Air Compressor Oil

neilw · Nov 26, 2002

Thanks Hazmat

I've got an induction motor.

My first set of measurements show it starts at 34 amps and drops to 12.5 amps within a second then as the tank pressure builds the amps rise to 14.5. This is with the factory 30 wt mineral oil. I plan on getting a few more measurements with the mineral oil then switching to synthetic for a comparison.

Buster57 · Nov 28, 2002

I have an Emglo that I have been heavily abusing for 10 years.
I use Valvoline racing formula.
Good enough for Indy, it's good enough for my compressor.
Must be very good because this guy has been HEAVILY used and still runs like a champ with the same oil.

Buster57 · Nov 28, 2002

What is the CFM required for the job? A roofer's compressor that is commercial grade but limited to about 5 CFM will work for most applications, and is portable.
The requirements go endless for commercial users, however, I always go as heavy as my pocketbook can afford as a homeowner because I never like buying industrial tooling more than once.

neilw · Dec 4, 2002

Buster57

Have you had any problems with the discharge valves breaking or carboning-up?

I'm curious because all the compressor companies I've looked at warned against detergented oil, such as Valvoline, because it deposits carbon in the compressor.

However, out in the real world many people like yourself use their favorite motor oil with no problems noted.

Could it be the compressor companies wanting to sell me $0.79 oil at $7.99?

BillyP · Dec 14, 2002

I bought a 7 HP 60 gallon (12.1 SCFM @ 40 psi and 9.7 @ 90) Porter-Cable at Lowes for $379.

The manual says not to use Multi-Viscosity motors oils, they leave carbon deposits.

Use SAE-20 API CG/CD heavy duty motor oil. Under extreme winter conditions, use SAE-10 weight.

Billy