Knowing how to change air compressor oil is a simple task to master, if you want your compressor to perform year after year then oil lubrication and maintaining the condition of your compressors oil is crucial.

The compressors oil provides a protection barrier between the moving parts within the compressor, there by reducing friction and preventing wear and tear. Over time, however, the compressor oil can become contaminated with all sorts of dirt, debris, and other particles that can cause serious damage to the air compressor's internal components. This is why it is very important to periodically change the oil in your air compressor.

Making Regular oil changes part of your routine maintenance not only extend the life of the air compressor but will also maintain its performance, ensuring a smooth and reliable operation over time. Changing out dirty oil for new oil ensures better protection against rust and corrosion, reducing the risk of harm to the air compressor over time.

Changing the oil in your air compressor is a simple and straight forward task that you can do without any specialist help, there are a few things to consider when doing this which is why we have written this guide to help you out, so lets get going.

Air Compressor Oil

This oil is very different from the engine or motor oil. It is made especially to be used in the air compressors. It is also is synthetic in nature (i.e it contains no form of detergent). Carbon build up could occur around compressor valves but when lubricated with the air compressor oil, it can prevent such carbon build up in no time.

Different Oil for Different Air Compressors

As air compressors differ in usages and purpose, so it stand to reason that their lubricating needs would differ as well. The difference boils down to the types and mechanism involved an air compressor these include;

Rotary Screw Compressor

Rotary screw compressors are usually used in high temperature, demanding environments, so when it comes to choosing an oil to use it is very important that you use the type of oil recommended by the manufacturer.

Most rotary screw compressor will use either a synthetic or synthetic blend air compressor oil. This is because synthetic oils are designed to perform better in the high-temperature environment, providing excellent lubrication and protection to the compressor components over non synthetic oils.

When applied, synthetic oil can reduce oil deposit like sludge and varnish from building up in the compressor, as well as providing long service lifespan which can be as long as 80,000 hours.

Furthermore, synthetic oils have a way of cooling the compressor temperature for proper air discharge.

Reciprocating Air Compressor

The lubricating demands of your Reciprocating Air Compressor can be similar to a Rotary Screw Compressors, but it's piston ring designed compressor does come with some specific requirements.

This main difference is it requires an oil with a specific viscosity, while you can use both synthetic and non synthetic oils in your compressor if you do not have the correct oil viscosity the oil could be to thin and this would cause the oil to blow right past the rings and end up in you air tank.

Cost can also be a consideration here as non synthetic oils tend to be cheaper to buy and are more than capable of protecting your compressor.

What Kind of Oil is Safe for Use in an Air Compressor?

Air compressor manufacturers will usually recommend a non-detergent 20-weight or 30-weight air compressor oil.

Synthetic or standard blend oils can work in a air compressor but they should only be used if the manufacturer advises it is safe to use it.

Always abide by the manufacturer's recommendations so as not to void any warranty coverage.

How to Choose Air Compressor Oil?

Consider these factors when you buy air compressor oil

• Oil viscosity requirements of the compressor:
• Its ability to shed water and to stop corrosion:
• High oxidation stability.

How to Change Air Compressor Oil?

Changing air compressor oil can be very challenging if not experienced in the process. However, these steps, if adhered to, will help you in the process of changing air compressor oil and maintaining the oil quality along the line.

Time needed: 1 hour.

This is a step by step guide of: How to change air compressor oil

• Drain leftover oils before start

• Drain leftover oils in the compressor: turn on the compressor before draining to get it warm and reduce viscosity.

• Remove the fill cap of the machine and allow air to pass into it

• Remove drain plug from the compressor and carefully drain all the oil in it.

• Drain as much as you can and put the drain plug back in its initial position after draining.

• Pour the oil slowly and steadily into the machine with patience and handling with care.

• Check the oil level using either the oil level gauge or the dipstick. If needed add more oil to reach the correct oil level.

• Put the fill cap back after filling oil.

• Start the air compressor and let it run for several minutes to circulate the new oil throughout the system.

• Finally check for any oil leaks and if neccessary tighten any loose connections.

• Done!

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use Motor Oil in my Air Compressor?

A: Motor Oil in an Air Compressor

Motor oils are known for their non-synthetic features and could be used for lubricating mobile parts of an engine. The motor oil is not the best fit for air compressor in all ramification though it contains certain additives that alleviate its longevity when put to use.

Recommended Air Compressor Oils

If you are looking to buy some oil for your air compressor then the following would be our recommendation for the best quality Synthetic and Non Synthetic oils.

Campbell Hausfeld Oil Compressor 16oz MP12

Our top recommendation for best Non Synthetic Oil is Campbell Hausfeld ST1253 Air Compressor Oil as it provides the proper mix of lubricants to keep your air compressor operating smoothly and help extend its working life.

Key features:

• High-Quality Oil.
• 30 Weight.
• Non-Detergent.
• Single Viscosity Oil.
• Prolongs Compressor Life.
• Reduces Valve Carbon Build-up.

Check Latest Price.

Ingersoll Rand 38436721 OEM All Season

Our top recommendation Synthetic Oil for your air compressor is the Ingersoll Rand 38436721 All Season Select Synthetic Lubricant. Designed for all-temperature use, this synthetic lubricant helps keep reciprocating air compressors cooler while preventing carbon buildup and reducing wear.

Key features:

• Works effectively in both low and high temperature applications.
• Performs up to 4x longer than petroleum-based lubricants.
• Reduces wear and prevent carbon build up.
• Designed to increase efficiency.
• Recommended 2,000 hours of service between lubricant change-out under normal operating conditions.

Check Latest Price.

Final Thoughts

While changing the oil in your air compressor can be an easily achieved by anyone it is still a task that requires attention. we always recommend that you check out your manufacturers recommended oil requirements before you service the oil in your air compressor, doing so will insure that your air compressor runs trouble free for many, many years.

More Resources

We hope you found our article helpful, if you would like to read some more of our articles then we think these below may be interesting for you.

• What is an Air Compressor.
• Air Compressor Drain Valve Extension.
• Best Air Compressor for Home Use.