Compressor oil question

[reman]

Hello everyone............I have a FS Curtis ES50 air compressor that needs an oil change. Just for info purposes, this is a large 3 cylinder , single stage unit. I do not have an easy access to Curtis' branded oil which of course they recommend. I am wondering what I may get at Walmart or a local auto parts that would be just as good. I am guessing non-detergent? What weight? I live in Florida so the climate is mild to hot. What say you gurus? Thanks

 

[K'ledgeBldr]

Gotta HF near by?

Or, just order on-line from whomever you fill comfortable with.

 

[reman]

I do have a HF. But is compressor oil, compressor oil, just compressor oil? Or, are there different grades and varieties?

 

[K'ledgeBldr]

Most "compressor oil" is a non-detergent SAE30. Cold climates usually go SAE20.

I know that screw compressor manufacturers recommend synthetic.

 

[lalojamesliz]

I bought this for the 2 stage 80 gallon i just got and for $11 shipped.
It's small change compared to the other stuff I bought for my compressor...
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01LZBNQ9W/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[jwasser]

I use Royal Purple Synfilm Recip 100 Reciprocating air compressor oil. Change yearly no more gray sludge when changing oil. It is expensive but so are new compressors.

 

[MarineScott]

My one uses SAE 20, and my other I use Mobil 1 10W40

 

[matt_i]

IR and Quincy...two that I know about...add additional factory warranty if one purchases their synthetic oil "startup kit". Those are synthetic oils. But I wouldn't worry about using them in a Curtis.

I feel like M1 (automotive engine oil) is not a good choice long-term as the "detergency" is a property to entrain particles and carry them to the filter....and most of us are using splash lube compressors with no filters. It is a relatively clean environment without all of the hydrocarbon-crusties that get dumped into the oil side of an IC engine.

One can also purchase Mobil Rarus oil which I think it similar to the top versions.

Personally I'd rather "set it and forget it" and get the higher cost synthetic and not have to mess with it for the next 20 years.

 

[The Tool Tyrant]

I use Royal Purple Synfilm Recip 100 Reciprocating air compressor oil. Change yearly no more gray sludge when changing oil. It is expensive but so are new compressors.

X2 Cheap insurance, especially if you rely on your compressor to keep the doors open.

 

[Robbie B]

Hello everyone............I have a FS Curtis ES50 air compressor that needs an oil change. Just for info purposes, this is a large 3 cylinder , single stage unit. I do not have an easy access to Curtis' branded oil which of course they recommend. I am wondering what I may get at Walmart or a local auto parts that would be just as good. I am guessing non-detergent? What weight? I live in Florida so the climate is mild to hot. What say you gurus? Thanks

You’d need to know the viscosity of the oil before you even tried to get an equal. Looking on their site it seem compressor oil is rated like automotive oil. At work we use Aeon 9001 oil in both our Sullaire and the old Quincy we replaced recently. I can try to get in touch with my boss and see where he was getting our oil from but since we got the new compressor we have them service both of them now.


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[double-d]

I have a industrial Curtis 5VT8 three cylinder/three stage.

Curtis recommended I use SAE20 non-detergent ISO68 oil for my moderate temperature.
Particularly=
Chevron Turbine GST ISO68, Texaco Regal 68N or Shell Clavis #33

I am using a full synthetic, non-detergent, ISO68 oil from Lube-V in ISO68 for which Curtis says will work perfectly.
Since I only run synthetic oils in my "stuff", I went that route.

 

[bob15]

I used to use royal purple until it turned into a slurpie in the cold weather one winter. Won't ever touch their stuff again. I've had good luck with Schaeffer 158 compressor oil, in both hot & cold weather.

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&ved=2ahUKEwiWofrtgfXoAhW8lnIEHb7tCqEQFjAAegQIARAB&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.schaefferoil.com%2Fdocuments%2F56-158-td.pdf&usg=AOvVaw3hA7kGQtZybO7rDLzK137L

 

[reman]

Many thanks to you guys for all the responses. A lot of good info provided. I think my question is answered..........30 weight non detergent. I thought that was probably correct but I wanted some assurance from others. I don't know the age of my comp. unit. Is it good or not good to change an older unit to synthetic from dino oil? I remember a time when we were told to not change a car over if it had significant miles on it.

 

[sberry]

It doesn't have feelings and won't know. I have used royal but Amsoil last time. There is now a lot of oil, so many dealers. I am inclined to use a synthetic, they have c such a long life and could be good for the life of the unit. I am with the set it and forget gang.
I can't even remember the last change, nice and clear and got to be in the 10 year + range and mine runs some every day. Likely won't do it again unless it needs other service.

 

[SCWOOD]

Home depot has it semi and full synthetic.

 

[kald]

Lowes has an ISO 100(30wt) full syn I have been using.