Compressor Oil cold weather

[Labradorian]

Hi guys

I have a CH portable compressor,it's about 8 gal, on wheels. Can't find a pic of it online. If need be, i can take a pic of compressor when I get home from work.

Anyways when it gets cold in my garage and I fire up the compressor, the oil is thick and the compressor internal circuit breaker trips. The oil in the compressor is what came with it so I don't know if it is synthetic.

1. Is a synthetic oil what I need to start up on these cold days.
2. Is a synthetic GEAR OIL an option for use in a compressor?

I'm in Canada, does anyone recommend a good synthetic compressor oil, or Gear Oil if that is an option.

Thanks

 

[EOC_Jason]

Gear oil would be way too thick...

Synthetics do flow better in cold weather.... I use Amsoil in my compressor... Just their 30W compressor oil.... You could probably run 20W just fine... Don't know about anything lower than that...

 

[Labradorian]

Gear oil would be way too thick...

Synthetics do flow better in cold weather.... I use Amsoil in my compressor... Just their 30W compressor oil.... You could probably run 20W just fine... Don't know about anything lower than that...

Thanks EOC_Jason

 

[ford33]

I switched the oil in my small 20 gallon Campbell-Hausfeld compressor to Amsoil Synthetic ISO-100 SAE-30/40 compressor oil a few years ago. My compressor sits outside under cover in Chicago winters. It starts slower on very cold days but always runs and doesn't trip the dedicated breaker.

If you go to the CH website support section the following statement appears about oil to use:

"We recommend SAE-30, non-detergent, true compressor oil which CH sells in a 1-pint bottle, part number ST125308AV or 1 gallon size, part number ST1267. We also now recommend the usage of 10W-30 Full synthetic automotive oil. All CH pumps will have either a dipstick or a sight gauge to indicate the proper oil level."

 

[Denwood]

I've been using 10w30 synthetic for quite some time now. Both of my compressors see very cold temps in the -20C range operating.

 

[the gypsy]

Home Depot has synthetic compressor oil under the Dewalt brand. call to make sure they have in stock. They also have cold pneumatic tool oil, call to verify stock.

http://www.homedepot.ca/wcsstore/HomeDepotCanada/images/catalog/D55001_4.jpg

 

[rlitman]

Gear oil would be way too thick...

Gear oil is rated on a different viscosity scale than motor oil. 75W90 gear oil is about the same thickness as 10W40 motor oil.

Anyway, I use Mobil 1 5W30 in my compressor, and have no issues in the winter. I see absolutely no point in spending mega bucks on synthetic "compressor" oil on a standard piston compressor (single or dual stage). Unless you have something special like a scroll compressor, any non-detergent motor oil will be fine, and a good synthetic motor oil is a good winter upgrade.

 

[pattenp]

Gear oil is rated on a different viscosity scale than motor oil. 75W90 gear oil is about the same thickness as 10W40 motor oil.

Anyway, I use Mobil 1 5W30 in my compressor, and have no issues in the winter. I see absolutely no point in spending mega bucks on synthetic "compressor" oil on a standard piston compressor (single or dual stage). Unless you have something special like a scroll compressor, any non-detergent motor oil will be fine, and a good synthetic motor oil is a good winter upgrade.

Here's a comparison chart.....

 

[pattenp]

Get a oil sump heating pad.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Air-Compres...NEW-/180756469329?hash=item2a15ecd651&vxp=mtr

You should use one anyway if you're operating the compressor at temps below 32F.


*

 

[Labradorian]

Thanks Everyone, Great info. I don't know what's in my compressor right now but Im planning on changing it soon.

cheers

 

[Labradorian]

Here's a comparison chart.....

I just might print this out and place it on the wall of my garage.....

 

[theoldwizard1]

I've been using 10w30 synthetic for quite some time now. Both of my compressors see very cold temps in the -20C range operating.

Modern full synthetic engine oils are great for many other applications including piston compressor and high pressure pressure washer pumps.

 

[Radio Ron w4ron]

I have the exact same problem with my air compressor.
I plan to put the Mobile 1 5W30 in it, now what's the best way
to get the old oil out, just pul the plug, lay it over and let it run out?

 

[EOC_Jason]

Just pull the plug and have a funnel ready. If it's standard NPT thread you can add a short piece of pipe on the end with either a cap or ball-valve to make oil changes easier in the future.

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

Get a oil sump heating pad.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Air-Compres...NEW-/180756469329?hash=item2a15ecd651&vxp=mtr

You should use one anyway if you're operating the compressor at temps below 32F.


*

I didn't know about those. Good idea. I used a battery blanket wrapped around the compressor head for years. Plug it in 15 minutes before firing it up worked great for years.

 

[CNGsaves]

Had an old compressor that didn't want to run in cold . . . likely reason thick old oil !! Solution in a pinch was hang a trouble light with 100w Edison bulb shining on the crankcase to raise temperature of oil.

Lots of people run Mobile 1 as their go-to compressor oil. The Mobile 1 brand 5w/30 will remain viscous down to low temps.

+1 on the heating blanket.

 

[jvitez]

http://www.amsoil.com/shop/by-product/compressor-oil/

Lots of viscosity choices.

 

[zkling]

10w ND, change out to 30w ND in summer

 

[Labradorian]

I've been using 10w30 synthetic for quite some time now. Both of my compressors see very cold temps in the -20C range operating.

