Oil type for Air Compressor in Cold

[pony]

Just wondering. I have a 20 Gal 5HP twin cylinder air compressor that takes the usual air compressor oil in the pump. My question is do I change the oil or oil viscosity since my compressor is in my shed and it'll get to -20 this winter? Also much oil do I put in the pump, half way up the bubble?

Sort of like this one but not as nice

 

[Uncle Buck]

That is my compressor, but mine has the name Puma on the side of the tank, as it is marked on the pump. It is supposed to be a low end Quincy compressor. Call your local compressor company, they will know.

 

[NSXSOON]

I have a Champion Advantage 80 gallon 5 hp 2 stage and I use Mobil 1 10w-30w High Endurance motor oil in it. I live in a warm area (Florida) so cold temps are not a problem but full synthetics like Mobil 1 have much better viscosity properties (read stay thinner) at low temps. Mobil 1 makes a 0w-50w as well that would work better for your application and it's available at WalMart. I know it is over kill for a compressor that only runs at 880 rpm (most run at 1500 rpm or so) but it takes less than 2 quarts to fill it to the middle of the sight glass so the cost is not a big issue. Mobil 1 High Endurance has extra additives for anti foaming etc. that allow it to be used in cars that have 15,000 mile oil change intervals from the factory. You may want to consider this as an option.

 

[GearHead_1]

5W30 would be a good choice in cold climates. Straight 30W would be better once it warms up.

 

[kartracer55]

My eaton has a stickt that says to never ever use motor oil in the compressor. Mobile1 Rarus 427 is the stuff many brands recomend. I also read online all the dangers of using motor oil.

Jim

 

[NSXSOON]

My eaton has a stickt that says to never ever use motor oil in the compressor. Mobile1 Rarus 427 is the stuff many brands recomend. I also read online all the dangers of using motor oil.

Jim

Jim is correct thatnormal petrolium based motor oil should never be used in a compressor. He is also right that Mobil 1 Rarus 427 is highly recomended by the best manufactures. Perto based motor oil has ash in it and sould not be used. On the other hand full synthetics like Mobil 1 motor oil contain no ash and are an accptable alternitive to the hard to find Mobil 1 Rarus 427.

Mike

 

[kartracer55]

Jim is correct thatnormal petrolium based motor oil should never be used in a compressor. He is also right that Mobil 1 Rarus 427 is highly recomended by the best manufactures. Perto based motor oil has ash in it and sould not be used. On the other hand full synthetics like Mobil 1 motor oil contain no ash and are an accptable alternitive to the hard to find Mobil 1 Rarus 427.

Mike

Even if its not Rarus 427(an awesome chevy motor might i add ) Any name brand compressor oil should work, as long as its not from harbor ****. I have heard that gear oil can also be run, but you need to change it alot more often because moisture can get in, and gear oil turns that milky white color when it has water in it.

Jim

 

[pony]

Cool, thanks for the tips. This is my first good compressor and I have nearly zip for knowledge on it yet. I ask these questions not to challenge anyones answers more to better understand.

kartracer55

"Any name brand compressor oil should work"

That's what I am using but just wondering about temperature range. The pumps shouldn't get overly hot yet it will start out cold. To cold for the oil to be effective untill pump warms? I run synthetic (Mobile 1) on my good engines, I suppose I should for the compressor too.

GearHead_1

"5W30 would be a good choice in cold climates. Straight 30W would be better once it warms up."

This is what I use in my engine for the winter but wouldn't the heat generated in a compressor pump be far less than a combustion engine? Would the oil even get to 30W with the heat generated?

 

[kartracer55]

Well Like was mentioned, dont use automotive oil, because it has all sorts of additives in it. Any synthetic compressor oil should work, as synthetics have amuch higher temp range than castor oils. The back of the bottle should give you the minimum temperature range it can be used in. And Yes, an engine will get hotter internally than a compressor, but after the compressor has cycled a few times, it can get pretty damn warm as well.

Jim

 

[Jared]

I heard you can use atf aswell

 

[pony]

Cool, thanks for the info.

 

[Elroy]

I heard you can use atf aswell

And you heard this from who? The guy rebuilding your compressor so you can come back next spring.

Leave the ATF in the transmission and use "Air Compressor" oil.