Sullair 185 Portable Air Compressor

jgbanshee · May 18, 2011

I have a Sullair 185 compressor and have a few questions about. I hope someone here can answer them. I have two photos. One of a aluminum piece that goes inline with the air line that says Lubricator on it. I dont know what it does or how to use it. The other of the cylinder looking piece that is part of the air side of the compressor between the compressor motor and the air outlet. I dont know what it is.

Bird · May 18, 2011

And Ingersoll-Rand lubricator is something in which you put air tool oil if you want your air tools automatically oiled. Now of course that means all the air you use has a little bit of oil in it, so you only want it on air lines used solely for air tools. And I don't understand what item you're talking about in the other part of your question.

jgbanshee · May 18, 2011

Bird,
I am wanting to know what the black cylinder is in the other photo. Does it house the oil separator filter?

Kyle_in_Tex · May 18, 2011

I think it might be your oil reservoir for the scroll. This type of compressor uses very, very expensive oil for the scroll. It usually is synthetic and costs as much as $25 a quart depending on what brand. Fortunately, it lasts for at least a year usually depending on usage. Make sure you use a good air filter too if you want it to last. I've seen many a scroll last over 50,000 hours if they are designed right and maintained.

Ryan03 · May 18, 2011

jgbanshee said:
Bird,
I am wanting to know what the black cylinder is in the other photo. Does it house the oil separator filter?

Yes, The tank in the first pic does contain a filter element. Speaking from experience with mobile compressors, if you are getting excessive oily discharge out of your air lines, removing the top cover and inspecting this filter would be a good place to start.

jgbanshee · May 18, 2011

What is the scroll?

Sandlot · May 18, 2011

The big cylinder contains the seperators. These remove the compressor oil from the air before it leaves the unit. There are two elements inside that require changing at least once a year. The other thing is a lubricator. You fill it with air tool oil and it supplies oil misted air to your tools such as a jackhammer. It goes in the air supply line to your tool.