gmcjetpilot
Well Known Member
I have a 3 horsepower 220V Speedaire, Single stage cast iron compressor, 30 gallon tank I bought 1988-89.
Last time I just used straight 30W non detergent automotive oil. I'm thinking I need to change the oil again. I looked for air compressor oil. It's like $50 a quart with Speedaire label. Mobil 1 makes air compressor oil, also expensive.
ANYONE KNOW? I think I still have my manual but can't find it. I seem to recall automotive non detergent oil was cool. Of course synthetic oil was not widely available in 1990. I'm wondering if synthetic oil might be better.
PS
When I bought my air compressor about 1988-89 synthetic oil wasn't a common thing for consumers then. Now I believe they sell synthetic oil for air compressors. BTW Speedaire use to be made in USA. No more. The brand exists. Quality don't know. Very happy with my Speedair. It will last a lifetime, heavy duty air compressor. Now the market has "cheap" Chinese oil less throw away air compressors. When I say "cheap" today $400 is the minimum 110v compressor we would use for air tools and a little primer spraying. $400 is what I paid for my Speedaire in 1989. Mine today is now $1000, and I doubt it has the same quality. When people ask me for advice on an air compressor I always tell them 220 V, 3 horsepower minimum, cast iron compressor that uses oil. If I added a second large reservoir tank I could paint with my compressor.
Last time I just used straight 30W non detergent automotive oil. I'm thinking I need to change the oil again. I looked for air compressor oil. It's like $50 a quart with Speedaire label. Mobil 1 makes air compressor oil, also expensive.
ANYONE KNOW? I think I still have my manual but can't find it. I seem to recall automotive non detergent oil was cool. Of course synthetic oil was not widely available in 1990. I'm wondering if synthetic oil might be better.
PS
When I bought my air compressor about 1988-89 synthetic oil wasn't a common thing for consumers then. Now I believe they sell synthetic oil for air compressors. BTW Speedaire use to be made in USA. No more. The brand exists. Quality don't know. Very happy with my Speedair. It will last a lifetime, heavy duty air compressor. Now the market has "cheap" Chinese oil less throw away air compressors. When I say "cheap" today $400 is the minimum 110v compressor we would use for air tools and a little primer spraying. $400 is what I paid for my Speedaire in 1989. Mine today is now $1000, and I doubt it has the same quality. When people ask me for advice on an air compressor I always tell them 220 V, 3 horsepower minimum, cast iron compressor that uses oil. If I added a second large reservoir tank I could paint with my compressor.
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