Hi, this isn't really my first post. For some reason I couldn't get into my old account, and even the "forgot password" code didn't work.
Anyway, I am having troubles with my air compressor. Our old one has about an 8 gallon tank and a 2 hp motor, and it has lived outside for 15 years or better. It has not given any trouble even in the cold. I just got a 21 gallon tank 2.5 hp motor compressor from harbor freight and it wont even turn over in the cold. It was -6 F yesterday, which isn't cold at all by Minnesota standards. I even went as far as plugging it in right to the outlet without an extension cord, drained all the air, and left the valve open. Even then, it would just lope a couple times and the overload on the motor would trip. It is full of some mystery harbor freight oil right now, but even the synthetic sae 30 compressor oil I picked up is pretty thick. The manual states sae 10 is fine in the winter, however, I cannot find sae 10 non-detergent to save my life. I have heard of some regular motor oils like mobil 1 being used (not sure why mobil 1 would be more like non-detergent than any other brand
). The manual clearly states to not use detergent motor oil of any kind. If mobil 1 is safe to use, do you think 0w-20 would be a good substitute for sae 10? I was also thinking of type F ATF. Compared to Mercon, it is low in detergents, and is similar to a 10w.
This compressor worked like a charm indoors, but it probably only has about 1/2 of run time. It says to change the break in oil after an hour.
Anyway, I am having troubles with my air compressor. Our old one has about an 8 gallon tank and a 2 hp motor, and it has lived outside for 15 years or better. It has not given any trouble even in the cold. I just got a 21 gallon tank 2.5 hp motor compressor from harbor freight and it wont even turn over in the cold. It was -6 F yesterday, which isn't cold at all by Minnesota standards. I even went as far as plugging it in right to the outlet without an extension cord, drained all the air, and left the valve open. Even then, it would just lope a couple times and the overload on the motor would trip. It is full of some mystery harbor freight oil right now, but even the synthetic sae 30 compressor oil I picked up is pretty thick. The manual states sae 10 is fine in the winter, however, I cannot find sae 10 non-detergent to save my life. I have heard of some regular motor oils like mobil 1 being used (not sure why mobil 1 would be more like non-detergent than any other brand
This compressor worked like a charm indoors, but it probably only has about 1/2 of run time. It says to change the break in oil after an hour.
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