Air Compressor Oil

[Bob_Roller]

Finally getting around to changing the oil in my air compressor, and was wondering if the Castrol 10w30 oil I have , will be alright to use, instead of air compressor specific oil ?

[MrRiden]

Geeze Bob good puzzler! Made me do a google and found there is a confusing galaxy of compressor lubricants for rotary screw, reciprocating, and crankcase applications. AMSOIL even makes compressor oil. Sheesh even found a "white paper" [the sort of thing lab coat guys write] on the subject. Here you read it, I'm goin' to watch the boob tube
http://www.amsoil.com/products/industrial/whitepaper7.pdf
rich

[Justin B.]

I have always used compressor specific oil, I think by Campbell and Hausfeld (sp?), and it also happens to be the brand carried by the local Harbor Freight store as well as Home Depot.  I would imagine the additive package is quite different for compressors than for internal combustion engines...

[Ed Miller]

My air compressor doesn't use oil.  I guess it probably won't last as long, but when it dies I should be able to afford a dual stage one.  :-)  I've had it about 10 years.

[Bob_Roller]

I got a definitive answer from the guys that perform facilities maintenance here in our hangar, and I was told to use compressor specific oil, as automotive detergent type oils are prone to excessive foaming in an air compressor. I guess there isn't a pressure oil system, it's only splash lube. I guess I should look for the owners manual, I got the compressor 24 or 25 years ago from Sears, kind of doubtful that I have it after such a long time.

[Justin B.]

I think the compressor oils are reletively generic and the C&H branded compressor oil is what I have seen at most retail outlets...

[Bob_Roller]

I've got a Harbor Freight Tool store and a Home Depot about a mile from the house, I'll pick up a pint or quart on the way home from work today.

[nhmaf]

I think that the compressor oils don't have all the detergent additives, and are probably not multi-viscosity
rated.    While I don't *think* that it would kill a compressor, I'd probably look for a single purpose oil
for the compressor, to ensure that the lubrication requirements are met.

[Bob_Roller]

Walmart also carries air compressor oil.

[dewjantim]

You mean that stuff doesn't last forever like my BMW oil? Dew.