Air compressor oil?

[slybunda]

hey all, iv got a air compressor that has a air pump like this:

is there a difference in actual performance in using higher end oils in this or are they just the same for this sort of application?

 

[Lubener]

There is no gain in performance using a high end oil in a compressor. All my compressors use a non detergent oil, either SAE20 or SAE 30.

 

[Neniod]

hey all, iv got a air compressor that has a air pump like this:
View attachment 316707

is there a difference in actual performance in using higher end oils in this or are they just the same for this sort of application?

Use standard compressor oil, usually ISO 68 or what the manual lists. Higher end oils will not give you more performance on this type of pump. They mainly help with longer oil life and slightly better heat stability. What matters most is the correct viscosity and changing it on schedule. Using the wrong weight can actually reduce lubrication and increase wear.

 

[fozzdesy2001]

I thought it wouldn't make any difference either, so I went with synthetic after the break-in using mineral oil. Definitely ran cooler, it got hot just not as hot. Startups were faster when it was cold. Got it on sale at HD a few years ago, worth it

DEWALT Compressor Oil, 1-Quart (D55001)

 

[oil pan 4]

In electric air compressors I use 20wt non detergent oil since the oil doesn't get much about ambient.

 

[JohnnyG]

Tons of people like to use non-detergent oil in air compressors. In my years of dealing with them in one form or another, I've seen ND oil cause the rings to stick in the grooves of the piston.

A better choice is the ISO68 or higher. This oil may not have as much detergent as engine oil, but enough additives in one form or another to keep the rings free.

 

[Hohn]

There is no gain in performance using a high end oil in a compressor. All my compressors use a non detergent oil, either SAE20 or SAE 30.

Probably not, but I have HPL recip-life in my Champion.

 

[slybunda]

Tons of people like to use non-detergent oil in air compressors. In my years of dealing with them in one form or another, I've seen ND oil cause the rings to stick in the grooves of the piston.

A better choice is the ISO68 or higher. This oil may not have as much detergent as engine oil, but enough additives in one form or another to keep the rings free.

Wait a moment, these air compressors don't have rings like engine pistons do they?
I thought it's just a piston with rubber gasket on it that moves up and down to pump air , like a larger version of a car 12v tyre pump?
I thought you have to buy specific special oils for these things and the oil it's expensive around £15 a litre.
I will have a look at this iso68 oil, what's the best sort of oil to get seeing as i don't use the compressor much, maybe 2 or 3 times a year and it sees actual on time or no more than 1 hour.

 

[JohnnyG]

Wait a moment, these air compressors don't have rings like engine pistons do they?
I thought it's just a piston with rubber gasket on it that moves up and down to pump air , like a larger version of a car 12v tyre pump?
I thought you have to buy specific special oils for these things and the oil it's expensive around £15 a litre.
I will have a look at this iso68 oil, what's the best sort of oil to get seeing as i don't use the compressor much, maybe 2 or 3 times a year and it sees actual on time or no more than 1 hour.

There's all different kind of designs these days, but the good (old) ones had pistons and rings and valves. even though the valves were usually more like flapper check valves. The airless ones even vave the valves right in the middle of the piston!
It would help to know exactly how your compressor is mace. For all I know, it may have o rings, but I never saw that.

One thing is for sure, you don't need to deal with combustion by products, so automotive engine oil is not needed.
Neniod also suggested this, so I don't exactly see what Lubenar seems to be funny.

 

[Hohn]

Air compressors typically have either reed valves or disc valves. The former are less expensive and common in high speed pumps where the light weight and responsiveness are important. The latter are common in industrial compressors that spin slower and place a premium on durability.

 

[slybunda]

i see there is iso 32, 46, 68 and 100.
the higher the iso number the thicker the oil is?

 

[greaseguy15]

Correct the higher the ISO # the higher the viscosity. Most reciprocating compresssors take an ISO 68 or 100.

You’d need to check your manual to see what’s called for in yours and what type of oil as well. Higher pressure and higher duty cycle units would call for a synthetic oil and see benefits from using one. A light duty home air compressor would likely not see a benefit.

 

[slybunda]

https://www.sip-group.com/product/category/181/sip-1ltr-advanced-compressor-oil/02350

This comes recommend for use in my compressor, not sure what it is since I don't see any iso rating on it

 

[oil pan 4]

i see there is iso 32, 46, 68 and 100.
the higher the iso number the thicker the oil is?

Yeah 100 is like 30wt.
32 is closer to 0wt, probably only going to find that one as hydraulic fluid for cold applications.

 

[oil pan 4]

Tons of people like to use non-detergent oil in air compressors. In my years of dealing with them in one form or another, I've seen ND oil cause the rings to stick in the grooves of the piston.

A better choice is the ISO68 or higher. This oil may not have as much detergent as engine oil, but enough additives in one form or another to keep the rings free.

Just change the oil once a decade and it won't happen.

 

[greaseguy15]

After some digging I think this is an ISO 150 air compressor oil but maybe it’s an ISO 100? I’d shoot for a quality product designed for reciprocating air compressors either ISO 100 or 150 and you’ll likely be good to go.