Ingersoll Randｮ 7.5 HP 80 Gallon Two Stage Air Compressor

[ray66v]

Anywho they since came over with a device to check amp draw at the meter and found that the compressor draws 225 amps on cold start even at 50 degrees ambient.

Larger wire, reduces the start up current draw.

I have seen a draw like that cut in half, by going up one wire size.

 

[GPintheMitten]

I think I would build an enclosure that would insulate the compressor and also have fire breaks in it (like 5/8" drywall) and put some safe heat in there. But I would make the enclosure so that it hinges so I could remove it or open it up for warm weather use. Wouldn't take much money or time to build.

I like the idea already mentioned of having a smaller compressor for light duty uses right in the shop.

I also like the idea of checking out the wire size and possibly upsizing it. Then also check for worn breaker. But it seems you need to get the ambient air temp up to mfr spec.

 

[GManBart]

Well that, all sounds real good. And, at one point I would have agreed.

Except today:

Mobil1 10w30 synthetic, minimum pour point, -42F
Valvoline 10w30 conventional, minimum pour point -36F

Similar results are also there for lubricity.

If you want to insist that translates to a significant difference at 20 or 30 degrees, in his barn, You can. But I believe it won't.

The difference between conventional, and synthetic oils have narrowed to the point there is not a significant difference anymore at "normal" temperatures.

That's great in theory, but it sure doesn't apply to the case at hand. IR lists two suitable oils for that compressor: One is their own All Season T-30 Select oil (synthetic) which has a pour point of -40*F. The other is their own conventional XL-300 which has a pour point of 5*F. Both are nominally listed as 100 weight oils using the same test standards, so it's not like one is significantly heavier than the other.

Just switching to a synthetic, of the same weight helps to the tune of 35*F.

 

[ray66v]

That's great in theory, but it sure doesn't apply to the case at hand. IR lists two suitable oils for that compressor: One is their own All Season T-30 Select oil (synthetic) which has a pour point of -40*F. The other is their own conventional XL-300 which has a pour point of 5*F. Both are nominally listed as 100 weight oils using the same test standards, so it's not like one is significantly heavier than the other.

Just switching to a synthetic, of the same weight helps to the tune of 35*F.

Only if you put the wrong oil in there to start with.

Xl-300 is 40w. According to the chart in the IR manual, 40w is for normal temps. So it should not be in there to start with. If it's to be used in an unheated space.

Where as the T-30 is made for low temps.

They do specify more than those two. You can use ANY compatible premium compressor oil.

Even if XL-300 was used, that's not why this compressor is drawing 225 amps, when it starts at 50F.

 

[GManBart]

Only if you put the wrong oil in there to start with.

Xl-300 is 40w. According to the chart in the IR manual, 40w is for normal temps. So it should not be in there to start with. If it's to be used in an unheated space.

Where as the T-30 is made for low temps.

They do specify more than those two. You can use ANY compatible premium compressor oil.

Even if XL-300 was used, that's not why this compressor is drawing 225 amps, when it starts at 50F.

XL-300 and T-30 are both ISO 100 weight oils...they have similar viscosity ratings at the various cSt. temps of 40*C and 100*F, and pretty much everything else to include specific gravity.

IR only specifies those two by name, and adds "or comparable" alternatives to the description. So sure, anything that meets the standards of the two specified oils would be fine, but that still leaves only two as specified (comparable is a general description, not specific).

I guess it's confusing why IR would recommended synthetic at all times, and specifically for low temps when conventional oils are just as good as low temps according to your theory?

I never said any particular oil was causing it to draw 225amps, and that fact came along well after I asked if there was a suitable synthetic oil that might help with the startup issue.

 

[ray66v]

XL-300 and T-30 are both ISO 100 weight oils...they have similar viscosity ratings at the various cSt. temps of 40*C and 100*F, and pretty much everything else to include specific gravity.

IR only specifies those two by name, and adds "or comparable" alternatives to the description. So sure, anything that meets the standards of the two specified oils would be fine, but that still leaves only two as specified (comparable is a general description, not specific).

I guess it's confusing why IR would recommended synthetic at all times, and specifically for low temps when conventional oils are just as good as low temps according to your theory?

I never said any particular oil was causing it to draw 225amps, and that fact came along well after I asked if there was a suitable synthetic oil that might help with the startup issue.

Show where you getting all these spec's, for T-30 and Xl-300.

I know you keep wanting to suggest these are both the same thing, with one being synthetic, and the other conventional. But that is not the case.

The XL-300 is NOT made for low temperature use, and the T-30 is. So, you are comparing apples and oranges.

 

[GManBart]

Show where you getting all these spec's, for T-30 and Xl-300.

I know you keep wanting to suggest these are both the same thing, with one being synthetic, and the other conventional. But that is not the case.

The XL-300 is NOT made for low temperature use, and the T-30 is. So, you are comparing apples and oranges.

