[Joelk]

I am preparing a very (>50) old Quincy Compressor for use. I have drained all of the old oil out and need to refill it with compressor oil. It is a 325 ROC 4 Model with Splash Lube.

Any suggestions on what oil to use?

I can get Amsoil locally. Would probably need to order most others. Would Amsoil be a good choice?

[matts37chev]

i think most compressors use a straight weight non detergent oil

[matt167]

30 weight non detergent oil.. I use the Accell ( not the ignition company ) brand from Walmart. as of this year it is listed as lubricating oil and no longer listed as motor oil

[pepi]

sears , ace hardware, northern tool, easy to find

[Joelk]

Thanks for the replies.

I am aware that there are various sources of Compressor Oil, but am wondering if a particular brand/type is superior.

I have read that some oils cause carbon buildup faster than others. Lots of carbon in head/on valves when I started working on the Compressor, and would like to delay re-buildup as long as reasonably possible.

I assume that most Compressor Oil will work OK, at least in warm weather, but I also assume some may work better than OK.

The compressor will be in a side bay of my garage that is not always heated so I would like an oil that also has good performance in cold temperatures.

Any specific brand/type suggestions to use or to avoid?

[65ELCMO]

I have been a compressor mechanic for many years. Use any brand 30 w non detergent oil from checker pep boys etc. They are all the same. Compressor oil is way over priced. The compressor manufacturer I worked for did an oil analysis and good ol' ND 30 was just as good. The key is to change it every 100 hours. Heat is what causes the carbon build up and breaks down the oil. A few bucks of new oil every so often makes all the differance.

[imperialman67]

I use Amzoil Synthetic compressor oil.
Works great when its -10 below.
Don't remember what a quart cost but wasn't a stupid price.
I figure synthetic was a better way to go.

[Joelk]

From the reading I have done, it sounds like 30 Wt ND is what is typically used in splash lube compressors and that you can/should use a detergent oil in ones with pump/filter. The idea being that you want the oil to carry the "dirt" to the filter, if it has a filter, and you want the "dirt" to settle to the bottom of the crankcase and stay there if you don't.

I suspect that most of the synthetics are detergent formulations, but I read about the AmsOil on their website and it says " synthetics fortified with premium non-detergent, ashless additives" so I am thinking I will give it a try.