What Kind of Oil in Air Compressor?

FJ60Cam · 01-20-08, 02:08 PM

What type of oil do you typically run in an air compressor? If it matters, it's a small construction deal, not the nice belt driven shop type.

Can I use some of the motor oil that I've got laying around? (5-30, 15-40)

e9999 · 01-20-08, 02:53 PM

I think I used straight 30W. Must have read that someplace, maybe the manual.

Koffer · 01-20-08, 03:21 PM

what mine said was to run Non Detergent 30w oil in it (ND30W)

FJ60Cam · 01-20-08, 03:38 PM

Anything wrong with 5w-30? It lives outdoors at night and it didn't want to get started on some of the colder mornings... plus I already have some

-Spike- · 01-21-08, 12:34 AM

It probably has detergent in it. I've always heard to use non-detergent. Don't know why, but every manual I've read states non-detergent, so there must be a reason.

-Spike

FJ60Cam · 01-21-08, 07:18 AM

Thanks, I'll go track some down.

Cruiserdrew · 01-21-08, 07:47 AM

For an oil bath compressor, they make "air compressor oil" and it's available anywhere, even online. There is even a synthetic air compressor oil. I know Homo Depot sells it, and so does the local air tool place.

fj40charles · 01-21-08, 08:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cruiserdrew

For an oil bath compressor, they make "air compressor oil" and it's available anywhere, even online. There is even a synthetic air compressor oil. I know Homo Depot sells it, and so does the local air tool place.

Sears also sells them too. I would spend a few extra $$ and get the right stuff.

FJ60Cam · 01-21-08, 08:59 AM

I've never looked specifically for the compressor oil, but I haven't run accross it when buying other crap in that department. I'll look a little harder next time.

e9999 · 01-21-08, 09:54 AM

I'm also curious about what the non-detergent issue is all about...

ff347 · 01-21-08, 03:56 PM

Mobil Rarus 427 is fine for most regular "duty cycle" style compressors, it is a straight 30wt. Synthetics generally are required in the continous run style of compressors.

FJ60Cam · 01-21-08, 04:47 PM

Found some sythetic blend oil at Lowe's today... no wonder I've never seen it, they hide the very small selection that they do have!

Quote:

Originally Posted by -Spike-

It probably has detergent in it. I've always heard to use non-detergent. Don't know why, but every manual I've read states non-detergent, so there must be a reason.

-Spike

Quote:

Originally Posted by e9999

I'm also curious about what the non-detergent issue is all about...

On the bottle it said that regualar oils (10-30 types) will cause carbon buildup and shorten the equipment life.

John Smith · 01-21-08, 04:50 PM

When I purchased my CH compressor around 10 years ago I called them to ask what oil I should put in it and their person on the phone told me regular old Mobil 1 10W-30 is what they were recommending until they came out with their own synthetic compressor oil. I change out the oil every year and it is still running strong. When this pump dies I will check it for carbon buildup. I bet the motor goes first though.

Waorani · 01-21-08, 09:14 PM

Any oil is better than no oil. I've bought ND oils for use in antique cars but can't remember exactly what the issue was. Not breaking down years of deposits??

CruisinGA · 01-22-08, 01:27 AM

I have a bottle of Ingersoll-Rand oil that came with my IR compressor.

I filled it up when I got it 7 years ago, and haven't opened the bottle since.

-Spike- · 01-22-08, 10:10 AM

Fortunately IR parts are available.

-Spike

webelk6 · 01-22-08, 07:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by -Spike-

It probably has detergent in it. I've always heard to use non-detergent. Don't know why, but every manual I've read states non-detergent, so there must be a reason.

-Spike

sometimes they also say non-foaming as well. definately non-detergent tho.

01-20-08, 02:08 PM	#1
FJ60Cam IH8MUD Addict Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Memphis, TN TLCA# 16341 Posts: 969	What Kind of Oil in Air Compressor? What type of oil do you typically run in an air compressor? If it matters, it's a small construction deal, not the nice belt driven shop type. Can I use some of the motor oil that I've got laying around? (5-30, 15-40) __________________ Cameron Mosley '85 FJ60 - Daily Driver

01-20-08, 02:53 PM	#2
e9999 You want to do what...? Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: PRK Posts: 10,206	I think I used straight 30W. Must have read that someplace, maybe the manual. __________________ '97: 88K, 3xlock, Custom HD roo bar for sale, 285 MT/Rs on steelies, Hanna sliders, 851+1.5"/863/N73/N74E/SD24, ARB bull with M12, Kaymar with duals, Kaymar rack, Slee TC skid, 2m/440, more stuff, loose nut behind the wheel!) '03: 99K, the better half's... DD souped up DR650

01-20-08, 03:21 PM	#3
Koffer IH8MUD Thread Killer Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Hopewell NJ Posts: 969	what mine said was to run Non Detergent 30w oil in it (ND30W) __________________ Todd 64' FJ40, 79' FJ40,(gone) 86' BJ70, 92' FJ80,(gone) 96' FZJ80 just 3 cruisers now 66'M416 and a 92' M101CND

