Air Compressor Oil

[djradz]

After owning a number of compressors over the years it seems theres a trend toward synthetic recommended by compressor manufacturers.
It used to be just straight weight 30 non detergent was what they recommended.

My relatively new Sanborn (Coleman) compressor states to "Use only 10w-30 fully synthetic oil" in the crankcase.

 

[Travelover]

I've invested a whopping $85 in a Harbor Freight air compressor. The manual recommends using 30 weight non detergent oil. I have a bunch of 30 weight detergent oil and that is what I filled it with. What is the worst thing that could happen? - i.e. is it worth it to drain it out and buy a non detergent oil?

Harbor Freight Tools - Quality Tools at the Lowest Prices

Thanks in advance.

 

[SPYDERLK]

I've invested a whopping $85 in a Harbor Freight air compressor. The manual recommends using 30 weight non detergent oil. I have a bunch of 30 weight detergent oil and that is what I filled it with. What is the worst thing that could happen? - i.e. is it worth it to drain it out and buy a non detergent oil?

Harbor Freight Tools - Quality Tools at the Lowest Prices

Thanks in advance.

Covered in post5.
larry

 

[Travelover]

Covered in post5.
larry

Thanks, Larry. If I read your post correctly, the answer is non detergent is better, but not mandatory in a single stage compressor.

I was hoping to get some feedback from someone that had used detergent oil successfully in this particular compressor, but it sounds like you know your stuff.

Thanks again.

Tom

 

[Soundguy]

I've invested a whopping $85 in a Harbor Freight air compressor. The manual recommends using 30 weight non detergent oil. I have a bunch of 30 weight detergent oil and that is what I filled it with. What is the worst thing that could happen? - i.e. is it worth it to drain it out and buy a non detergent oil?

Harbor Freight Tools - Quality Tools at the Lowest Prices

Thanks in advance.

Non detergent oil lets debri settle out in the sump safely away from the wear surfaces.. detergent oil keeps junk suspended so that it can be removed at the oil filter...

most air pumps don't have an oil filter!.. gunk is removend when you purge the tank and flush and refill..

soundguy

 

[Stimw]

Detergent oil will foam if you get condensation (think soap suds). Ever have a head gasket blow and the engine oil will turn white and foamy. Non detergent oil will not mix with moisture, they settle out. Non-Det. should be 30w. It's available at NAPA and most auto parts stores, usually same price as regular oil. Those little pint bottles labeled Compressor Oil are a rip off.

 

[Foothill Rancher]

I have a 20+ yr sears compressor, sticker on the side says 30wt detergent, I've never had any prblems with it but what the other guys are saying makes sense to me.