type of compressor oil

[drunkcat]

I just purchased the HF 40400 compressor. Directions call for 30 weight "compressor oil". What is compressor oil and where do I get it?

THANKS!!!

Scott

[monte]

I get mine at the local Ace Hardware. It's supposed to have some special additives needed for compressors.

[Popeye]

For what's it worth the county maint. dept. up here just uses straight 30wt and has for years without any problems. I'm told it's not worth the cost to use "compressor" oil. Pat

[Stytooner]

I have always used 30 wt non detergent oil. It was always easy to get my hands on. Last year I bought the big upight from HD. They suggested Mobil 1. I hate the price, but I like the properties. If you don't want to worry about it, use synthetic.

[newbie2wood]

You can get compressor oil from HD and Lowes. It should be around the compressors or nail gun section. They usually come in small bottles.
________
Hyde Park Residence

[Jim Boyd]

quote:Originally posted by Stytooner

I have always used 30 wt non detergent oil. It was always easy to get my hands on. Last year I bought the big upight from HD. They suggested Mobil 1. I hate the price, but I like the properties. If you don't want to worry about it, use synthetic.

While I was working for Wally World our district came up for compressor replacement. All of the new compressors required synthetic oil. Before we used 30 wt nondetergent Walmart brand motor oil.

[drunkcat]

Thanks, I grabbed some at Lowes just to be on the safe side. There is a statement on the bottle that reads something like "use of motor oils such as 10W 30 will lead to excessive carbon build up and shortened compressor life." I always thought carbon build up (in recip engines) came from fuel not oil, so I'm confused. I'm not sure if there is anything to it or if there just trying to sell a product. They sell a "regular" and synthetic versions.

Scott

[Stick]

quote:Originally posted by drunkcat

Thanks, I grabbed some at Lowes just to be on the safe side. There is a statement on the bottle that reads something like "use of motor oils such as 10W 30 will lead to excessive carbon build up and shortened compressor life." I always thought carbon build up (in recip engines) came from fuel not oil, so I'm confused. I'm not sure if there is anything to it or if there just trying to sell a product. They sell a "regular" and synthetic versions.

Scott

At work we use some really high dollar synthetic compressor oil (runs about $160 a 20 liter pail) and it gets changed every 500 hours. This is on 1000PSIG compressors running some 90 CFM.

At home, my big 2 stage 15hp compressor lives in its own heated shed. I use the same Rotella T 30 weight engine oil that I use in all my tractors and small engines in the summer time. That compressor is older than I am, (46) and according to the original owner, has never been apart. Just the oil changed once a year. he said he went to degergent oil about 35 years ago. Good enough for me.

My little 2hp Craftsman/by Devillbiss compressor has always sat in an unheated shop. In that, I've always used 0W30 engine oil, since it often has to start in -45°C temps. had it for close to 30 years and no problems yet.

I do a lot of mechanical work with air tools, so both of these compressors see a lot of hours.

Now, having typed all that......go with the manufacturer's recommendation. Even the fancy dancy synthetic oil is not going to break you when most home use compressors only take a quart or two once or twice a year.