Can I add an air compressor with ordinary engine oil?

It is not recommended to use ordinary oil to add to the air compressor.

The following is a detailed analysis of the causes:

1. performance differences:

   • there are significant differences in performance between air compressor oil and automobile oil. Air compressor oil needs to have better oxidation resistance, high temperature resistance, emulsification resistance and other properties to meet the operating requirements of air compressors in high temperature and high pressure environments.
   • Ordinary engine oil is mainly used for the lubrication of internal combustion engines such as automobiles and motorcycles, and its performance requirements are relatively low and cannot meet the special lubrication requirements of air compressors.

2. Engine oil deterioration and pollution:

   • when the air compressor is running, it will produce a high temperature and high pressure environment. Ordinary engine oil is easy to deteriorate and thicken in this environment, and even decompose at high temperature to produce sludge and carbon deposits.
   • These pollutants will block the oil circuit and filter of the air compressor, affect the fluidity and lubrication effect of the oil, and then cause corrosion and wear inside the machine.

3. Chemical reaction and performance degradation:

   • different brands or grades of engine oil contain different chemical additives. These additives may undergo chemical reactions when mixed, resulting in a decrease in engine oil performance.
   • For example, some motor oils may have excellent antioxidant properties, while others may be more focused on anti-wear properties. After mixing, these excellent properties may not be fully exerted.

4. Increased maintenance costs:

   • the use of ordinary oil may lead to frequent failure of the air compressor, increasing maintenance costs and downtime.
   • When changing the oil, it is also necessary to clean the sludge and metal chips deposited inside, which will also increase the maintenance cost.

5. Advantages of special lubricants:

   • special lubricants are usually added with special components of heat resistance, oxidation resistance, rust prevention and corrosion resistance, and use synthetic base oils with high viscosity.
   • These characteristics enable the special lubricating oil to operate stably under high temperature and high pressure environment, effectively avoid the problem of oil deterioration and thickening, and at the same time, it is more environmentally friendly.

Therefore, in order to ensure the normal operation of the air compressor and prolong the service life, it is recommended that the user choose a special lubricant suitable for the air compressor. When selecting lubricating oil, the appropriate oil type and viscosity grade should be selected according to the model and specifications of the air compressor, as well as the manufacturer's recommendations and instructions.