Best Oil for Air Compressor

[Docwheelhorse 2,689]

Hello All,

I got sick of all my worn out, tired and noisy air compressors and sold them all on craigslist.... took the money and picked up a sweet 30 gallon Ingersol Rand off of a machine shop that never used it.... (they had three 100 gallon 4 cylinder IR units---I think they where T630's or T30's or ??? something like that...) Anyways---I want to know what would be the best all around oil for a compressor that will sit in my shop and see the full temperature range from below freezing to 100+. I read about Mobil RARUS 427 air compressor oil and am leaning towards that. But does anybody have any real world experience they would like to share?

Thanks

Tony

[Jim_M 179]

I have very little to add, but I'm glad you brought this up. My air compressor is overdue for an oil change. Mine shares the same type of environment as yours. We have Kaeser screw compressors at work and I was planning to use the same Kaeser M450 synthetic oil in mine. I know it's good stuff but it's pretty pricey.

I'll be watching this thread closely for other alternatives.

[squonk 42,516]

I've got an el cheapo Campbell Hausfeld 6.5 upright. Same thing. Below freezing and up to 100 deg. Started out with straight ND 30 wt. Compressor stuggled to start when cold. Switched to Amsoil Synthetic compressor oil about 10 yrs ago. Have changed it twice. Starts right up no matter how cold. :thumbs:

[dobeleo 7]

I had my brother-in-law's belt driven compressor in the garage and it didnt like cold weather with the ND 30wt oil in it. I would highly recommend a synthetic oil.

[Forest Road 594]

I use amsoil synthetic compressor oil. I have two small makita job site compressors which go from sub zero to 100 summer temps. You might want to call an IR dealer for their opinion.

[grnlark 489]

I have 30 weight Mobil 1 synthetic in mine. Thats what the manufacturer recommended.

[Docwheelhorse 2,689]

Hey Matt... Is that Mobil 1 made for air compressors or regular Mobil 1? The new compressors might run a regular detergent oil.... I have to call IR as this compressor has been sitting since '94 and was never used.... I don't know when the pumps started being able to run regular oil but I bet 1994 is still "old school" non detergent...

Thanks

Tony

[VinsRJ 723]

Tony, I've had my IR compressor for 12+ years now and have only run IR full syth compressor oil in it. I had to pull the head last summer d/t a blown head gasket, the bores are mint. The hone looks like new. Just run the IR oil.

[Docwheelhorse 2,689]

Hey Vin.... Did Matt or You get the red compressor out of the old shop in S.Windsor? I thought that was longer then 12 years if my memory is right... anyways---I looked up the IR oil and Tractor Supply sells the synthetic stuff and it has nothing but good reviews. Sometime this week I will go pick up enough to do a swap out.

Tee Rug

[VinsRJ 723]

Tony, I sold that the first compressor and bought my IR when I was in the shop in SW, so its been over 12 years.