What type oil for air compressor

Air compressor oil is a specialized lubricant used to prevent premature wear and tear in air compressors. It can be one of two types — natural or synthetic — and it also varies in terms of its viscosity and the additives it contains. It differs significantly from motor oil in that it has less sulfur and carbon and does not contain any detergent.

In addition to the lubrication these oils provide, they also offer numerous other benefits for air compressor use, including:. Standard and synthetic are the two basic types of air compressor oil, and each has distinctive characteristics:. While reciprocating and rotary screw models can run with various kinds of oil products, manufacturers often recommend that you use synthetic oils, as they contain no sulfur or additives that can lead to unwanted buildup on valves.

The main benefits of synthetic oils for rotary screw air compressors include:. Reciprocating air compressors can also benefit from synthetic oil in the following ways:. If you are unable to use an oil made specifically for air compressors, there are some acceptable alternatives:. As you can see, there are three potentially viable substitutes for compressor oil. How often you should replace the oil in your compressor generally depends on the kind of machine you have. If this information is not provided, use the following guidelines as a reference — rotary screw compressors need oil changes every 7, to 8, hours of use, and reciprocating air compressors ideally need oil changes every three months.

However, regardless of use, the oil should be changed once per year at the very least to ensure smooth operation and a long-lasting life span. To ensure you select the right oil for your unique air compressor, we have answers to a few common questions about the different air compressor oil types. Typically, your compressor guidelines will specify which oil would work best to ensure peak performance. Non-specified oil substitutes like motor oil could void the warranty and eliminate any added perks.

The manufacturer can trust compressor oil to be formulated specifically for air compressors. Oil lubrication can be made using either a mineral oil base or a synthetic base. Standard air compressor oil is a mineral oil-based while Synthetic air compressor oil is made using a synthetic base. It is more refined as it undergoes quite a lot of processing. Both synthetic and standard air compressor oils are suitable.

To choose between the two, you need to take into consideration the type and amount of work you intend to do with your air compressor. This is the best pick for light to medium duty compressor work. Moreover, these oils are cheaper than synthetic blends. For professionals who regularly use their compressors, synthetic air compressor oil is better. So, if you use your compressor at least thrice a week, then you require a synthetic blend.

According to various online user reviews, your air compressor can run a lot smoother and quieter on synthetic blends. In addition, synthetic oil also offers protection for overheating and has an overall wider temperature range.

Are there any substitutes for air compressor oil? In short, the answer is yes. Though, if you have to use an alternate, we have discussed below some possible options. This oil has certain characteristics that make it suitable to use in air compressors. They generally have low viscosity at lower temperatures, these means they can flow more freely given their low density. Hydraulic Oil is best to use in compressors in colder temperatures.

As these oils are immune to oxidation, they can also prevent your compressor from rusting. Mostly used in car transmissions, ATFs can also potential options for air compressors. They reduce wear and tear, resist breakdowns, and cools parts, among other things. Given the ability of ATFs to resist breakdowns, they can ensure your compressor works efficiently without breakdown because of overheating. However, most ATFs are not compatible with air compressors and can damage them.

Motor oil commonly contains some sorts of detergents, which may be beneficial for the internal combustion engine but can be harmful to air compressors as it often causes more carbon build up in little time.

You can find air compressor oil at any of the well-known online shops such as Amazon. Be sure to check availability in the store to save yourself the hassle. The answer to this question depends on the air compressor you are using as the time after which the oil needs to be changed varies from a compressor to a compressor.

Some air compressors require oil to be changed more frequently than others. The user manual for your air compressor can be the best guide you on when to change your air compressor oil. Oil-lubricated compressors normally provide an effective way of checking the oil level either through a sight glass or a calibrated dipstick. People in colder areas who have trouble starting their compressors will benefit from the Powermate Px PSP. Available ISO Viscosity Grades: 32 , 46 , 68 , , , , Versatile multifunctional Multilec Industrial Oil provides superior long-term anti-wear protection in variety of compressor applications.

It is heavy-duty oil designed to prolong equipment life by combating the effects of high temperatures, water, contaminants and heavy loads that accelerate wear. Monolec Syn Industrial Oil is designed to prolong equipment life by combating the effects of high temperatures, contamination and loads that accelerate wear in compressors.

It is a versatile synthetic lubricant that meets or exceeds the requirements of gearboxes, air compressors, vacuum pumps, hydraulic systems, and roll mill bearings found in the textile, plastic, rubber and paper industries.

It is formulated with high-viscosity percent synthetic base oil and a specially developed additive package for applications running at extreme temperatures. The additive package provides outstanding thermal stability and rust and oxidation resistance as well as wear resistance as pressures and temperatures rise.

A foam suppressant completes the package. The base oil and additive formulation works synergistically to reduce wear, extend oil drain intervals, reduce oil consumption, and practically eliminate deposits and sludge formation, all while providing excellent compatibility with seals.

Available ISO Viscosity Grades: 32 , 46 , 68 , , , , , Compressor Oils My favorite option is to use a dedicated compressor oil. This seems to deliver the best results. Very few contractors will need to take these drastic measures. Air tool oil is generally thinner and contains anti-rust blockers.

Air tool oil is too thin to support the demands of the compressor. Facebook Twitter Google Pinterest. Jared Skye Latest posts Jared Skye is an environmental scientist and author of sustainability and self-sufficiency themed media. What is the cheapest renewable energy? Leave a Reply Cancel reply Your email address will not be published. Latest from Blog Working in the manufacturing industry is a way to take advantage of.

Studying in college without writing papers is impossible, and the majority of. How much do you know about spiders? Can you consider them your. With the price of gasoline always fluctuating, it is a smart idea.