New IR SS5L5 Compressor questions

[up4speed]

Hi guys,
I wrote in about my compressor on a few other threads. It finally got delivered a few weeks ago, but it was damaged and I had to refuse delivery. Well, the replacement came today, and it looks good, but I started to set it up and noticed that when I added oil to the crankcase, it turned BLACK!! it looks like oil that was in it for years. I ran it to make sure everything was fine, but I still have to break it in by running it without load. I will do that tomorrow. I just wanted to know, is it normal for the oil to be black from new? The color from the oil bottle was a very light gold color (synthetic). By the time I filled the crank case I couldn't see through the oil!!! Did yours look like that when it was new, or was it see through in the sight glass?

One more question. Is it ok to leave pressure in the tank, or should I drain it after every use? I will only use it every now and then, not every day.

 

[Charles (in GA)]

I think you are seeing an optical illusion. The oil appears black in the sight glass due to the lack of back lighting and the dark crankcase. Poke your pinkie in the fill hole and get some oil on it, I think you will find it hasn't changed a bit.

There is no good reason to completely discharge a tank after use, it is a waste of electricity and wear and tear on the compressor. Leave it pumped up, close the outlet ball valve and turn it off. I don't even turn mine off, but I use it nearly every day. If I go out of town, I turn it off (electrically) and also shut off and unplug everything else in the shop and house I can.

Charles

 

[bgott]

The air doesn't spoil if it's left in the tank. Crack the valve on the bottom regularly to let the water out, you did install an elbow, extension pipe and a ball valve in the bottom drain, didn't you?

 

[up4speed]

Thanks guys. The reason I asked is because the background is silver in the crankcase, so I thought it would look silver like other compressors that I've seen in the stores. I have alot of light in my garage, so I expected it to be clear as well. Tonight I'll take a better look. As far as the drain, I did extend it with a ball valve to give me easy access. I was just concerned because the owners manual said to drop the pressure to 20 psi. Then drain the water after every use.

 

[up4speed]

Oh wait, now you have me guessing about the silver background????

 

[benjamming]

What difference does it make if the oil turned black? That is normal for oil. Now if it is thick, etc. then you may have to take a look.

BTW, what oil did you use?

Heck, if you can't sleep well, change it out after a few hours of use.

 

[up4speed]

I used ingersoll Rand synthetic oil. I never heard of oil getting black with 4 minutes of use!! If I had 40 hours, that would be a different story. I have a feeling it's what Charles said about being a dark background. I'll check the actual oil when I get home.

 

[A_Pmech]

What Charles said...

 

[up4speed]

yep,
It's what Charles said. I put my pinky in, and sure enough it's the color it came out of the bottle!! now I feel better
I finished the break in and she's ready to use.
thanks again guys!