01-20-08, 03:38 PM	#4
FJ60Cam IH8MUD Addict Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Memphis, TN TLCA# 16341 Posts: 969	Anything wrong with 5w-30? It lives outdoors at night and it didn't want to get started on some of the colder mornings... plus I already have some __________________ Cameron Mosley '85 FJ60 - Daily Driver

01-21-08, 12:34 AM	#5
-Spike- IH8MUD Lifer Join Date: May 2005 Location: Phoenix Posts: 3,389	It probably has detergent in it. I've always heard to use non-detergent. Don't know why, but every manual I've read states non-detergent, so there must be a reason. -Spike __________________ His 1994 TLC 'White Elephant' +6"/35" Locked and loaded. Hers '95 TLC Bare bones. "I don't understand this business of illegal aliens giving birth to American citizens. If your cat has kittens in the oven, would you call them biscuits?" -Unknown

01-21-08, 07:18 AM	#6
FJ60Cam IH8MUD Addict Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Memphis, TN TLCA# 16341 Posts: 969	Thanks, I'll go track some down. __________________ Cameron Mosley '85 FJ60 - Daily Driver

01-21-08, 07:47 AM	#7
Cruiserdrew KI6MIE Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Sacramento, CA TLCA# 11734 Posts: 6,968	For an oil bath compressor, they make "air compressor oil" and it's available anywhere, even online. There is even a synthetic air compressor oil. I know Homo Depot sells it, and so does the local air tool place. __________________ Andrew 1971 FJ-40 Rubicon tested, 2F powered, some mods 1976 FJ40 Rusting slowly in the back yard 1984 FJ-60 H55f, 4.11, OME, Daily Driver 1989 FJ-62 117k-son's driver for now-low and slow 1997 FZJ-80 Driveway queen

01-21-08, 08:59 AM	#9
FJ60Cam IH8MUD Addict Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Memphis, TN TLCA# 16341 Posts: 969	I've never looked specifically for the compressor oil, but I haven't run accross it when buying other crap in that department. I'll look a little harder next time. __________________ Cameron Mosley '85 FJ60 - Daily Driver

01-21-08, 09:54 AM	#10
e9999 You want to do what...? Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: PRK Posts: 10,206	I'm also curious about what the non-detergent issue is all about... __________________ '97: 88K, 3xlock, Custom HD roo bar for sale, 285 MT/Rs on steelies, Hanna sliders, 851+1.5"/863/N73/N74E/SD24, ARB bull with M12, Kaymar with duals, Kaymar rack, Slee TC skid, 2m/440, more stuff, loose nut behind the wheel!) '03: 99K, the better half's... DD souped up DR650

01-21-08, 03:56 PM	#11
ff347 IH8MUD Regular Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: UPSTATE SOUTH CAROLINA TLCA# 16921 Posts: 369	Mobil Rarus 427 is fine for most regular "duty cycle" style compressors, it is a straight 30wt. Synthetics generally are required in the continous run style of compressors. __________________ And the plot thinnens....................... In four seconds everything is gonna look a little different 100 and a 60

01-21-08, 04:50 PM	#13
John Smith In the garage Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Maryland TLCA# 9074 Posts: 1,713	When I purchased my CH compressor around 10 years ago I called them to ask what oil I should put in it and their person on the phone told me regular old Mobil 1 10W-30 is what they were recommending until they came out with their own synthetic compressor oil. I change out the oil every year and it is still running strong. When this pump dies I will check it for carbon buildup. I bet the motor goes first though. __________________ 79 FJ40 & 78 FJ55 http://users.starpower.net/johnsmith <- Detailed ToyBox install instructions Please help save the Upper Tellico OHV area, Donate to the Rescue Tellico Fund http://www.sfwda.org/trails/tellico/donate.html

01-21-08, 09:14 PM	#14
Waorani IH8MUD Regular Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Auburn, AL Posts: 303	Any oil is better than no oil. I've bought ND oils for use in antique cars but can't remember exactly what the issue was. Not breaking down years of deposits?? __________________ 1980 FJ40 (slowly going back together) http://forum.ih8mud.com/40-55-series-tech/108807-1980-frame-off-resto.html

01-22-08, 01:27 AM	#15
CruisinGA Ramblin Wreck Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Georgia Tech Posts: 5,408	I have a bottle of Ingersoll-Rand oil that came with my IR compressor. I filled it up when I got it 7 years ago, and haven't opened the bottle since. __________________ Bailey Quintrell '74 FJ40--37 Irocks-32 Bolt 'Locks-SM420-ARB-XD9000i-FJ60 PS-MetalTech Cage '93 FZJ80-DD-Part Time 4wd-locked-5" lifted-snorkel-bullbar-315 AT's '97 FZJ80 '98 UZJ100-OEM RR locker ΣΧ

01-22-08, 10:10 AM	#16
-Spike- IH8MUD Lifer Join Date: May 2005 Location: Phoenix Posts: 3,389	Fortunately IR parts are available. -Spike __________________ His 1994 TLC 'White Elephant' +6"/35" Locked and loaded. Hers '95 TLC Bare bones. "I don't understand this business of illegal aliens giving birth to American citizens. If your cat has kittens in the oven, would you call them biscuits?" -Unknown

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