Replies

1. 
   Guest_ | Jan 24, 2000 02:34am | #1

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   As long as it's specifically marketed for compressors, it should be fine. Compressor oils intentionally lack some additives (e.g. detergents) that can danage some types of seals in the compressor or the air tool.

   while synthetic superiority in cars is reasonably well documented, a low stress application like a compressor may not see as much benefit. if you're in a cold area, then go for the synthetic; one of their advantages is they flow easier in a cold engine at startup.

1. 
   Guest_ | Jan 24, 2000 09:59am | #2

   *I would strongly suggest that you consult the manufacturer before using synthetic oil in your compressor. Try quincycompressor.comJerry

1. 
   Guest_ | Jan 24, 2000 03:34pm | #3

   *Tom, I was not aware of seals that were detergent sensitive. I thought that the non-detergent oil was needed to prevent foaming. The compressors use the oil bath method, and would stir the oil up into a foaming mess in no time. Autos use an oil pump, and therfore have no splashing parts to foam the oil.Anyone else know anythingabout this?blue

2. 
   CHARLES_CHRISTENSEN | Jan 24, 2000 08:20pm | #4

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   The early synthetic motor oils had some problems with attacking neoprene seals but I think that has been fixed.

   The only real problem with synthetics or friction reducers is that they should not be used in new equipment. Although manufacturing has gotten tolerances down there is still a need to run-in and get all the moving parts seated against each other. This increases power and reduces oil consumption. Going right to low friction lubricants prevents this run-in process.

   If you buy a new car you should change the oil with standard non-low friction additive oil at 500 miles, 3000 miles and then go to the friction reducers after 5000 miles.
   During this break-in period you keep a close eye on oil consumption and stay away from the red line. As things smooth out you will see a drop in oil consumption.

   The same general process should apply to a compressor.

1. 
   Mark_von_Wehrden | Jan 27, 2000 06:50am | #5

   *Thanks to all of you for the excellent information. It has proven very useful and I appreciate your responses.

3. 
   Mark_von_Wehrden | Jan 27, 2000 11:50am | #6

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   I recently purchased a Quincy air compressor and would like to make it last as long as
   possible. I've seen a synthetic compressor oil, made by AMSOIL, in local auto parts stores and
   was wondering if this would work in my unit. Is there any potential for damage by using
   synthetic over regular oil?

4. 
   Guest_ | Jan 27, 2000 11:50am | #7

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   Blued Eyed Devil,

   a bit off topic, but "normal" non-racing car engines actually DO depend heavily on "splash lubrication" (E.g., the connecting rod-to-crankshaft bearings), relying on oil being whipped up in the cranckase.

   The oil pump is used to supply pressurized oil to the most critical bearings (camshaft bearing, crankshaft bearing), and direct oil pressure to hydraulic lifters). All the excess oil kind of drools over & splashes on the other moving parts.

   As you observe, the oil DOES in fact foam up & becomes a major source of problems & horsepower loss in high rpm racing engines, hence the invention of "dry sump" lubrication systems (as used in NASCAR & high end dragster classes)

   Also, in a racing engine running 12:1 or higher compression, the detergents in the oil can cause the engine to be more prone to detonation ("pinging"/ "knocking"), even with 108+ octane racing gas, & can literally disintegrate pistons in severe cases (very unpleasant).

   Detergents are used in non-racing engines to minimize buildups of sludges & deposits over the lifr of the vehicle. Racing engines (usually) get a much higher level of maintenance, rebuilds, & TLC in general, so crud usually doesn't get as much a chance to build up in the first place.

   Hope this helps!