Not sure if im in the right sub forum but Can 15w40 be used in a air compressor instead of the reg non detergent 30 wt compressor oil? I dont see why not, ive been using a 10w30 so I was wondering what anyone had to think
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15w40 in air compressor
- Thread starter Realtech214
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Generally the compressor manufacturer will specify what oil to use.
My compressor uses a 30 wt non detergent oil since it does not have to deal with byproducts from combustion.
My compressor uses a 30 wt non detergent oil since it does not have to deal with byproducts from combustion.
I wouldn't use an Xw-40 unless the compressor specs a 40 for continuous duty over 100 °F ambient AND I was using it for continuous duty in hot temperatures. Most compressors have some species of splash lubrication which relies on the oil being a certain viscosity to work properly.
As to the detergency, the additives found in API oils will deposit on the valves, causing the compressor to lose compression. For hobby use a compressor will probably not be run enough to form enough deposits on the valve to cause problems. On the other hand, if your livelihood depends on your compressor, you need it to last as long as possible with the minimum of downtime and the least repair expenditures. So if your compressor is for hobby use, API 10w-30 is fine, but if it is for your business you should be using an ISO 100 compressor oil.
As to the detergency, the additives found in API oils will deposit on the valves, causing the compressor to lose compression. For hobby use a compressor will probably not be run enough to form enough deposits on the valve to cause problems. On the other hand, if your livelihood depends on your compressor, you need it to last as long as possible with the minimum of downtime and the least repair expenditures. So if your compressor is for hobby use, API 10w-30 is fine, but if it is for your business you should be using an ISO 100 compressor oil.
Side note: API engine oils are designed to hold water in suspension so it can be evaporated by the heat of the adjacent combustion process, while special compressor oils drop the water out of suspension so that it collects at the bottom of the crankcase and doesn't circulate through the bearings.
The majority of compressors run at a lower temperature than an engine as well, so if an Xw-40 is too heavy for most engines, it will be way too heavy for low duty cycle compressors or those that are used in normal or cold ambient temperatures.
The majority of compressors run at a lower temperature than an engine as well, so if an Xw-40 is too heavy for most engines, it will be way too heavy for low duty cycle compressors or those that are used in normal or cold ambient temperatures.
Originally Posted By: Cardenio327
Side note: API engine oils are designed to hold water in suspension so it can be evaporated by the heat of the adjacent combustion process, while special compressor oils drop the water out of suspension so that it collects at the bottom of the crankcase and doesn't circulate through the bearings.
The majority of compressors run at a lower temperature than an engine as well, so if an Xw-40 is too heavy for most engines, it will be way too heavy for low duty cycle compressors or those that are used in normal or cold ambient temperatures.
Great info...thanks !
Side note: API engine oils are designed to hold water in suspension so it can be evaporated by the heat of the adjacent combustion process, while special compressor oils drop the water out of suspension so that it collects at the bottom of the crankcase and doesn't circulate through the bearings.
The majority of compressors run at a lower temperature than an engine as well, so if an Xw-40 is too heavy for most engines, it will be way too heavy for low duty cycle compressors or those that are used in normal or cold ambient temperatures.
Great info...thanks !
X2 On the water contamination with a detergent oil. My compressor specs. An SAE 40 wt. unfortunately the wiring to my garage too small to run the compressor with that kind of oil. I'm currently running 0w 20 in it just so it will work until I find a way to rewire the garage
Realtech214
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well i forgot i had some M1 5w30 sittin on the shelf, I used that, drained the supertech that was in there
Originally Posted By: Chris142
X2 On the water contamination with a detergent oil. My compressor specs. An SAE 40 wt. unfortunately the wiring to my garage too small to run the compressor with that kind of oil. I'm currently running 0w 20 in it just so it will work until I find a way to rewire the garage
You could get Amsoil compressor oil. The high viscosity index would make the compressor easier to cold start.
X2 On the water contamination with a detergent oil. My compressor specs. An SAE 40 wt. unfortunately the wiring to my garage too small to run the compressor with that kind of oil. I'm currently running 0w 20 in it just so it will work until I find a way to rewire the garage
You could get Amsoil compressor oil. The high viscosity index would make the compressor easier to cold start.
The amount of water that can drop out of air as it is ran through a compressor is often overlooked, and probably one of the main problems leading to the existence of oils specifically made for compressors.
Yep, there's no need to go excessively thick. My compressors have a duty cycle in around 50%, so the oil is always up at temperatures. Ambient is generally around 35 to 40 C. I haven't gone thicker, and I haven't regretted it.
Originally Posted By: artificialist
Originally Posted By: Chris142
X2 On the water contamination with a detergent oil. My compressor specs. An SAE 40 wt. unfortunately the wiring to my garage too small to run the compressor with that kind of oil. I'm currently running 0w 20 in it just so it will work until I find a way to rewire the garage
You could get Amsoil compressor oil. The high viscosity index would make the compressor easier to cold start.
In our compressors I insist on Amsoil compressor oil.
Try pulling over a 5.5hp engine with both the pump oil and engine oil at temps of -35.
It's the difference between a couple pulls and it starts,then finishing your coffee as it warms up,or breaking a serious sweat trying to get it to fire and your coffee is frozen solid.
