Air compressors, cold weather, oil choices.

[Soundguy]

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.

exactly.

after running high air for a while.. you don't want to touch the pump body.. and the pressure tubes get hot very very fast.

 

[Zerk]

When the belt slips, the pump doesn't initially run at normal speed.

Based on the way it sounds, it gives you the impression the pump is having trouble turning.

I can see that. If it is really having trouble starting, it may trip the breaker.

 

[TemporaryKubotaOwnerMark]

When the belt slips, the pump doesn't initially run at normal speed.

Based on the way it sounds, it gives you the impression the pump is having trouble turning.

That's exactly what it sounds like.

 

[tcreeley]

Looking at this thread again, it reminds me of my compressor when I used to use it on an extension cord in cold weather (below 30F). It would try to start but it wouldn't. Either it would trip the internal fuse or the breaker back in the box. If I heated the oil with a magnetic block heater, it started up more easily. Or if I had it connected directly into a 20 amp outlet on its own wire, it would start right up, regardless of the temp being 5-10F.. The problem was that it needed more current to start than it could draw through the extension cord when the weather was cold - and it was drawing too much extra current, it tripped or flipped the breaker.
4.5 hp Campbell Hausfeld compressor

 

[Soundguy]

Those 'horses' in that 4.5hp motor must have been those little 32" tall class A mini ponies.

A real 3 hp motor should draw 23-28 amps depending on the motor, on 115v.

A 20a circuit won't even handle that.

If you look close, I bet that motor was not rms rated, but rather peak rated.

 

[tcreeley]

Those 'horses' in that 4.5hp motor must have been those little 32" tall class A mini ponies.

A real 3 hp motor should draw 23-28 amps depending on the motor, on 115v.

A 20a circuit won't even handle that.

If you look close, I bet that motor was not rms rated, but rather peak rated.

No doubt! Home depot special-

Good for nailing gun, blowing up tires, undercoating,

 

[Gem99ultra]

Weather has been normal lately, meaning cold. Today it's about 40 outside, and my compressor is struggling. Slow to start up, and gains some speed as it runs, but still not running as fast as it should. I shut it down so I don't burn up the motor.

This is an old Sanborn 2 cylinder 5 horse on a 60 gallon tank. Standard oil bath type compressor, like this one. In fact, it is that one. The old one seized up about a year ago and I replaced it with the HF unit. So far so good, but...

There's this cold weather issue.

I have read forever that you can't use regular automotive oil in a compressor. Has to be straight weight 30 non-detergent, and I have never understood why. I would think some 5w40 synthetic would solve my cold weather problem and extend the life of my compressor.

So, what's the reason, or is this an old wives tale? Or is it a relic from the past which lives on past its useful life?

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Had a similar problem with my toy-size Porter Campbell 26 gallon compressor. Tripped breakers when cold. Then got to where it was slow coming up to speed even in warm weather... I looked at the oil and realized - I hadn't changed the oil in it in 10 years!

Went to HD for compressor oil; the two "Sales Associates" had no idea as to what I was even talking about, and gave me that "That compressor is no longer for sale and no oil is available for it" business. hmmm - yeah, Wrong.

I then read on some junk board that straight non-detergent automotive oil was fine for it. The reason for Non-Detergent was that it did not contain the foaming properties of detergent oils contain. So, I dumped the carbon black original oil, flushed it a couple of times, and filled it with 30W Non-Detergent oil. Symptoms were marginally better.

That called for springing for a quart of Mobil Rarus 427 Air Compressor Oil. Flushed the 30W Non-Detergent a couple of times with the Raurus 427, filled it for a final time. Runs fine now. And had enough of that quart of oil left over for 10 more changes

My dilemma MAY be the same as yours - it's certainly worth trying using the correct oil. But if that doesn't solve your problem, you will feel better just knowing that your pump has clean oil in it for a change. And, I added a label on the pump with the date of the last oil change; maybe I won't be so neglectful in the future.

 

[TemporaryKubotaOwnerMark]

That called for springing for a quart of Mobil Rarus 427 Air Compressor Oil. Flushed the 30W Non-Detergent a couple of times with the Raurus 427, filled it for a final time. Runs fine now. And had enough of that quart of oil left over for 10 more changes

My dilemma MAY be the same as yours - it's certainly worth trying using the correct oil. But if that doesn't solve your problem, you will feel better just knowing that your pump has clean oil in it for a change. And, I added a label on the pump with the date of the last oil change; maybe I won't be so neglectful in the future.

Thanks for the feedback. This is a new HF compressor pump, with the HF oil in it, so it's fresh. It seems to have been a belt issue. After adjusting the belts it's starting just fine in cold weather.

That Rarus 427 ain't cheap! I don't see it around in quarts, or I'd be tempted to get some. I don't want a lifetime supply though, which is about what a gallon would be! :laughing:


EDIT: I just found quarts on several sites, usually running around $12-13. Then I checked some of my regular online stores directly (instead of using a search engine) and found it on Zoro.com for $6.69!

I think I'll order a quart!

 

[coobie]

Mobil 1 5W-30 full syn.in my whole house generator.

 

[kenmac]

Thanks for the feedback. This is a new HF compressor pump, with the HF oil in it, so it's fresh. It seems to have been a belt issue. After adjusting the belts it's starting just fine in cold weather.

That Rarus 427 ain't cheap! I don't see it around in quarts, or I'd be tempted to get some. I don't want a lifetime supply though, which is about what a gallon would be! :laughing:


EDIT: I just found quarts on several sites, usually running around $12-13. Then I checked some of my regular online stores directly (instead of using a search engine) and found it on Zoro.com for $6.69!

I think I'll order a quart!

when you buy a $1800.00 compressor, https://www.jbtoolsales.com/imc-bel...-compressor/?gclid=CNXngdnE1tICFZG6wAod7-AKRA spending a little more $$ for a good compressor grade oil is a non issue.. as I said. I have been using Amsoil in it for the last few yrs