#Compressor oil how to#
#Compressor oil manual#
#Compressor oil portable#
#Compressor oil iso#

It’s important to use the correct viscosity for best protection. It may also be stamped somewhere on the compressor itself.

#Compressor oil manual#

The viscosity is printed right on the oil label.Ĭheck your owner’s manual for that information.

#Compressor oil iso#

Use the correct viscosity compressor oilĪs with your car or truck, your compressor requires a specific viscosity of oil, generally ISO 68 or ISO 100. If foam passes between metal components, the bubbles can collapse leaving no oil in its place to keep metal separated.Ĭompressor oil is formulated to release air quickly to help prevent foam for maximum protection.

The piston in a reciprocating compressor moving up and down thousands of times per minute whips air into the oil, creating foam. Non-detergent oil demulsifies with water, allowing it to settle at the bottom of the sump and be drained out.Ĭompressor oil is also formulated to deliver excellent air-release properties and foam control. Oil with detergents tends to emulsify with water. Unlike motor oil, compressor oil doesn’t contain detergents. It’ll help protect against wear, resist water contamination, reduce heat and maximize compressor life. Be sure to use an oil specifically formulated for air compressors. What is compressor oil?Īir compressor oil and motor oil aren’t the same thing. Used oil analysis is the best way to determine oil condition and how much longer you can use it. Regardless how often you use your compressor and the operating conditions, check the oil level every time you use it. There’s no good rule of thumb given the variability of operating conditions, so check your owner’s manual for specific recommendations. The manufacturer of the compressor shown in this demonstration recommends changing oil every 100 hours, which is typical of homeowner compressors. While some large industrial compressors can go thousands of hours between oil changes, smaller homeowner/contractor reciprocating compressors require oil changes more often.

How often you should change compressor oil depends on the type of compressor you have and your operating conditions. How often should I change air compressor oil? That’s all there is to changing compressor oil. Components are usually accessible, but if not, remove any shrouds or other components that may be in your way. On some units, the sight glass doubles as the drain plug. Locate the oil-fill cap, sight glass and drain plug. Most compressors require less than a quart of compressor oil. Note the proper type of compressor oil to use and ensure you have enough on hand. Once you’ve determined that your compressor requires oil, try to remember where you stashed the owner’s manual and look for any special oil-change instructions the manufacturer provides. I have a small compressor I use mostly for running a light-duty nail gun that doesn’t require oil.

#Compressor oil portable#

Some smaller portable compressors are defined as “oilless” and don’t use oil. While it sounds like a no-brainer, first make sure your compressor even uses oil.

The correct viscosity of new compressor oil.Wrench or socket to remove the drain plug.Drain pan or similar receptacle for catching the old oil.

#Compressor oil how to#

Step By Step: How to Change Compressor Oil The steps should apply to most compressor brands. This example uses an 11-gallon reciprocating air compressor, like what you’ll find in the garage of any DIY homeowner or on a jobsite. Unfortunately, compressor maintenance tends to get overlooked since it’s easy to ignore your air compressor until it breaks. Changing oil on most homeowner or contractor compressors is easier than changing oil on your car or truck.