Originally Posted By: Hootbro
Originally Posted By: cmf
Most recommend SAE 30W non-detergent "compressor" oil.
I have two compressors that spec this. Problem was that when temps got into the 30's and below, they had a heck of a time turning over and the oil flowed like jello.
I drained and put in Mobil 0W-20 and have had no issues since in cold weather.
I have (or should say, "had") the same problem with a direct-drive pancake compressor. It would not even start up unloaded because the oil was too thick at cold temps. I changed it out (since I have nothing invested in it, and wanted to see what happened) for 0w20 Mobil 1. It not only starts up at cold temps without a problem, it actually recovers faster than before the OCI.
I've put quite a bit of time on it (its my "primary" compressor at my residence, my big compressor is located at my parents), and it seems to be working just fine.