Champion R15b oil level

[Mamrak76]

To all,
I have been using this forum for extensive assistance as I needed to replace my home shop compressor. So I am a long time listener, first time caller. I got so much good information from here about compressor and the r15b specifically. I bought a Champion R15b on an 80 gallon tank. It is a custom retiree built compressor and in immaculate condition. I know from previous experience that when you buy something used you change the oil out. So I read that the oil capiacity is 2qts. I ordered 2qts of champlube and filled it up. It was about 1/16 from the top of the sightglass. Here's the problem, growing up my Dad always taught me that on anything with an oil sight glass, the middle is the correct level. Also at my work we have a speedaire 3z182 which looks identical to an r30. It's oil sight glass has a line in the middle. My r15b has no line in the middle. I called Champion and the lady I talked to said she didn't have any experience with this question and said it calls for 2 qts then that's what you put in. I thought the middle was correct. On a vehicle you go by the dipstick because you can never drain every drop out. But when I drained my compressor I looked and I got all but about 1/8 ounce out. Any suggestions on what the proper level is ?

 

[bastage]

I also thought it was supposed to be the middle.

 

[CNGsaves]

Definitely do not want it overfull. I'd say run it at middle oil level until it gets to full operating temperature for a while. Then check it next day after it fully cools off.

Brand new Champion oil in nice Champion 80 gal compressor . . . . .
. . . . . I'd say you're LIVING GOOD !!!

Welcome to GJ also. There are a slew of great info and guys/gals here.

P.S. Free software IrFanView lets you manipulate/rotate PICs so that they appear correctly once uploaded to GJ.

 

[sberry]

It wont likely be over full to the top of the glass. If it was immaculately built you wasted some effort changing the oil. Its work you did based on the assumption you always heard you did it? Drain a little out if you want to be a fussy type. I check the oil level yearly and don't have to add in a decade service itnervals.
If the oil was or is messy, got water in it, discolored then it needs changed when you bought it.

 

[Mamrak76]

ok thanks for the tips! I will keep an eye on the oil and I timed it from cut in at 135 to 175 is 1 minute and 9 seconds. I think that is reasonable for me

 

[CNGsaves]

^ ^ ^ What is the fill time for 80 gal from empty ??

 

[md21722]

New from the factory they are dead in the middle. I would use a turkey baster and **** some out. The difference is probably because the bottom end doesn't drain completely using the drain pipe. Champ Lube is of course the factory stuff, but Mobil Rarus 427 is cheaper and works very well also.

 

[Mamrak76]

Ok I can get the pump up times for you. I changed the oil because it was sitting for an unknown amount of time and although the crankcase was very clean on the inside and the oil was clean I thought 25 dollars of oil was worth it to change it. I put in exactly 2 quarts and it was to the top. I read that overfilling a compressor was a no no. Now that it's changed I should be good for the next ten years!

 

[IowaDon]

Where did the previous owner have it filled to?

Sent from my XT1650 using Tapatalk

 

[doogdoog]

My 47 year old compressor came with a sight glass and it was filled just to the top of the sight glass. The tag on the compressor said to use non detergent oil so maybe your compressor had non detergent oil in it.

 

[Mamrak76]

When I drained it, the level was in the middle.

 

[Mamrak76]

^ ^ ^ What is the fill time for 80 gal from empty ??

The time from empty is 6 mins and 47 seconds to 175 psi

 

[sberry]

That thing is like new, it's just fine, drive it.

 

[The Tool Tyrant]

Manual isn't much help as it states, "Fill crankcase to proper level as indicated by oil sight glass" and at another location it states "Maintain oil level at the full line". I do know that when I changed mine (2 qts.), it comes just a fuzz above halfway in the sight glass.

Is your compressor level in both directions?

 

[Mamrak76]

I checked it today and it is level in both directions. I hear some suggestions of middle and some of top. I guess we will never know the long term effects. I will keep it a little above the middle line and split the difference.

 

[CNGsaves]

The time from empty is 6 mins and 47 seconds to 175 psi (for 80 gal tank)

That thing is like new, it's just fine, drive it.

^ ^ ^ Damn . . . . that's no doubt. That Champion is in fine shape . . . .
. . . . . . . . . 175 psi in 80 gal
tank in under 7 minutes from empty . . ?? . . EXCELLENT !!!

OP . . . if you EVER get tired on that compressor . . .
. . . . . . . . let me know, and I'll drive right over and pick it up from you !!

 

[CNGsaves]

Here's PIC with proper orientation . . . for posterity sake . . . .
. . . . and just because . . . that's a NICE compressor !!

Immediate improvement needed is ditch the dinky curly cue 1/4" line. Put in proper airline system of Copper or Black Pipe Steel w/ drops around the shop !!

/Champion envy

 

[Mamrak76]

I appreciate the adjustments on the pictures! Here a pic of my set up. The curly cue is used as shown for a dedicated blow gun only. Because I'm lazy and don't want to unhook my tools and use the blow gun. But I will keep your offer in mind! I drove up to indy and bought this from an old guy that's retired from IR. he bought this from another old guy who bought the pump new.the original owner bought this with the intentions of mounting but he got sick and never did. Here's what I've plumbed up so far for my hose reel and eventually a blast cabinet!

 

[Mamrak76]

Here's PIC with proper orientation . . . for posterity sake . . . .
. . . . and just because . . . that's a NICE compressor !!

Immediate improvement needed is ditch the dinky curly cue 1/4" line. Put in proper airline system of Copper or Black Pipe Steel w/ drops around the shop !!

/Champion envy

Heres the pic. I got a 100fter with regulator, and a high pressure 3/8 and 1/4

 

[Mamrak76]

And that is 1/2 black pipe

 

[EOC_Jason]

Every compressor I've seen with a sight-glass was always in the middle.

 

[Trey T]

awesome pump!!!

 

[Mamrak76]

Straight from champions tech department.

"The full mark is in the middle of the window. Which should be aligned with the bottom thread of the full plug."

I am glad for the reinforcement from Champion. I got good answers from them the second time around. Talked with a lady that had been there for 38 years. She knows a lot about compressors. Also I assumed (wrong) that full would be the top thread of the fill plug. So for future references it is in the middle to the bottom thread of the fill plug. I really appreciate all the comments and compliments!!