TM 5-3895-374-24-1
COMPRESSOR LUBRICATION
OIL LEVEL
Always operate the unit in a level position Prior to start-up, check
the sight glass to ensure that the oil In the compressor pump Is
at the required level. The oil level should reach 1/8" above the
red line on the sight glass (see Fig 7). If the oil level is below the
red line, remove the oil fill plug and pour oil through the oil filler
opening until the sight glass shows the correct level. Do not
overfill or underfill, too much or too little oil will harm the
compressor.
CAUTION: The oil level In the pump crankcase must be checked
daily.
BREAK-IN PERIOD
The compressor pump Is shipped with break-in oil which should
be changed after the first 8 hours of operation. Drain the oil from
the crankcase by removing the cap (see Fig 7). Additional oil
changes should be done at the Intervals specified below.
OIL TYPE
The correct lubricant is essential to the proper operation of your
2-stage cast Iron compressor. One of two types of oil should be
used, depending on whether the compressor is operated under a
normal load, or under a light load. Compressor oil meeting the
following specifications should be available from a local industrial
lubricant supplier.
CAUTION: Motor oils are not suitable for compressor use.
Figure 7. Checking Oil Level
NORMALLY LOADED COMPRESSORS
(Compressors in typical installations)
Oil Type: When the compressor is operated under a
normal load, the durability of the oil at high temperatures
is extremely important. Use only SLC1 (Part No. 018-
0051SP) or PGS iii (Part No 018-0053SP) compressor
oil or a premium reciprocating compressor oil made from
highly refined base stocks and meeting the following
specifications:
Minimum Flash Point.........................249-C (480-F)
Maximum Pour Point ............................. -6 7C (20F)
Minimum Viscosity
at 40C .................................................... 100cSt
at 1 00C .................................................11 3 cSt
at 100°F ................................................525 SUS
at 2100F..................................................65 SUS
Minimum Viscosity index .......................................95
Rust Protection, ASTM D665 A&B ....................Pass
Maximum CCR . ...............................................020%
Oil Changes: After the initial break-in period, all
additional oil changes should be done at 250 working
hour intervals.
LIGHTLY LOADED COMPRESSORS
(Compressors that run infrequently AND experience
condensation)
Oil Type: When experiencing condensation, the ability of
the oil to separate (demulsify) water is extremely
important This allows the water to settle to the bottom of
the crankcase Use ISO 100 (30W) or 150 (40W) R & O
oil that passes the ASTM D1401 demulsibility test. Two
compressor oils meeting these requirements are
Sanborn 30W (Part No 018-0018) and Sanborn 40W
(Part No 018-0029).
Condensation: Water condensing in the crankcase is
normal under certain humid conditions and light duty
cycling. This water must be removed from the pump to
prevent damage Use a demulsifying oil that meets the
specifications above, and drain the condensation at least
twice a week. After draining the condensation, check the
oil level and add oil as necessary.
CAUTION: A rise in the oil level and a milky oil color
indicate condensation is forming in the
crankcase This condensation must
be
drained immediately, or damage to the pump
may occur.
Oil Changes: When experiencing condensation/water in
the crankcase, a complete oil change should be done at
100 working hour intervals after the initial break-in
period.
200-2009
(page 3-636)
