Pushing my compressor to the max

[oil pan 4]

I have a V-twin cylinder (parrel out put) electric compressor. I bought it in Japan a few years ago for about 430USD, and have not used it a hole lot. But consider it broken in now.
Here it is plugged into good old 60Hz power the motor spins the compressor crank just about 800 RPMs. Its max pressure is 110 psi.
In the past I mostly used it for my plasma cutter and dust blowing chuck. It runs, gets hot but does not run constantly.
The oil that is in there is the 30wt factory lube and has been in there a few years. It needs to be changed.
Now I have an air operated vacuum pump and an orbital sander. It runs all most non stop when I use these devices. It gets maxed out more or less.
It gets real hot over 200'F on the cylinder heads and runs non stop now.
I need some thing that helps it run cool, draw the least amount of power and keep it going for years.
I have heard that mobil 10w-30 weight is good in these types of compressors. But I think Synthetic 5w-40 Shell rotella T with its stronger anti ware additive package would be better.
What should I use when I change the oil?
What do you think is the best for this kind of compressor?

 

[Wrehch]

Stop by TSC farm supply or a welder/compressor dealer and get some Ingersol-Rand synthetic compressor oil. It's what I run in all my compressors and usually isn't to hard to find. Best of all, it's a compressor oil and not a engine oil.

 

[1040 WreckerMan]

Engine oil is not a good choice for most air compressors. I have several IR compressors at home that all run syn compressor oil. I've used the IR brand oil and Amsoil, never had an issue with either oil. I originally made the switch to synthetic because one of the compressors is in a unheated environment and I wanted good cold flow. To avoid having different compressor oils, I just put syn in all of them. I wouldn't ever go back to dino oil now. Quieter, cooler and smoother operation with synthetic.

 

[JHZR2]

amsoil compressor oil, I put it into my makita compressor after breakin and am amazed at how much cooler it runs!

IIRC, someone else in a post from a while back did studies of current draw with syn vs. conventional compressor oil, and syn shaved a few tenths of an amp of draw off... that translates into quite a few watts of heat dissipation!

JMH

 

[oil pan 4]

For now my compressor is stored in side and will be wheeled out side for use or just pluged in and fired up inside if I don't feel like moving it.
I remember that oil vs. power draw test. I think mobil 1 won that one.
I can get 10wt conventional, SHC 1026 and SHC 626 easy.
The 10wt (conventional) is used in sliding vane compressors.
That 1026 stuff is used in a high speed blowers and is ester based.
SHC 626 (I think it is) is used in screw compressors and is ester based.
What kind of names of stores should I search for to find these IR and amsoils oils?

 

[Wrehch]

You can find the IR compressor oil at most any store that sells IR compressors. TSC (Tractor Supply Company) and I think I might have seen it at Home Depot and Sears before.

 

[daman]

Yes don't use engine oil,

i use this,good stuff,seems to run cooler.

 

[04SpecV]

My compressor says right on the side to use 10W30 synthetic oil. Is there a problem with this suggestion?

 

[1040 WreckerMan]

What brand compressor do you have 04SpecV? I would not recommend using an engine oil in an air compressor even if the tag says to do so. I would run a compressor oil, whether it be dino or synthetic. I think some home owner quality compressors have been labeled to take engine oil because it is easier to find and most home owners don't know there is anything different.

For IR oils I would look to an industrial supply house. Around here Graigner and a couple smaller places sell IR. Amsoil you can order right off the web. You can also go to your local oil distributor and get compressor oils from what ever brand they sell.

 

[04SpecV]

Its just a smaller 30 gallon Kobalt.
I looked at TSC today for the IR oil. Only found it with their compressors. I didnt see any seperate.

 

[04SpecV]

What about Redline Compressor lubricant? Anyone used it?
A bit pricey, but maybe worth it.

 

[oil pan 4]

Amsoil oil site:
"premium non-detergent, ashless"
That is what I get when I mix PAO and STP oil treatment.
All the stuff for sale at the big box stores around here is just repackaged motor oil.
Does any one know what the derergent does that is bad?

 

[TimVipond]

Oil pan - I don't know much about compressors, but they may rely on nondetergent oils to keep the solids and water from mixing with the oil so they can be kept away from lubrication points, drained off faster, easier, and more thoroughly. I like the idea of using synthetic compressor oils as that is what they were formulated for and tested in. Plus they last longer.

 

[bmwtechguy]

I am no expert on compressor oils, however I was using non-detergent SAE 30 oil, which is basically what you will find in a bottle of dino "compressor oil". I switched over to synthetic PAO compressor oils due to the claim of 8X the service life, since I got enough other things to do and usually forget to change the compressor oil anyway. I really have not noticed a huge difference in how my compressors run. They may run a little cooler when using a lot of air sandblasting, etc. I ordered a whole case of it at the time, not thinking about how long it would last me. At this rate it will be around for many years. If anyone wants some, I'll cut you a deal as it's taking up room on my shelf. As for using engine oil in a compressor, it's not a good idea as the additives for the combustion process are not needed in a compressor and can actually shorten the life of the valves although I have not experienced this personally since I use compressor oil.

 

[TimVipond]

Do you guys ever have problems with water vapor in your compressed air? You might consider trying one of these: http://www.amsoil.com/StoreFront/ack.aspx .

 

[Wrehch]

You won't find me using one of those disposable Amsoil filters. That thing would cost to much to use in the long run since uses a non reusable filter. If you have water problems then use a desicant type filter. When it's saturated with water you just dump out the desicant, dry it in your oven and put it back in the cartridge, good as new.

 

[oil pan 4]

I have a tank form a little compressor, its like a 3L tank.
Some times when I'm using my plasma cutter a lot I take that little tank and run a 30ft line to it from my compressor and then another line from the 3L to my cutter.
I also drape wetted rags over the 3L to help moisture collect in it.

 

[04SpecV]

Are there any smaller(low cost) reusable dessicant setups?

I was thinking about getting one of the MotorGaurd air filters. Cost about 60$. But I do not know if those can remove 100% of the moisture. Probably good enough for most things tho.

 

[JHZR2]

lowes had a unit that had blue dessicant balls inside. I do ot know how regenerable it is, though...

JMH

 

[Jim 5]

I saw a campbell hausfeld compressor in Home Depot about a week ago and it said "use only Mobil 1 10w-30 oil".

My 10 year old campbell hausfeld compressor said use CH compressor oil or M1 10w-30.

Does anyone know what additives/properties air compressor oil should have? I was thinking that a diesel 10w-30 would be a good oil given the extra AW additives and high TBN.

I'd be interested in seeing a VOA of the Amsoil compressor oil.