Compressor Oil

[Buford T. Justice]

I did a search and surprisingly didnt find the answer. I'm pretty sure I saw the thread before but am wondering can I use Briggs & Stratton SAE 30 in my compressor or must I specifically use "compressor oil" which ultimately is SAE 30?

 

[J Persons]

My CH compressor originally called for non detergent 30 wt and that's what I used for about 15 years, until I saw that CH markets a compressor oil. I picked up a quart at Walmart, but it's been too soon to know if it's any good or not.

 

[PT Doc]

Read up a bit on this forum about this. This is asked quite a bit and there have been thorough discussions that will answer this question and give you more info that you wanted to know.

 

[Buford T. Justice]

Read up a bit on this forum about this. This is asked quite a bit and there have been thorough discussions that will answer this question and give you more info that you wanted to know.

I searched and somehow didn't find any...that's why I asked.

 

[Falcon67]

I use 30wt non detergent. You do not want regular 30wt - detergents keep debris in suspension and in a compressor with no oil circulation, you don't want that.

 

[Buford T. Justice]

I use 30wt non detergent. You do not want regular 30wt - detergents keep debris in suspension and in a compressor with no oil circulation, you don't want that.

Thanks, that's what I was looking for.

 

[SteveU]

I searched and somehow didn't find any...that's why I asked.

I use Amsoil PCK which is a ISO 100 synthetic compressor oil. My compressor sits in an unheated space where it can get from below 0*F to 100*F and with this oil is capable of running anywhere between these two extremes. If you are going to use regular oil go with a non-detergent oil but if your compressor is kept where it is unheated I would use a synthetic.

 

[CaseyJoes.]

Sears sells compressor oil for a reasonable price. If I remember correctly it was 20wt?

 

[Buford T. Justice]

Great, I appreciate the info. Thanks guys-

 

[AbitNutz]

I bought Ingersoll-Rand oil at Tractor Supply for my IR.

 

[socapots]

Good topic. Thanks to the orignal poster for asking.

I use Amsoil PCK which is a ISO 100 synthetic compressor oil. My compressor sits in an unheated space where it can get from below 0*F to 100*F and with this oil is capable of running anywhere between these two extremes. If you are going to use regular oil go with a non-detergent oil but if your compressor is kept where it is unheated I would use a synthetic.

This is something i was thinking about as well. Temps can get pretty cold up where i am. And the shop is not heated all the time.

 

[AbitNutz]

This is why my compressor is in my basement, under the stairs that lead to the garage. I'm not sure how much of a difference but it makes me feel better.

 

[SteveU]

This is something i was thinking about as well. Temps can get pretty cold up where i am. And the shop is not heated all the time.

The only time mine is heated is when I am out there working on something, the rest of the time it is pretty much ambient temp.

 

[Gary S]

I use Amsoil PCK which is a ISO 100 synthetic compressor oil. My compressor sits in an unheated space where it can get from below 0*F to 100*F and with this oil is capable of running anywhere between these two extremes. If you are going to use regular oil go with a non-detergent oil but if your compressor is kept where it is unheated I would use a synthetic.

I fully agree. Synthetics don't thicken nearly as much as petroleum oils in cold weather, so you get quicker cold weather starts and better lubrication when cold. On the other end, it handles much higher temperatures without breaking down than petroleum oils.
I run synthetic in both my compressors for that reason. I also heat my shop only when I'm working in it, so my compressors need to be all weather tools. Synthetic oil does that for me.

 

[richashley]

My Husky compressor (which has a Campbell Hausefield data plate) recommends 30 weight compressor oil or 10W-30 synthetic. I've opted to use the synthetic because the detached garage is generally heated only when I'm out there. I change it once a year.