Originally Posted By: Chris142
X2 On the water contamination with a detergent oil. My compressor specs. An SAE 40 wt. unfortunately the wiring to my garage too small to run the compressor with that kind of oil. I'm currently running 0w 20 in it just so it will work until I find a way to rewire the garage
You could get Amsoil compressor oil. The high viscosity index would make the compressor easier to cold start.
In our compressors I insist on Amsoil compressor oil.
Try pulling over a 5.5hp engine with both the pump oil and engine oil at temps of -35.
It's the difference between a couple pulls and it starts,then finishing your coffee as it warms up,or breaking a serious sweat trying to get it to fire and your coffee is frozen solid.
Originally Posted By: dixon700
My air compressor isn't in a heated garage and sometime gets used in below freezing conditions. It calls for a non detergent sae 30wt. It doesn't like pumping very fast in colder weather with the 30wt... What should I use?
That is another situation where you could use Amsoil compressor oil and benefit from its cold weather performance while still being suitable as a SAE30 replacement.
Check Amsoils's website. They have several types of air compressor oil so you can find the right one for your compressor.
My air compressor isn't in a heated garage and sometime gets used in below freezing conditions. It calls for a non detergent sae 30wt. It doesn't like pumping very fast in colder weather with the 30wt... What should I use?
That is another situation where you could use Amsoil compressor oil and benefit from its cold weather performance while still being suitable as a SAE30 replacement.
Check Amsoils's website. They have several types of air compressor oil so you can find the right one for your compressor.
Quote:
As to the detergency, the additives found in API oils will deposit on the valves
Quote:
API engine oils are designed to hold water in suspension so it can be evaporated by the heat of the adjacent combustion process, while special compressor oils drop the water out of suspension so that it collects at the bottom of the crankcase and doesn't circulate through the bearings.
My experiences match these. I had a couple of Ingersoll compressors, 20 hp each if memory serves (maybe bigger) with continual valve problems. Chevron recommended straight 40 wt. diesel engine oil, but I wasn't satisfied with the operation. I checked the original operating manual, considered the ambient temperatures as referenced in the manual, and switched to a iso 320 machine oil--like a 60 wt non-detergent turbine oil while we were in the Tropics. Great service. Back to 220 when out of the tropics. Different compressors (Hamworthy 450 psi for diesel start air), not such a warm location, iso68 (like a 20 wt) hydraulic/turbine oil was used. These made a lot of water--I think the water cooled intercoolers and aftercoolers might have been too cool. Draining daily was a must.
So--non-detergent is good. Match the viscosity to the temperature as indicated in the owner's manual.
As to the detergency, the additives found in API oils will deposit on the valves
Quote:
API engine oils are designed to hold water in suspension so it can be evaporated by the heat of the adjacent combustion process, while special compressor oils drop the water out of suspension so that it collects at the bottom of the crankcase and doesn't circulate through the bearings.
My experiences match these. I had a couple of Ingersoll compressors, 20 hp each if memory serves (maybe bigger) with continual valve problems. Chevron recommended straight 40 wt. diesel engine oil, but I wasn't satisfied with the operation. I checked the original operating manual, considered the ambient temperatures as referenced in the manual, and switched to a iso 320 machine oil--like a 60 wt non-detergent turbine oil while we were in the Tropics. Great service. Back to 220 when out of the tropics. Different compressors (Hamworthy 450 psi for diesel start air), not such a warm location, iso68 (like a 20 wt) hydraulic/turbine oil was used. These made a lot of water--I think the water cooled intercoolers and aftercoolers might have been too cool. Draining daily was a must.
So--non-detergent is good. Match the viscosity to the temperature as indicated in the owner's manual.
Just wanted to tack a question on to this thread. I have a small 2.5hp compressor, and the manual calls for SAE 15w 40 oil, except after reading around I'm thinking I'd prefer to use non detergent compressor oil.
I've found so far is SAE 15, SAE 30 and SAE 40 compressor oil.... i presume given the recommendation for the compressor, SAE 30 would be best??
I've found so far is SAE 15, SAE 30 and SAE 40 compressor oil.... i presume given the recommendation for the compressor, SAE 30 would be best??
Originally Posted By: dixon700
My air compressor isn't in a heated garage and sometime gets used in below freezing conditions. It calls for a non detergent sae 30wt. It doesn't like pumping very fast in colder weather with the 30wt... What should I use?
look at the PQIA list of oils, some are non detergent oils on there which you might find cheap at the convenience store
My air compressor isn't in a heated garage and sometime gets used in below freezing conditions. It calls for a non detergent sae 30wt. It doesn't like pumping very fast in colder weather with the 30wt... What should I use?
look at the PQIA list of oils, some are non detergent oils on there which you might find cheap at the convenience store
I have 16 5.5hp air compressors. They run everyday,rain or shine,-35c and 35c. In the winter I use amsoil air compressor oil. I change it yearly unless they are being run in extremely dusty conditions(summer obviously) and if that's the case I use non-detergent 30.
I've tried engine oils in the pumps before and they foamed up and I ended up losing a pump. Never again.
There's a reason manufacturers call for nd engine oils. I make my living with air,so in my experience amsoil is the best. Even in -40c temps the stuff is liquid.
In a shop setting buy according to the coldest start up temps it'll see.
I've tried engine oils in the pumps before and they foamed up and I ended up losing a pump. Never again.
There's a reason manufacturers call for nd engine oils. I make my living with air,so in my experience amsoil is the best. Even in -40c temps the stuff is liquid.
In a shop setting buy according to the coldest start up temps it'll see.
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