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cranheim

Air Compressor Oil

18 years ago

There was a thread awhile back when oil for air compressors was discussed. I remember some said you should never use detergent oil or multi-viscosity. At the time, I was using 10W-30 detergent oil in my Sears air compressor as specified in the manual. It lasted about 30 years, until a valve part failed, and it was no longer available. I replaced the compressor with a Rol-Air model 5520K17. It says to use a NON-DETERGENT straight weight oil. Use #10 below 40 degrees, and #30 above 40 degrees (non-detergent). However, I found there was an exception to this oil spec. RolAir has a synthetic compressor oil that can be used at any temperature. It sells for about $11.00 a one liter bottle. That is just the correct amount to fill the compressor, which calls for 34 oz of oil. The one Liter bottle has 33.8 oz. If it came in quart bottles, I would have to buy two quarts to get the required 34 oz.

I called the factory to get their opinion about using the synthetic oil. They highly recommended it. There is no mention on the bottle about detergents, or viscosity. It just says it keeps the reed valves clean and provides the best lubrication under a wide temperature range.

I like the compressor very much. It is very well built compared to my old Sears unit. Has anyone had any experience with this particular compressor, or any other RolAir compressors? Charles Ranheim

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