Oil for old compressor

[bluthndr]

Curious what you guys would recommend for my 1940s Gardner Denver and a slightly newer similar compressor. Both are two stage two cylinder reciprocating piston design. Service literature is long gone, and all the ISO numbers and available weights just add to the confusion for me.

 

[Gary S]

I use only synthetic compressor oil in both my compressors (not motor oil). Synthetic lasts much longer than petroleum oil, so it is actually cheaper as well as a better lubricant.

 

[bluthndr]

That was my plan, just not sure what ISO number or grade to use.

 

[stonesfan68]

Gardner-Denver undoubtedly makes a synthetic compressor oil, as does Anderol and Ingersoll-Rand (T30 Select All Seasons). It won't be cheap - $20/quart, but it will work very well in reciprocating compressors and extends the life of the machine. Just be sure to use compressor oil, not automotive oil. The detergents in automotive oil will gum up the works in a hurry!

 

[Outlawmws]

Synthetic or dyno, the equivalent of a 30 wt non detergent is a safe bet for an older compressor.

 

[Gary S]

http://www.amsoil.com/a/Synthetic-Compressor-Oil-Lubricants

Amsoil says their ISO46 is 20 wt, and their ISO100 is 30/40 wt.

30/40 wt is best for warmer temp operation while the 20 wt is probably better for low temperature operation.

 

[SVE Performance]

Royal Purple also makes an air compressor synthetic oil .I use it in my Westinghouse air compressor. Bill

 

[olytdi]

non-detergent is the key.

 

[bluevenom867]

If cost is a concern, any decent 64 AW hydraulic oil should work well. Non detergent oil is recommended, but has anyone tried using oil such as Aeroshell?

 

[Boomer343]

My first portable air compressor was purchased in 1982. Made in Italy and it would push 120 psi easily. It got stored and transported in the cold so the original 30 weight oil was pretty stiff. You don't make money waiting for a compressor to work and even warming it with a propane torch took time. Not sure when I switched to synthetic 10w 30 engine oil but it continues to run on it to this day with no issues. Your experience may vary...btw even when cold the compressor would fire right up on the multi weight oil....time is money.

 

[Charles (in GA)]

Campbell Hausfeld recommends Mobil I in their compressors.

The problem with using synthetic is that vapor of it goes downstream and the polycarbonates used in many water separator bowls, will react to it and crack.

Charles