Pressure washer pump oil

[ssmokn]

I recently picked up a slightly used Shark cold water pressure washer from a buddy. The unit has a 13HP Honda 390GX single cylinder air cooled engine and a Legacy Triplex pump.

I changed the motor oil and used Chevron 10W30 (have lots of it on the shelf).

The Legacy pump specifies 30W non detergent oil. I picked up some Shell 30ND oil at Advanced Auto today (the only brand they had). This is 30 weight API SB rated non detergent oil. I was curious why they specify non detergent oil in the pump. Will a detergent 30W hurt anything? There are much better 30W oils on the shelf (Chevron, Havoline, Castrol etc.) but they are all detergent oils. Why is non detergent oil necessary for the pump? Thanks.

 

[satterfi]

I can't answer your question regarding ND oil but, I used Redline MTL in my pump housing.

I hope it's OK.

 

[Bill Kapaun]

http://www.northerntool.com/catalog/buyersguides/pressurewashers/faqs.htm

 

[Bror Jace]

Oil compressors require ND oils for probably the same reason ... the detergents in typical motor oils cause foaming under extreme use.

There are a few threads on this. Search using the word "compressor" if you want to see more discussion.

I use one of the Schaeffer ND oils specifically for pumps. Got it from Tim Mills a year ago.

--- Bror Jace

 

[durango7]

Anyone using a 30ND pump oil they found at a local retailer? Not many options except for some of the auto ND oils.