov 7, 2010
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I just bought an old Craftsman 12G Air Compressor 106.154580 with twin cylinder pump. Since I can't find manual for this specific model and I don't know when oil was changed in the pump, I'd like to change it. Pump don't have oil glass gauge or dipstick. How much oil should I put it? Is Mobil 1 Extended Performance 10W-30 fully synthetic oil ok for the pump?
 

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Major Ramifications

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Feb 28, 2005
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River Ridge, Louisiana
Wow, that is an oldie. As has been stated, these were designed to be filled to the fill plug. I would use compressor oil, not a detergent oil, but I haven't looked into using Mobil 1 in a compressor pump.
My source says that this unit was built by Campbell Hausfeld.
 
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Almaz

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Nov 7, 2010
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Wow, that is an oldie. As has been stated, these were designed to be filled to the fill plug. I would use compressor oil, not a detergent oil, but I haven't looked into using Mobil 1 in a compressor pump.
My source says that this unit was built by Campbell Hausfeld.

It is one of the first Craftsman from my understanding. I think that compressor is way better than any other compressors under $300 range. It works great and it is really quiet. It works just a little bit louder than a car being parked with the engine running. I can even use it in my garage at night time and my neighbors won't even here it. Only one downside it is rated 100PSI but for $20 bucks that I got it for, I can't complain.
 

Charles (in GA)

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50 mi south of Atlanta
Thats a slightly newer version of one I have. Twelve gallon tank, one hp, mine has a Doerr motor on it, and a pressure switch on top of the tank on a manifold, but the air outlet is on the handlebar end of the tank, being an older model. Mine is old enough that it does not have a belt guard. Bought it new.

Yes, Mobil I 30 wt works fine in it, and fill it to the filler plug hole.

I added the handy box and motor rated DP switch (used DP as the motor can be switched to 240v by changing a couple of jumpers and the plug on the cord, so a DP switch means not having to change things there)

Charles

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Almaz

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Nov 7, 2010
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Thats a slightly newer version of one I have. Twelve gallon tank, one hp, mine has a Doerr motor on it, and a pressure switch on top of the tank on a manifold, but the air outlet is on the handlebar end of the tank, being an older model. Mine is old enough that it does not have a belt guard. Bought it new.

Yes, Mobil I 30 wt works fine in it, and fill it to the filler plug hole.

Charles

How old is it? I'm just trying to find out how old is mine because it doesn't have a stamp when it was made.
 

Charles (in GA)

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How old is it? I'm just trying to find out how old is mine because it doesn't have a stamp when it was made.

Mine was bought about 1969 or 70 if I recall, I think the manifold and regulator setup came in the mid to later '70's. I found my manual and parts list, no receipt with it however. but I'm sure I had it by '70.

Charles
 
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Almaz

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Mine was bought about 1969 or 70 if I recall, I think the manifold and regulator setup came in the mid to later '70's. I found my manual and parts list, no receipt with it however. but I'm sure I had it by '70.

Charles

I'm guessing mine is at least 25 years old ouch :shocking: Do you remember how much was it back in the days? Do be honest I'm really shocked such an old compressor and it works so good.
 
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Almaz

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On mine it's got a very heavy filter material. Would it be better just to replace it with a piece of foam? It would breath much better with foam.
 
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scott37300

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May 5, 2010
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Wisconsin
Thats a slightly newer version of one I have. Twelve gallon tank, one hp, mine has a Doerr motor on it, and a pressure switch on top of the tank on a manifold, but the air outlet is on the handlebar end of the tank, being an older model. Mine is old enough that it does not have a belt guard. Bought it new.

Yes, Mobil I 30 wt works fine in it, and fill it to the filler plug hole.

I added the handy box and motor rated DP switch (used DP as the motor can be switched to 240v by changing a couple of jumpers and the plug on the cord, so a DP switch means not having to change things there)

Charles

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My grandpa used to have a compressor just like that one! I remember the paint sprayer sticker on the side of it. The tank rusted threw, don't think he EVER drained the tank. My dad said it was my uncle's that used to be into painting cars and stuff, he died before I was born drag racing.
 

littletoes

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Nov 9, 2010
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NE Washington
Pulled an old 1924 compressor out that still ran, but nobody was interested in it, so it went to the scrap heap. The cylindrical tank was riveted, but it was used in an old school shop that was "closed" over 20 years ago, so it didn't run much.


Fully synthetic oil isn't compatible with regular oil, and might "clean" the innerds too well in an old compressor, to the point it might make it start leaking around the rings a bit....not positive on that with compressors though!
 

sberry

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Jun 18, 2005
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Brethren, Michigan
The oil doesn't matter much, if it is clean would let it go. Synthetic mixes with other oil, wont hurt a thing. Run it a while and see if it stays together.
 

IowaDon

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Nov 2, 2016
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103
Location
SW IA
That's a cool old compressor. They obviously were built to last as there are a lot of them still out there. I got this Ward's version for $40, a gasket & valve kit was $50 on eBay, now it works great.

The second pic shows the label that backs up what everyone has already said.
 

IowaDon

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Sent from my XT1650 using Tapatalk
 

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Roberts210

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Dec 21, 2015
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Missouri
Do not use detergent or automotive type oil in any compressor. The same additives that make the oil a "detergent" oil, also cause the oil to dry out over time. If you've ever taken apart a compressor that has had automotive oil used in it for a long period of time you will understand.

Oh it will lube just fine--no problem there. But deposits will build up on the head, pistons and valves and eventually spit particles out the air hose.

Here's the head off of my 1978 Monkey Ward (Campbell Hausfeld) 20 gallon unit in as-taken-off condition.

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Here's the head of a compressor that had automotive oil used in it.

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mikegt4

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Sep 12, 2005
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3,292
Location
sw ohio
That cyl. head looks just like my CH pump, screw indentations included.

One of the problems with those old CH/Sears VT pumps was no air filter, just a thin piece of cheap foam which didn't last very long. Lots of dirt cycled through there. Other than that they were pretty durable.
 
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