What Lube Oil For A Speedaire Compressor 1Z286?

by Mark
(Oregon City, Oregon)

I just got off the phone with Grainger’s and as much as they were helpful, this particular model is just too old for their records (1960 - 1969).

All I really want to know is what type of oil is recommended to use?

The tech person did tell me to change the oil quarterly and that back then they probably used 10W30. Does this information seem correct?

From what I have gleaned off the Internet is, to use non-detergent oil but most of the blogs are saying to use 30W oil.

I might add that for being so old this compressor is in excellent shape and I would like to keep it that way. Unfortunately it was part of an estate sale so I can not talk the previous owner.

Any and all help will be appreciated.

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Bill answers...

Hi Mark:

Far be it from me to "fly in the face" of advice from the company that distributes the compressor. If he says 10W30, then maybe that's what you should use?

In your shoes I'd visit my local "big box store" and ask them where they send their compressors for repair.

Wherever that is, take your compressor there if it's portable, and ask them to change the oil for you...the first time. Then you may have a warranty claim of sorts if they use the incorrect oil.

Or, just ask them to sell you the oil you need for your compressor. Take full information on it with you if you can't take the compressor itself. Same result.

Just document who you talked to so that you can contact them or their boss for advice if you have a problem.

Cheers,

Bill