Replies

1. 
   RW | Oct 18, 2002 09:31pm | #1

   Most mfgrs of compressors will say to change based on hours of service. My wheelbarrow says every 100 of run, change the oil. Air filters judge by whether or not they're cruddy yet. I usually swap oil & whatever else the service guy thinks it needs 2-3 times a year, but I'm not hooked to the comp every day.

2. 
   r_ignacki | Oct 19, 2002 02:00am | #2

   havn't changed the oil in my compressor since I got it, about 8 years ago, come to think of it, havn't even checked to see if there's any in it. Was using it today. Runs great. Nice little emglo airmate.

   When the lifters in the truck start knockin, it's time for an oil change.

   Not recommending any of that, I was asked.

   listening for the secret.......searching for the sound...

3. 
   user-22015 | Oct 19, 2002 04:06am | #3

   This is a little aside to your maintenance concerns;   one good thing to do for your compressor is make sure to drain it of condensation often.  Trouble is most of us forget or never heard about the rusted ones that 'blow their tops'.  I found a great device called an' automatic drain valve' that opens every time your compressor starts up, just for a brief second or two, and it blows any accumulated water.  No loss of working pressure and pretty easy to install.  Don't want to mention brands in this forum, but maybe ask at  a welding supply house or look through tool catalogs.

1. 
   jonblakemore | Oct 21, 2002 03:02am | #4

   Feel free to mention brands, unless you have a financial interest.Jon Blakemore

1. 
   user-22015 | Oct 24, 2002 09:35am | #5

   Jon, I'm getting back to the compressor maintenance discussion a few days later;  if you want to know one source for an automatic drain valve, see Harbor Freight tool catalog(s).  Many of their tools are low priced and the more basic imported stuff isn't quality to crow about---but they do carry quality name brands and closeouts.  Anyway, I've used the valve, made of brass, for 2 years and no problems, the machining looked decent.  Not packaged with a brand name......I'd ask their customer service dept.    (I don't have any financial interest in the co.--just a shopper myself.)

1. 
   silver77 | Oct 24, 2002 09:42pm | #6

   Good info on the auto drain valve.I'm going to try to find one.

   I try to change the oil on my two compressors on a regular basis...would synthetic oil be an option?

   I'm still using compressor oil that is recommended by the manufacturers.

   thanks,

   silver

1. 
   joeh | Oct 25, 2002 01:59am | #7

   I just changed the oil on my generator and adjusted the valves. Yamaha YG5200D, nice little motor that runs for days on end. I'm terrible on maintenance, but this is a gas engine & needs service just like any gas engine. Compressor? My shop compressor never had the oil changed in over 20 years except for once when it broke a valve and I had it apart. I bought it used, and sold it last year when I moved and had no more 3 phase power. Drained the water occasionally, that's it. Joe H

4. 
   Street18 | Oct 26, 2002 06:13am | #8

   Jon,

   Once every 2 weeks all my equipment gets a complete clean and lube. Thats why guys beg to ues my tools all the time. And being a trim carpenter the customers like when you pull up and unload your stuff and it' s clean.

                     

                                                            Ernie

   Street Construction Remodelig/Renovations/Tim Works