Air compressors, cold weather, oil choices.

[Zerk]

The reason for NON Detergent oil is compressor sumps attract moisture and regular oil will mix the water and oil and you end up with the pudding/milkshake mix.
With Non D the water and oil stay separate.
You might find a Synthetic Compressor oil for it. Since you only need less than a qt. buy the good stuff.

Only thing I got with SAE in it is my lawn tractor, and that probably doesn't need it. I think there is alot of outdated thinking when it comes to oil.

Since air comp do run for short times, as opposed to all our other engines, you will get moisture, though they are not getting as hot either, so not sure much they attract, and how much they really cook it off running for long periods.

 

[bigtiller]

Try putting a 250 watt heat lamp over the pump for awhile. That might help with the cold slow starting problem.

 

[kenmac]

I have used Mobil 1 Rarus compressor oil Mobil Rarus 427 Air Compressor Oil 1 Quart
I now use Amsoil compressor oil

 

[dodge man]

Amsoil makes a synthetic oil that I use in mine. It seems to help.

 

[Bandit2]

Hi Mark
The reason for non-detergent oil is that detergent oil will Foam Up and you lose the splash lubrication on your reciprocating parts .
I believe that your model calls for a Non Detergent 30 wt. oil all the time .
I will check a manual when I can find one of them ( I just moved from Boston to Portsmouth Va. and my air compressor manuals are packed in bins )
I have been using 20 wt or 30 wt oil year round as recommended by the mfg. in from 3Hp to over 125 Hp Compressors for over 30 yrs .
without any problems or breakdown caused by the oil's used .
There is 30 wt . air compressor oil with Rust & Oxidation and anti foaming additives sold at Home Cheapo and the other Big Box stores now .
It sounds like you have other problems , slack belt , or a leaking check valve ?
In fact i just came through Winchester @ 9:00 Am. going up after another load , and you call that cold ? LOL

Bob

 

[CCWKen]

You may have a relief valve sticking or the start capacitor on the motor is bad.

I've run straight 30w in my 5hp/80gal Coleman Pro compressor for the last 20+ years and have never had a startup or run problem. Back then, I'd go out and work in the shop if it was above 35. Now, I wait 'till it's at least 50. Not so much now but in my past body work jobs, the compressor ran nearly continuously for hours while sanding, etc. Nearly all my shop tools are air powered.

Use a good intake filter and change oil frequently.

 

[Zerk]

You may have a relief valve sticking or the start capacitor on the motor is bad.

I've run straight 30w in my 5hp/80gal Coleman Pro compressor for the last 20+ years and have never had a startup or run problem. Back then, I'd go out and work in the shop if it was above 35. Now, I wait 'till it's at least 50. Not so much now but in my past body work jobs, the compressor ran nearly continuously for hours while sanding, etc. Nearly all my shop tools are air powered.

Use a good intake filter and change oil frequently.

You are in south TX. Little different in areas, where it is cold for days. Not saying 30wt doesn't work, it is what we used for years. One of my used ones I am sure had it in it, in my barn, ran fine. If I had to buy more of it, I probably would but more time thinking if syn is needed.

I do tend to agree check other things. I not air comp expert, but I think we are confusing them with engines. Just a big oil bath. Oil is not going to get that thick. There is no oil pump, atleast on the smaller ones. So not pumping thick oil.



What about with belt off, does it spin freely? Could be bad bearing?

 

[Soundguy]

Since air comp do run for short times, as opposed to all our other engines, you will get moisture, though they are not getting as hot either, so not sure much they attract, and how much they really cook it off running for long periods.

That may be a situation that applies to very low air users. When i turn on my compressor to blast or paint, air chisle / hammer, or even run my 3/4" and 1" air tools, the compressor deffinately comes up to temp, and runs ( in cycles ) for a few hours. Plenty enough time to burn moisture off!

 

[Zerk]

I am curious what Temps they run. No ignition, just friction.

 

[ray66v]

I am curious what Temps they run. No ignition, just friction.

When you compress anything, you generate heat.

Depending on how hard you run it, how well it's ventilated, and the ambient temperatures, they can get very hot.

Head temps over 250F are not uncommon. The metal line that comes off the heads to fill the tank will generally be even hotter.