Difference Between Compressor Oil Automotive Oil

wsmm · Jan 26, 2012

What is the difference say in 10w compressor oil and 10w non detergent automotive oil? Would it make a difference if the automotive oil is synthetic or not?

Dalex · Jan 26, 2012

For my money , they are the same. Some compressor brands are recommending synthetic now, it 's better for cold weather operation ....

Stephen Newell · Jan 26, 2012

I agree with Dalex. Air compressor oil is just 10w non detergent oil. Getting a non detergent oil is all that is important because detergent oil will foam in a compressor.

Chris(WA) · Jan 26, 2012

Why would detergent oil foam in a compressor?
Really no different than running in an engine except for no combustion byproducts to contend with.

J.Wondergem · Jan 26, 2012

I'm running Mobile1 synthetic 10-30 in mine.

souNdguy · Jan 26, 2012

compressors have no oil filter.. detergent oils suspend debri for filtration.. no filter.. then use non detergent.. etc.

Alont · Jan 26, 2012

(quoted from post at 15:29:40 01/26/12) I'm running Mobile1 synthetic 10-30 in mine.

I have been running Mobile1 synthetic 10-30 in mine for two years now, with much easier starting in cold weather.

Alont

Stephen Newell · Jan 27, 2012

The crankcase on a compressor is a little different than a engine. They have oil slingers on the rods that pick up more of the oil. They also run at a little higher rpm. Also detergent oils have chemicals that help suspend dirt in the oil so the filter can catch it. This combination introduces more air into the oil causing it to foam. To aleaviate this problem they make compressor oils without the detergent and add a antifoaming agent.

VicS · Jan 28, 2012

I think detergent oil quit foaming back in the 60's. I also don't buy that suspension thing. I have been around the Oil Field all my life, and sold them a lot of oil. A 208 is a single cylinder 208 cubic in engine used all over the world to pull a pump jack 24-7 . They are a dipper oiler, there is a tray the rod cap goes thru. There is one 3/8 hole to let the oil in. If you don't take the crankcase cover off and wipe the dirt out of this tray the hole will stop up. You do this once a month. or 720 hrs. They use 30W series 3 diesel oil to try to stop this. the best thing is to take a hammer and bust the end out of the tray. That dirt will build up in that tray even though the crank is hitting it 400 to 800 times a minute. About the same speed as a air-compressor. My air compressor is WW 2 surplus and I change it once a year with 15X40 (whats in the barrel) Vic

Jon Hagen · Jan 29, 2012

I have used Mobil 1 synthetic engine oil(5-30) in my unheated air compressors for near 20 years with no problems starting at 30 below 0 temps.

Engine oil has water dispersant additives that mix condensation water with the oil and depend on hot pistons to boil off the water. An air compressor may not run hot enough to boil off that water, but has not been a problem in my units. Might be a problem in areas with very high humidity, but I have not seen it.
I change the oil once per year, and it comes out looking nearly new.

Difference Between Compressor Oil Automotive Oil

wsmm

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Dalex

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Stephen Newell

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Chris(WA)

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J.Wondergem

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souNdguy

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Alont

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Stephen Newell

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VicS

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Jon Hagen

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