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Many people and businesses own small air compressors that are used for tasks such as inflating tires and balls,spraying paints and varnishes and running air tools like nailers, impact wrenches and air ratchets.
Oil-lubricated home and Shop compressors are typically powered by an electric motor that is connected to the pump unit either directly or by a belt. When the electric motor turns the pump unit a piston creates a vacuum as it travels down the cylinder and pulls air through the inlet port. As the inlet valve closes and the piston travels up the cylinder, air is compressed and pushed through the discharge port and into the tank.
The tank is filled with compressed air until it reaches a preset pressure, at which time the motor and pump shut off until the pressure in the tank drops to a predetermined point and needs to be Filled again
Although driven by an electric motor, oil-lubricated piston-type small air compressor pump units contain a crankshaft, valves, pistons, piston rings and bearings that require lubrication. Like the engines found on push mowers, compressors of this type often rely on a splash lubrication method to protect parts against wear.
Compressor maintenance is not a high priority for many people. Compressor units tend to be used only on an intermittent basis, and the oil is rarely, if ever, checked or changed. However, like any other engine, it is important to check the oil level occasionally and top it off if necessary to ensure optimum equipment protection and performance.
Compressor Oil Challenges
The challenges faced by compressor oils include the following:
- Reduce friction and dissipate heat. The more the pump unit runs, the hotter it becomes.
- Resist sludge and varnish to keep valves from sticking or leaking.
- Minimize foaming. Foam is a common byproduct of splash lubrication systems, leading to overheating and oxidation problems.
- Corrosion and rust control. Water is a natural byproduct of compressed air, often working its way into the compressor oil and leading to rust and corrosion problems in the pump.
- Good cold temperature performance for units used in cold climates.
AMSOIL Synthetic Compressor Oils
AMSOIL compressor oils cover many types of compressors. From home and small shop reciprocating units to various industrial machines like rotary screw, rotary vane compressors. Lets take a look at the AMSOIL products most suited for home and shop use. Contact me directly for industrial compressor applications such as rotary screw, rotary vane compressors.
AMSOIL PC Series
AMSOIL PC Series Synthetic Compressor Oil is a long-life, premium compressor lubricant based on novel, proprietary technology. It incorporates the highest quality, thermally stable PAO synthetics fortified with premium non-detergent, ashless additives for maximum protection at high temperatures and pressures. It lasts up to eight times longer than petroleum oils, effectively reducing maintenance and waste oil disposal costs.
- Improves Compressor Efficiency
- Controls Foam and Reduces Wear
- Resists Water Contamination
- Resists Heat and Oxidation
- Safety Advantage, high-flash-point formulation reduced fire chance
AMSOIL PC Series Synthetic Compressor Oil is compatible with petroleum oils and most synthetic oils such as Mobil, Atlas Copco, Craftsman, Ingersoll Rand, Sullair, Quincy, Kaeser, Shell, BP and others. Please call for proper viscosity and compatibility for your individual compressor application.
AMSOIL PC Series Compressor Oils are available in the following viscosities:
* Check your owners manual for the correct viscosity. ISO-VG is known as the International Standards Organization Viscosity Grade, ISO-VG for short and primarily used in Industrial Lubricants.
Don’t wait until your compressor is broken to do lubricant maintenance on it. For most small shops, the Air Compressor is the life blood of the shop, airing tires and running power tools.
Give is a call today for you a free AMSOIL quote for your compressor oil needs.
Thanks for sharing this advice on maintaining your air compressor. I had no idea that compressor oil is so important to keeping the compressor in good condition. It makes me wonder if there is anything else I can do to extend the lifespan of my compressor. At the very least, I am going to get some oil so that I can reduce corrosion and rust.
Before, I had my air compressor in a state of low oil level. Compressor efficiency of only 50%. the rust situation developed rapidly, reducing the life of the compressor
Thanks for your advice! I have a compressor, but sometimes, I forgot to replace oil for it. The results that it severely damaged and unusable
Thanks for the advice. I often forget to change the oil for my air compressor, which in turn leads the compressor to be a less efficient one. And also it often got rust and I couldn’t find a way to safeguard it. But now after reading this post will definitely replace the oil whenever it is needed to.
Once again thanks for the great advice Michael
Thanks for the article on air compressor maintenance. I’d add, that on top of maintaining oil levels, it’s a good idea to clean the compressor from time to time… you can even take it outside and blow it off. With basic maintenance, a compressor can last a long time.
It’s good to know more about air compressors. To be honest, I had no idea that these machines needed oil. However, now that I know it reduces friction and heat, I know how important that oil is! Should you change it as often as you do in a car?