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        Old Air Compressor question
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        DBM_NJ
        posted
        I recently obtained an old air compressor (10 gal, 1.5 HP) and learned that it is not an "oil-less" type. Since no owners manual is available - does anyone know what kind of oil I should use, & how often does it need oil?
         
        Posts: 2 | Registered: Jan 17, 2013Reply With QuoteReport This Post
        Sparky617
        posted Hide Post
        I Googled it and came up with another forum.

        http://forum.ih8mud.com/worksh...-air-compressor.html

        Consensus on the thread above is either straight 30 weight w/o detergent or a synthetic like Mobil 1. Apparently you can find synthetic at Lowes or Home Depot for compressors now.

        I'd say you ought to change the oil now, since you have no idea how old it is. I'd probably change it every couple of years unless you run it a lot. If it isn't worn out it shouldn't use much if any oil. There is no combustion in a compressor so the oil shouldn't get dirty.


        General Disclaimer

        Any advice given here is general in nature and is not necessarily valid for your given area. If in doubt check with your local codes enforcement department for what is required when doing electrical, plumbing or structural work on your house. Permits may or may not be required in your area and home owners may not be able to DIY some tasks. I have no way of knowing if you have the skills needed to complete the tasks you are asking about, when in doubt seek professional assistance.

        My advice may be worth exactly what you pay me for it. :-) For the record I did not stay in a Holiday Inn Express last night.
         
        Posts: 202 | Location: Cary, NC | Registered: Aug 17, 2006Reply With QuoteReport This Post
        DBM_NJ
        posted Hide Post
        THANKS for the response - this was a real mystery since no owners manual is available for it. Smile
         
        Posts: 2 | Registered: Jan 17, 2013Reply With QuoteReport This Post
        joecaption
        Picture of joecaption
        posted Hide Post
        There is no combustion, but there two other things, normal wear on all the metal parts making contact with each other, and the bigger one is natural acids forming as the oil breaks down from just being exposted to the air.
        If it has an oil filter then you should use an oil with a detergent in it, no filter no detergent is needed.
        Is there a make and model # on it some place?
        If so I'd find it hard to believe that a Google seach would not bring something up.


        joecaption
         
        Posts: 17745 | Location: Hartfield VA | Registered: Jan 31, 2004Reply With QuoteReport This Post
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