Where to find Non-detergent oil

[bsaint]

So as many of you know, unless specified by the manufacturer, most recip air compressors should not be filled with oil intended for combustion engines as they contain detergents. A recip will not run hot enough for detergent oil. So far, without going to a compressor house, I can only find Shell 30w ND at Advanced. Anyone else spot it elsewhere?

 

[General Geoff]

walmart usually has straight 30 weight. so does tractor supply.

 

[Warrenator]

Many choices of air compressor oil at Amazon. I usually get it at Home Depot.

 

[jrsulo]

Bought a case on amazon.....was cheap as hell for my 1959 Curtis !!!!

 

[Boilerhouse]

I would follow the manufacture recommendations. My 5 hp CH manual does indeed say NOT to use conventional engine oil, but recommends synthetic 10w 30 such as Mobil 1. So this is what I use.
I have generally found non detergent 30 oil to be fairly readily available, at least around here.

 

[Bigblue&Goldie]

Amazon is where I get mine.

 

[md21722]

Zoro, Grainger, NAPA, local oil distributor, local compressor dealer

NAPA's house air compressor oil is ISO 150 (SAE 40) from Atlas Copco

Zoro has Mobil Rarus 427 which is ISO 100 (SAE 30) about $23/gallon

 

[anndel]

I get mine at City Mill (our local hardware chain), Walmart or Home Depot.

 

[Superbec]

so is there an actual explanation for not using engine oil?

I have 5w30 in 2 of my compressors and they seem to run colder , or at least get hot slower, I didn't made lab experiments just a stopwatch and heat gun.

 

[bob15]

so is there an actual explanation for not using engine oil?

The additive package for compressors are different for compressors and combustion engines.

 

[bob15]

I use this in my IR compressor:

http://www.royalpurpleconsumer.com/products/synfilm-recip-100-reciprocating-air-compressor-oil/

Here is another compressor oil:

http://www.ingersollrandproducts.com/am-en/products/parts/compressed-air-parts-and-accessories/lubricants/small-reciprocating-lubricant-global

 

[PoorOwner]

You can just go to lowes and pickup some kobalt oil. Sears etc. most compressor oil are non detergine


What would the detergine do though?

 

[md21722]

Compressor manufacturers usually state that improper oil level, viscosity, or type can cause oil consumption. Oil consumption can cause carbon build up. There is a documented case where a tank explosion and death occurred. That's reason to watch for carbon and oil build up and take measures not to run pumps that blow oil.

 

[Superbec]

The additive package for compressors are different for compressors and combustion engines.

that's not an explanation....

SAE30 is a generic grade mineral oil , no detergents, no aditives, nothing...

how and why is 5w30 or other synthetic worse than a generic SAE30? ...

 

[BillK]

So far, without going to a compressor house, I can only find Shell 30w ND at Advanced.

I don't understand the problem ? Sounds like you found what you wanted, did you buy it ?

 

[JJThrasher]

Any autoparts store or home improvement store

 

[tool_scrounge]

If memory serves they do not sell it in California any more because folks were using low grade motor oil (no detergent) in their cars and damaging their engines.

 

[NOZZLEMAN]

lawn mower shop

 

[Mechanical Noise]

so is there an actual explanation for not using engine oil?

I have 5w30 in 2 of my compressors and they seem to run colder , or at least get hot slower, I didn't made lab experiments just a stopwatch and heat gun.

As I heard it, the detergents used with mineral oils partially break down in compressor service and leave deposits on the reed valves. This breakdown isn't a problem in combustion engines where the detergents burn completely and go out the exhaust. Synthetic oils don't use these detergents.

 

[bsaint]

I don't understand the problem ? Sounds like you found what you wanted, did you buy it ?

There no option for synthetic ND at Advance. So that's my problem. I don't really want to buy it online as I have to pay for shipping and wait for it. I hate amazon.

Also to reply to some of the other post. Just because it says SAE 30 oil doesn't mean its non detergent. Most of my local autoparts store that sell 30w sell it as a straight weight engine oil. This is not the same as it says on the pack of the package it has additives in it for engines.

 

[bcschief]

Try your local Autozone store I believe they have STP brand 30 weight non detergent motor oil. Also I think Quakerstate still makes 30 weight non detergent motor oil

 

[bsaint]

I use this in my IR compressor:

http://www.royalpurpleconsumer.com/products/synfilm-recip-100-reciprocating-air-compressor-oil/

20.99/qt. Ouch.

 

[M6erfan]

There no option for synthetic ND at Advance. So that's my problem.

Wait, do you want Synthetic ND? If so, you might want to edit your subject line...

