Routing air compressor intake outside. Minimum operating tempurature?

[jwest7788]

Hey everyone.

Recently bought a 5HP 60gal CH air compressor.

I'm hoping to route the intake somewhere that I do not have to listen to it as much. (Noisy)

Outside is the obvious choice, but in my manual it states a -5C minimum safe operating tempurature.

My area can see -40C during the winter, and I want to confirm that this super cold intake air can't cause any issues with the pump etc.

In particular I fear thermal shock could be an issue, hot pump, cold air, etc.

Thoughts?

 

[sberry]

I doubt there is a problem with the cold air but the crankcase is most of the issue. Having it start suddenly with thick oil and parts shrunk is not good. **** simply breaks in cold weather.

 

[sberry]

Seems like cold dense dry air would be the ultimate but that doesn't mean its a great idea for the whole unit to be froze. I avoid a lot of cold work in the winter for that kind of reason, I hate to start really cold machinery if I don't have to. I have old beater plow truck but when the temp really heads south I park in heated garage.
I didn't park from last time in cold weather and don't have to start out in a truck covered in snow been sitting all night at 10 degrees.
Imagine cold starting your car at those temps and floor it to wide open throttle under load in a few revolutions.

 

[sberry]

Also any kind of wall between it to knock off some peak helps a lot. Even 3 sides. I have got a little more slack over the years and don't notice it so much but its baffled enough its not annoying. right now have a huge piece of cardboard bent around it making it a 3/4 enclosure.