Nice setup you got there

 

[Labradorian]

Had an old compressor that didn't want to run in cold . . . likely reason thick old oil !! Solution in a pinch was hang a trouble light with 100w Edison bulb shining on the crankcase to raise temperature of oil.

Lots of people run Mobile 1 as their go-to compressor oil. The Mobile 1 brand 5w/30 will remain viscous down to low temps.

+1 on the heating blanket.

My compressor oil is old for sure, It's never been changed, compressor does not get used much and must be 6 or 7 years old. It's over due I know.

Thanks for all comments

cheers

 

[the gypsy]

Thank you rlitman, for your info. Next time I will not spend all that money on the Dewalt syn. oil when the Mobil1 5W30 will do.

 

[rlitman]

I have the exact same problem with my air compressor.
I plan to put the Mobile 1 5W30 in it, now what's the best way
to get the old oil out, just pul the plug, lay it over and let it run out?

Depends on how yours fills. Probably just put your funnel in place and pull the plug.

I didn't know about those. Good idea. I used a battery blanket wrapped around the compressor head for years. Plug it in 15 minutes before firing it up worked great for years.

I wouldn't bother. With a synthetic oil being sufficiently thin in cold weather, the compressor will start just fine. Compressors generate plenty of heat when running anyway (due to the physics of adiabatic compression of air).

 

[macgyver37]

I had to crank up the pressure a tad on mine to run my cnc machine and when it drops below 40F it won't go ahead a start. I had been running straight 30wt non detergent for years but I put in some 20w compressor oil and that helped a little but I ended up putting a 150w light aimed at it and that was enough to keep it warm enough to start when I gets too cold.
I have a big compressor I am rebuilding and once it is running I'll take this one home and baby it.
I was always told to run straight weight non detergent oil in things like compressors as there are additives in the multi viscosity oils that aren't designed for compressor use.

 

[Fixnair]

I've been repairing compressors for 50 + years and have always used ISO 32 in temps up to 100*. Be careful with cold temps. Most homeowner compressors are splash lubricated and as such the oil must splash into the upper areas of the piston to lubricate the wrist pin. Gear oils are specifically formulated to be cohesive and not splash. Gear oils get distributed by following the gear train.
One result of using too heavy an oil is the wrist pin wears out rapidly.
Automotive oils, while OK for lubrication purposes, contain additives which are detrimental to air compressors. They foul the valves and plug the vents in the pistol/rings. Hydraulic oil contain anti wear agents, rust, foam and anti- oxidants. That's all you need in a reciprocating air compressor
For more than you ever wanted to know about oils go to "Bob is the oil guy.com".

 

[TractorJeff]

If mine needs to run on the weekend, I just plug it in and go!
Why?
Because it sits all winter with the tank empty and unplugged!
Zero starting load except the cold oil issue.
I have 30 psi in a couple of minutes if I need to due a tire fill midweek so it is no big deal.

 

[pcmeiners]

Compressor oil comparison.....
I went with amsoil
http://wpc.1c96.edgecastcdn.net/001...ves/g1592-2005-archived-05-28-2013/index.html

 

[Davefr]

I've been repairing compressors for 50 + years and have always used ISO 32 in temps up to 100*. Be careful with cold temps. Most homeowner compressors are splash lubricated and as such the oil must splash into the upper areas of the piston to lubricate the wrist pin. Gear oils are specifically formulated to be cohesive and not splash. Gear oils get distributed by following the gear train.
One result of using too heavy an oil is the wrist pin wears out rapidly.
Automotive oils, while OK for lubrication purposes, contain additives which are detrimental to air compressors. They foul the valves and plug the vents in the pistol/rings. Hydraulic oil contain anti wear agents, rust, foam and anti- oxidants. That's all you need in a reciprocating air compressor
For more than you ever wanted to know about oils go to "Bob is the oil guy.com".

Good info!!

I have some surplus John Deere Hy Guard hydraulic/hydrostatic fluid rated at ISO 32. I take it that would be OK for a compressor?

 

[petee_c]

My compressor oil is old for sure, It's never been changed, compressor does not get used much and must be 6 or 7 years old. It's over due I know.

Thanks for all comments

cheers

Lab,

I'm surprised that a 8 gallon Campbell Hausfield compressor would used an oiled compressor.

Most smaller CH compressors I've seen are direct drive oil less ones. Maybe something changed.

My compressor had a hard time starting from cold as well unless the pump has already warmed up. It will get going from 0 psi fine. I try to remember to shut off the compressor after use in the winter too.

I'll research synthetic compressor oils. Mine is probably a 30+ yr old champion compressor.

 

[Labradorian]

Lab,

I'm surprised that a 8 gallon Campbell Hausfield compressor would used an oiled compressor.

Most smaller CH compressors I've seen are direct drive oil less ones. Maybe something changed.

My compressor had a hard time starting from cold as well unless the pump has already warmed up. It will get going from 0 psi fine. I try to remember to shut off the compressor after use in the winter too.

I'll research synthetic compressor oils. Mine is probably a 30+ yr old champion compressor.

Yeah, looks like CH might have steered away from this type, i Don't know, Here is a pic of the compressor. *8 gallon with oil.

thanks

 

[Fixnair]

Yes Dave, that oil will work well in your compressor. If your ambients get much over 100* I would drain the oil & refill with some ISO 46 hydraulic oil.
I know there are several very good oils for air compressors but geeez this ain't no race motor. It's only an air compressor. Hydraulic oil is inexpensive and will give years of trouble Free life to your compressor.