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Thread: Compressor Oil

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Sep 2007
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    Rosetta, South Africa
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    Compressor Oil

    Is there something special about compressor oil. I am doing maintenance on my machines and nedd to change the oil but all specialist shops are shut until the 3rd.
    Can I use motor oil instead?
    Thanks
    Phil

  2. #2
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    Jul 2009
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    Quote Originally Posted by Phil Hansen View Post
    Is there something special about compressor oil. I am doing maintenance on my machines and nedd to change the oil but all specialist shops are shut until the 3rd.
    Can I use motor oil instead?
    Thanks
    Phil
    I've always heard that non-detergent motor oil works, in the proper grade of course.
    Mick

  3. #3
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    You need to find the exact equivalent.

  4. #4
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    Commerce Township, MI
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    I've been using straight 30wt oil for as long as I remember. That's what my manual calls for.

  5. #5
    Not a good idea. Grainger sells compressor oil.
    Thanks John
    Don't take life too seriously. No one gets out alive anyway!

  6. #6
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    Lewiston, Idaho
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    28,504
    I found compressor oil at my local Ace Hardware store.
    Ken

    So much to learn, so little time.....

  7. #7
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    What is different about compressor oil? Weight? I thought I'd read a few people using Mobile One synthetic. Jim.
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  8. #8
    Jim - My understanding is that compressor oil does not foam like regular oil.
    Thanks John
    Don't take life too seriously. No one gets out alive anyway!

  9. #9
    Join Date
    Jun 2006
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    Independence, MO, USA.
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    Depends on the compressor. Most of the compressors you find in poeples shops, will say in their manuals, straight, non detergent 30 weight, or x equivallent mobile one. (seen a couple different weights listed)

    If this was a higher end compressor, like a Quincy, I would be more inclined to go with their oil. Best thing is check your owners manual (or download it).

  10. #10
    As with any similar contraption that doesn't have an oil filter, use a NON detergent oil. You want the solids to settle to the bottom. Detergent oils keep solids in suspension so the filter can remove them.

    No filter, no detergent.

    My Model A requires non-detergent oil. As with air compressors, cars had no oil filters back then. The sludge was encouraged to settle out.
    .
    "I love the smell of sawdust in the morning".
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  11. #11
    Join Date
    Sep 2007
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    Rosetta, South Africa
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    Thanks for the replies.
    Having no Ace or Grainger box stores here cannot get their wares.
    The 30w motor oil path will be followed (will look for synthetic).
    Thanks all
    Phil

  12. #12
    Join Date
    Oct 2005
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    San Francisco Bay Area
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    Phil, Can you not put off maintenance on the compressor till after the 3rd? You really run the risk of doing some major damage.

  13. #13
    Quote Originally Posted by Chris Fairbanks View Post
    Phil, Can you not put off maintenance on the compressor till after the 3rd? You really run the risk of doing some major damage.
    You risk churning up the gunk on the bottom of the case with detergent oil. Wait til you can get the correct oil.
    .
    "I love the smell of sawdust in the morning".
    Robert Duval in "Apileachips Now". - almost.


    Laserpro Spirit 60W laser, Corel X3
    Missionfurnishings, Mitchell Andrus Studios, NC

  14. #14
    Join Date
    Feb 2009
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    I have seen compressor oil on the shelf at Wal Mart, Harbor Freight, Ace Hardware, Auto Zone, etc...

    I would STRONGLY suggest you NOT using detergent (standard) oil...
    Trying to follow the example of the master...

  15. #15
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    Notice, the OP lives in South Africa.
    "Remember back in the day, when things were made by hand, and people took pride in their work?"
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