Anyway, I've seen ND 30w at Walmart

 

[bob15]

20.99/qt. Ouch.

You can get it for $63 a gallon on Amazon.

How often do you plan on changing the oil? How much do you need?

 

[bob15]

You can also call these guys, they are an oil blender and makers of Oilzum brand oils. Located in Worcester, MA.

http://denlube.com/

 

[brownbagg]

any walmart, convient store, auto parts store, it just straight 30 wt lawnmower oil

 

[bsaint]

Wait, do you want Synthetic ND? If so, you might want to edit your subject line...

Anyway, I've seen ND 30w at Walmart

No, I want more than one option.

 

[bsaint]

any walmart, convient store, auto parts store, it just straight 30 wt lawnmower oil

Lawnmower oil is wrong.

Thanks.

 

[bsaint]

You can get it for $63 a gallon on Amazon.

How often do you plan on changing the oil? How much do you need?

Well it doesn't matter so much how much I change than how much 1 quart of oil is. If I eat a hamburger once in my life, does it merrit me spending $500 on it? When all the other burgers are $5?

 

[chris142]

Every liquer store,dollar store and auto parts store carry nd oil for non knowledgable people to put in their car. Chalet is the most popular nd oil here but there are others.

 

[bob15]

any walmart, convient store, auto parts store, it just straight 30 wt lawnmower oil

You don't run motor oil in an air compressor. Use the correct oil and the compressor will last longer and run cooler.

 

[bob15]

Well it doesn't matter so much how much I change than how much 1 quart of oil is. If I eat a hamburger once in my life, does it merrit me spending $500 on it? When all the other burgers are $5?

How much is the compressor worth? Run cheap non-compressor oil and the compressor life might be shorter than spending a little extra for better oil. I would rather spend a bit more have a better oil for my compressor, no different than people using snap on tools because they are better than the HF specials.

Which tastes better a cube steaks or a rib eye?

Also, look at the pour point of any oil you put in the compressor and think about when you might use it and/or the compressor location. Winters in your location will see negative numbers, so make sure the compressor oil can handle it, if it is in an unheated area.

 

[wmm2]

So as many of you know, unless specified by the manufacturer, most recip air compressors should not be filled with oil intended for combustion engines as they contain detergents. A recip will not run hot enough for detergent oil. So far, without going to a compressor house, I can only find Shell 30w ND at Advanced. Anyone else spot it elsewhere?

Our local Ace hardware had straight 30 oil in both detergent and non-detergent for the same price. It wasn't synthetic, just plain dino oil.

 

[malibu101]

What I have always done at home and seen done at work is run the right thing-
Mobil Rarus 427
http://www.walmart.com/ip/MOBIL-RARUS-427-1-gal.-Air-Compressor-Oil/40885749

The campus I work on has many compressors that see ALOT of run time in older buildings that have leaky pneumatic HVAC control systems.
Their oil change interval is way more hours than would be seen by most homeowner units. While they have some problems here and there, there is never an oil related problem.

 

[OccupantRJ]

Car Quest has it. I buy it regularly for work from them.

 

[M6erfan]

What I have always done at home and seen done at work is run the right thing-
Mobil Rarus 427
http://www.walmart.com/ip/MOBIL-RARUS-427-1-gal.-Air-Compressor-Oil/40885749

The campus I work on has many compressors that see ALOT of run time in older buildings that have leaky pneumatic HVAC control systems.
Their oil change interval is way more hours than would be seen by most homeowner units. While they have some problems here and there, there is never an oil related problem.

Boom! End of thread...

 

[bob15]

Boom! End of thread...

Unless the OP's compressor is in an unheated area and it is going to run in the winter because Mobil 427 has a pour point of 16°F. Personally, my my barn will get colder than that in the dead of winter at night, so if you turn the compressor on first thing in the morning, that oil won't be flowing and lubricating very well.

 

[M6erfan]

Allrighty then, carry on...

 

[BillK]

There no option for synthetic ND at Advance. So that's my problem.

Ok, there was no mention of synthetic in your original post.

By the way, my ancient 10 hp two stage Curtis compressor at the shop has never had any type of special oil put in it. I use whatever we have handy, usually some type of 10W30 non synthetic engine oil. It is at least 30 years old and runs every day all day. It does use some oil but it probably has a gazzilion hours on it.

Just saying,

 

[sberry]

Amsoil or Royal, its worth the extra for a couple reasons but for home use could put it in and forget about it. Nay be good for the life of the unit. Mine is on the 10 year plan and it runs every day. Last time I drained Royal Purp out I almost felt guilty, looked great.