I never said they are the same thing....I said they have similar viscosity ratings, etc.

http://www.ingersollrandproducts.com/air/msds_sheets/all_season_select.pdf?item=22085

IR T-30 is very clearly listed as an ISO 100 oil (96.9 at 40*C if you want the exact figure).

It doesn't appear IR lists XL-300 for sale any longer, but you can look at one of many equivalents.

Ingersoll Rand XL-300 Replacement (1 Qt.) ISO Grade 100, Premium Petroleum Oil

ISO 100 with a tested rating of 95 at 40*C.



This is a compatibility/cross-reference chart that lists both as ISO 100.

http://performanceoilstore.com/information_files/totalindcrossref.pdf

Another comparison chart that lists both as ISO 100.

http://www.americansynthol.com/catalog/crossreference.pdf

Yet another showing both as ISO 100.

https://www.deltaadsorbents.com/Portals/0/Uploads/Documents/AirCompressorOilCrossReferenceChart.pdf

It's pretty simple. Two oils with similar viscosity ratings, one is conventional, the other synthetic. The synthetic oil is significantly better at low temps.

More importantly, considering the OP lives in a fairly cold climate, he should, according to IR, be using a synthetic oil in his compressor...whether it's their proprietary oil, or an equivalent. There is no conventional oil they list as being suitable. I guess asking him about a synthetic option all the way back in post #4 wasn't a bad idea after all....go figure.

 

[jenkinsph]

Back in 1998 when I bought my T30 compressor I remember the dealer offered an extended warranty through IR if I would use the T30 select oil. I agreed and the oil it was shipped with (brand new unit) was drained and refilled on the spot. I never paid attention to what it was but it is what I have been using since then with no problems. Point is the compressor may have been shipped with a different oil but changing to the T30 Select is a cheap correction to make.

Make sure the unloader valve is working properly so that the compressor can start. More likely to be your problem if you are having problems at 50F.

 

[ray66v]

I never said they are the same thing....I said they have similar viscosity ratings, etc.
http://www.ingersollrandproducts.com/air/msds_sheets/all_season_select.pdf?item=22085
IR T-30 is very clearly listed as an ISO 100 oil (96.9 at 40*C if you want the exact figure).
It doesn't appear IR lists XL-300 for sale any longer, but you can look at one of many equivalents.
Ingersoll Rand XL-300 Replacement (1 Qt.) ISO Grade 100, Premium Petroleum Oil
ISO 100 with a tested rating of 95 at 40*C.
This is a compatibility/cross-reference chart that lists both as ISO 100.
http://performanceoilstore.com/information_files/totalindcrossref.pdf
Another comparison chart that lists both as ISO 100.
http://www.americansynthol.com/catalog/crossreference.pdf
Yet another showing both as ISO 100.
https://www.deltaadsorbents.com/Portals/0/Uploads/Documents/AirCompressorOilCrossReferenceChart.pdf
It's pretty simple. Two oils with similar viscosity ratings, one is conventional, the other synthetic. The synthetic oil is significantly better at low temps.
More importantly, considering the OP lives in a fairly cold climate, he should, according to IR, be using a synthetic oil in his compressor...whether it's their proprietary oil, or an equivalent. There is no conventional oil they list as being suitable. I guess asking him about a synthetic option all the way back in post #4 wasn't a bad idea after all....go figure.

So, you don't have the data either.

I am not interested in non OEM specifications, they are not reliable.

You can spin all you want.

Yes, 10w40 and 40w can have the same viscosity 100F, So what. One is made for cold weather, and the other isn't

No weight is specified for T-30, Since it is made to be used in cold temps, it may very well be a multi-viscosity oil.

You continue to completely ignore the fact that IR DOES specify in their manual to use 10w oil, in their compressor, below 40F.

I NEVER said it was a bad idea to use the synthetic oil. I said it won't make a significant difference.

If he has the 10w in there that is specified in the manual, which will have a similar viscosity in cold weather, to the synthetic oil. And then changes to the synthetic, it won't make a big difference, at 20 or 30F.

BUT, if he did not follow his owners manual, and has the wrong oil in his compressor. For example, a conventional oil, that is too heavy for low temperatures, and not designed at all for cold weather use. Or, perhaps he had some 150w gear oil handy, and put that in there. And, he replaces that incorrect lubricant, with the correct synthetic oil, that is designed for use in cold weather, it will make a big difference.

You can never be too specific on TBN.

Are we good now?

 

[murphy1244]

Back in 1998 when I bought my T30 compressor I remember the dealer offered an extended warranty through IR if I would use the T30 select oil. I agreed and the oil it was shipped with (brand new unit) was drained and refilled on the spot. I never paid attention to what it was but it is what I have been using since then with no problems. Point is the compressor may have been shipped with a different oil but changing to the T30 Select is a cheap correction to make.

Make sure the unloader valve is working properly so that the compressor can start. More likely to be your problem if you are having problems at 50F.

I use a Mobil rarus 427 or something like that, expensive.