[Shop-talk] Compressor Oil

Sat Jan 6 06:28:04 MST 2024

HI Moose,

Surprised to hear that there was sludge in the oil when you drained it; I
have not experienced that when changing my oil.

I also thank you for posting this message as it reminded me that I have not
changed the oil in my compressor for a long time and need to look for oil.

I saw this Quincy article on compressor oil options, but it does sound like
compressor oil mainly needs to be non-detergent to eliminate carbon
build-up (I never could understand why automotive engine oil would create
carbon in a compressor which I have to believe runs at a much
lower temperature than a compressor, but that is their statement), but also:

   - Heat absorption: Air compressor oil absorbs the heat produced from
   compressed air, thereby keeping the compressor at a cooler temperature.
   - Oxidation resistance: Air compressor oil contains additives that delay
   the oxidation process and acid formation.
   - Longer life span: The additives in air compressor oil also increase
   the lubricant’s lifetime, protect machine components when on standby and
   make the lubricant compatible with a wide variety of conditions.
   - Viscosity in cold temperatures: Although some oils fail to do their
   job once the temperature drops, air compressor oil maintains its viscosity
   even when it’s cold.
   - Demulsification: Air compressor oil also contains additives designed
   to improve water separation, which will protect the compressor from water
   and oil emulsions. This makes it easier for the oleophilic bags to capture
   the oil later on.
   - Anti-foaming abilities: When big air bubbles rise to the oil’s
   surface, foam is produced. This increases oxidation because it exposes more
   of the oil’s surface to oxygen. Without anti-foaming additives, the oil
   separators would be saturated by the foam and the air compressor’s life
   span would decrease. This is because saturated oil separators create a
   pressure drop, which leads to more energy consumption.

Another article I read recommends these three:
1. Dewalt Synthetic Air Compressor Oil
<https://www.tooltally.com/best-oil-for-air-compressor/#1_Dewalt_Synthetic_Air_Compressor_Oil>
2. Royal Purple 01513 Synthetic Air Compressor Oil
<https://www.tooltally.com/best-oil-for-air-compressor/#2_Royal_Purple_01513_Synthetic_Air_Compressor_Oil>
3. Campbell Hausfeld MP12 Standard Compressor Lubricant
<https://www.tooltally.com/best-oil-for-air-compressor/#3_Campbell_Hausfeld_MP12_Standard_Compressor_Lubricant>

The Dewalt is 20wt and better for start-ups in colder climates.
Royal Purple is 30wt and better for warmer climates. The author said for
hard working compressors, this is his first choice. The CH is his
recommendation for older pumps with more blow-by.

It also says change the oil every 800 hours, or minimally once a year.
Unless I am in a major project,  I probably do not get 800 hours of runtime
a year, but an annual change will be on the calendar from now on.

Thank you again, Moose for your post; best post of the day for me. I will
be changing my oil this week, will be using Royal Purple, and will put a
recurring reminder on my Outlook calendar to change it yearly, at least.

Best,

doug

On Sat, Jan 6, 2024 at 12:19 AM Moose <eric at megageek.com> wrote:

> I have a nice Eaton compressor (7.5HP) that has been flawless since I got
> it (not, the first one I got had a bad weld, but they replaced it, free,
> right away.)
>
> Anyway.  I maybe let the oil go a little too long between changes, but
> when I went to change it this time, the oil was filled with sludge.
>
> I use the Eaton oil, and the compressor is not overworked ever.  It was a
> pain to clean it out.
> In the manual, it says I can't use automotive oil (and I can understand
> that.) but it just has a Eaton part # for their oil.  No alternatives or
> specs
>
> The problem is that ordering the oil from them is a pain (you have to fill
> out a form. Then wait for them to send an invoice a few days later, then
> pay the invoice and wait for them to ship it.)
>
> Don't get me wrong, I think they are a great company, but I wanted to find
> out if  can get the same (or better) oil from a place that is a little
> easier to deal with.  Ideally, I would love to find the correct oil on
> Amazon and set up a 'reoccurring delivery' for every 6 months so it reminds
> me to change the oil.
>
> OR, is their an oil that doesn't turn to sludge and is easy to change?
>
> Again, overall, I am not looking for a cheaper oil, just one that is
> easier to get and or better.
>
> Thanks!
>
> Moose_______________________________________________
>
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