Oil Recommendation

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for a Champion Pneumatic Machinery Air Compressor built in 1947. I asked them and they recommended CHAMP-LUBE SYNTHETIC ($21.59 PER QT) or CHAMP-LUBE MINERAL ($7.92 PER QT) but they're both only sold in case lots of 12. I won't use that much in a hundred years.

I saw the thread on modern compressors so thought I'd inquire about an antique. They didn't have synthetic in 1947 (probably) and I can get some variety of mineral oil at an auto parts store.

Thanks.

 

[Lead Shoes]

What's so special about that oil for it to be $21.59 a quart?

 

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That's my dilemma. Brand specific synthetic? And I don't need 12 quarts. I just wonder if I can just use the air compressor oil that Sears sells for $5 a quart. This thing was built in 1947 - it'll probably run on 30W but I'd like to know before I try. What's so special about air compressor oil?

 

[2oldtommy]

Any compressor oil today is going to be superior to that which was available in 1947. With that in mind, you would be fine using any generic compressor oil IMO. I have a very old sears compressor in which I use any 30 weight oil I have around. No problems so far. FWIW--Oldtommy

 

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Thanks. Not saying you're right, but your logic is the same as mine. I've got a 55 gallon drum of 30W. I can probably change the compressor oil weekly.

 

[Blitz]

Compressor oils are tricky, most are not compatible with others. If you are going to change compressor oils you will need to flush and possibly have to use a softener.