FHB Logo Facebook LinkedIn Email Pinterest Twitter X Instagram Tiktok YouTube Plus Icon Close Icon Navigation Search Icon Navigation Search Icon Arrow Down Icon Video Guide Icon Article Guide Icon Modal Close Icon Guide Search Icon Skip to content
Subscribe
Log In
  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Restoration
  • Videos
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House
  • Podcast
Log In

Discussion Forum

Discussion Forum

Oil for compressors

| Posted in General Discussion on January 27, 2000 11:50am

*
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?

Reply
  • X
  • facebook
  • linkedin
  • pinterest
  • email
  • add to favorites Log in or Sign up to save your favorite articles

Replies

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

    *
    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

    *
    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

    *
    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

    *
    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!

Log in or create an account to post a comment.

Sign up Log in

Become a member and get full access to FineHomebuilding.com

Video Shorts

Categories

  • Business
  • Code Questions
  • Construction Techniques
  • Energy, Heating & Insulation
  • General Discussion
  • Help/Work Wanted
  • Photo Gallery
  • Reader Classified
  • Tools for Home Building

Discussion Forum

Recent Posts and Replies

  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
View More Create Post

Up Next

Video Shorts

Featured Story

FHB Podcast Segment: Embodied Greenhouse Gas Emissions and the Building Codes

Could a building code update make your go-to materials obsolete?

Featured Video

How to Install Cable Rail Around Wood-Post Corners

Use these tips to keep cables tight and straight for a professional-looking deck-railing job.

Related Stories

  • Podcast Episode 692: Introduction to Trade Work, Embodied Carbon, and Envelope Improvements
  • FHB Podcast Segment: Embodied Greenhouse Gas Emissions and the Building Codes
  • Old Boots Learn New Tricks
  • Install Denim Insulation Like a Pro

Highlights

Fine Homebuilding All Access
Fine Homebuilding Podcast
Tool Tech
Plus, get an extra 20% off with code GIFT20

"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Fine Homebuilding Magazine

  • Issue 332 - July 2025
    • Custom Built-ins With Job-Site Tools
    • Fight House Fires Through Design
    • Making the Move to Multifamily
  • Issue 331 - June 2025
    • A More Resilient Roof
    • Tool Test: You Need a Drywall Sander
    • Ducted vs. Ductless Heat Pumps
  • Issue 330 - April/May 2025
    • Deck Details for Durability
    • FAQs on HPWHs
    • 10 Tips for a Long-Lasting Paint Job
  • Issue 329 - Feb/Mar 2025
    • Smart Foundation for a Small Addition
    • A Kominka Comes West
    • Making Small Kitchens Work
  • Issue 328 - Dec/Jan 2025
    • How a Pro Replaces Columns
    • Passive House 3.0
    • Tool Test: Compact Line Lasers

Fine Home Building

Newsletter Sign-up

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox.

  • Green Building Advisor

    Building science and energy efficiency advice, plus special offers, in your inbox.

  • Old House Journal

    Repair, renovation, and restoration tips, plus special offers, in your inbox.

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters

Follow

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X

Membership & Magazine

  • Online Archive
  • Start Free Trial
  • Magazine Subscription
  • Magazine Renewal
  • Gift a Subscription
  • Customer Support
  • Privacy Preferences
  • About
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Careers
  • Terms of Use
  • Site Map
  • Do not sell or share my information
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility
  • California Privacy Rights

© 2025 Active Interest Media. All rights reserved.

Fine Homebuilding receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

  • Home Group
  • Antique Trader
  • Arts & Crafts Homes
  • Bank Note Reporter
  • Cabin Life
  • Cuisine at Home
  • Fine Gardening
  • Fine Woodworking
  • Green Building Advisor
  • Garden Gate
  • Horticulture
  • Keep Craft Alive
  • Log Home Living
  • Military Trader/Vehicles
  • Numismatic News
  • Numismaster
  • Old Cars Weekly
  • Old House Journal
  • Period Homes
  • Popular Woodworking
  • Script
  • ShopNotes
  • Sports Collectors Digest
  • Threads
  • Timber Home Living
  • Traditional Building
  • Woodsmith
  • World Coin News
  • Writer's Digest
Active Interest Media logo
X
X
This is a dialog window which overlays the main content of the page. The modal window is a 'site map' of the most critical areas of the site. Pressing the Escape (ESC) button will close the modal and bring you back to where you were on the page.

Main Menu

  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Video
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Popular Topics

  • Kitchens
  • Business
  • Bedrooms
  • Roofs
  • Architecture and Design
  • Green Building
  • Decks
  • Framing
  • Safety
  • Remodeling
  • Bathrooms
  • Windows
  • Tilework
  • Ceilings
  • HVAC

Magazine

  • Current Issue
  • Past Issues
  • Magazine Index
  • Subscribe
  • Online Archive
  • Author Guidelines

All Access

  • Member Home
  • Start Free Trial
  • Gift Membership

Online Learning

  • Courses
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Podcast

More

  • FHB Ambassadors
  • FHB House
  • Customer Support

Account

  • Log In
  • Join

Newsletter

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Follow

  • X
  • YouTube
  • instagram
  • facebook
  • pinterest
  • Tiktok

Join All Access

Become a member and get instant access to thousands of videos, how-tos, tool reviews, and design features.

Start Your Free Trial

Subscribe

FHB Magazine

Start your subscription today and save up to 70%

Subscribe

Enjoy unlimited access to Fine Homebuilding. Join Now

Already a member? Log in

We hope you’ve enjoyed your free articles. To keep reading, become a member today.

Get complete site access to expert advice, how-to videos, Code Check, and more, plus the print magazine.

Start your FREE trial

Already a member? Log in

Privacy Policy Update

We use cookies, pixels, script and other tracking technologies to analyze and improve our service, to improve and personalize content, and for advertising to you. We also share information about your use of our site with third-party social media, advertising and analytics partners. You can view our Privacy Policy here and our Terms of Use here.

Cookies

Analytics

These cookies help us track site metrics to improve our sites and provide a better user experience.

Advertising/Social Media

These cookies are used to serve advertisements aligned with your interests.

Essential

These cookies are required to provide basic functions like page navigation and access to secure areas of the website.

Delete My Data

Delete all cookies and associated data