Air compressor oil.

[gmcjetpilot]

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.

 

[Mike S]

Check with NAPA auto parts. That is where I have gotten air compressor oil in the past.

 

[chaskuss]

I've been using 15W-50 synthetic automotive oil in my Campbell - Hausfeld 7 HP 80 Gallon compressor for the past 18 years. Works great, reasonably priced and available everywhere. Most of the time it's Amalie brand, but I've used other brands as well. Generally change it once a year [anti corrosion additives only last that long]

 

[KatanaPilot]

Synthetics are better. Longer life, lower friction. Look for an Amsoil dealer near you. PCK (30W synthetic compressor oil) is about $18 per quart at retail. I've been using it for years in my IR cast iron compressor.

 

[9GT]

My big 80 gallon Iron Man two stage specifies 30 w automotive oil. Last time I changed it I used synthetic oil.

 

[gmcjetpilot]

Thanks. I will switch to Synthetic. I also see 30W non detergent come up for compressors. I have been doing the right thing with the 30W non detergent. However +30 yrs ago synthetic was not a thing.

Because there is not combustion by products non detergent is good.

AMSOL has synthetic "compressor oil" for $18 seems good. However automotive off the shelf synthetic will work I am sure.

 

[David Z]

My air compressor actually recommends 10w30 synthetic oil. It's actually pretty difficult to find, everything around here is 5w30 or 0w30.