Vacuum pump oil - more or less the same?

[Pwaley]

Hi fellas, I just pony'd up for a brand new JB Platinum DV-85N vacuum pump.

Not sure if this pump includes a bottle of JB's very own 'Black Gold'. Do I absolutely need to use JB Black Gold or is Supercool's vacuum pump oil every bit as good?

 

[98ssuck]

Never cared what brand oil went in my pump. They all get a tight system down to 500 microns.

 

[danski0224]

Amsoil has a synthetic compressor oil that is the same viscosity and my pump runs much cooler.

 

[magicrat]

Same only time I’ve ever noticed the difference is when your level is a little bit low. Oh and vacuum pumps are filled properly they work tremendously better obviously

 

[bonneyman]

Vacuum pump oils have to have a very low vapor pressure to avoid "evaporating" at the extreme lower end of the machine operating envelope. You can't have it to thick or it'll drag the pump. Too thin and it won't seal properly. Thus all the different manufacturers come up with their own proprietary blend of base oils to accomplish the job. (Just like motor oil manufacturers do). Which brand you use is entirely up to you.
Another things most techs overlook is you should change your vacuum pump oil after every job. You're sucking out heavens knows what when you pull a vacuum on a system - the oil is made to hold those contaminants in suspension but it then sits in the pump once you're done. (And that acidic residue corrodes internal parts).
You're performing a service to the customer (if using the pump for commercial purposes) - change the oil each job and add a fee for the change. Unless you want to haul the customers sludge away for free.

 

[Ohmthis]

I think everyone has nailed it. I use either black gold or YJ premium vacuum pump oil. It depends on which supply house I’m at when I need it. Bonneyman is a bullseye, replace it after every time you use it. I do this mainly because it pulls a vacuum faster and deeper, to me time is money. I buy the gallon sized ones and have it handy. I’ve had a larger system (10 tons) that had been left open for a little while. I replaced the oil 3 times to finally get a vacuum down to 200 microns. I eventually pulled to 75, but would never have gotten close if I hadn’t changed the oil. A big tale tale sign is when the oil gets cloudy. It’s got too much moisture/contamination in it and needs to be replaced.

 

[Pwaley]

Thanks for the information guys. Sounds like I can use any premium brand vac pump oil, just replace after every use for optimal results and maintaining pump life.