It can be quite a daunting task trying to figure out how to change your Hitachi compressor oil, how much to use, and what is the correct Hitachi oil to use right? Well, fear no more, I will answer all these questions in relation to Hitachi compressor oil for you.
Table of Contents
- What Kind of Oil Goes in an Hitachi Compressor?
- How Much Hitachi Oil to Use in a Hitachi Compressor?
- How to Change Hitachi Compressor Oil
What Kind of Oil Goes in an Hitachi Compressor?
It is very important to refer to your compressor manual before purchasing Hitachi oil for your Hitachi compressor. We have a couple Hitachi compressor manuals available on our brand page so please visit here first!
The manual will tell you what Hitachi oil is compatible with your air compressor. If you cannot locate your manual, please contact Hitachi directly or visit their website to download a manual for your compressor.
Hitachi Compressor Oils Available Online
I have picked out this Hitachi synthetic oil, which appears to be the only Hitachi air compressor oil available on Amazon.
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
However, if you visit their accessories section of their website here, you can browse the available oil suitable for your compressor.
Alternative Compressor Oils Available on Amazon
A few alternatives to the Hitachi-advised compressor oils are produced by Mobil. Again, it is very important to ensure the oil is compatible with your air compressor before putting it into the system, so please check first!
The first is the Mobil 101016 Rarus, which is suitable for reciprocating air compressors, whether they’re single or multistage. This oil lubricant boasts excellent water separability, protection against rust and corrosion, long life for extended oil drain, and provides your compressor with very clean air valves.
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
The second is the Mobil 100870, boasting similar benefits as the previous oil but the potential to work with reciprocating, rotary screw, and rotary vane compressors.
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
How Much Hitachi Oil to Use in a Hitachi Compressor?
To determine the amount of Hitachi oil each specific model of compressor pump requires, you will need the actual manual at hand; otherwise, it can be quite difficult to judge.
You should contact Hitachi directly or search the internet for the specifications of your Hitachi compressor and its model to find the manual online if you do not have a physical copy.
Below are some tips on how to check the Hitachi oil amount inside your Hitachi compressor and then I will present you with a step-by-step guide on how you can change the Hitachi oil.
Hitachi Oil Sight Glass
Hitachi compressors may have sight glasses that will allow you to check the oil level inside the pump. Like in this image below, it should be approximately halfway up the red dot.
Hitachi Oil Dipstick
The Hitachi compressor pump may not always have a sight glass, and if it doesn’t, you will need to check the Hitachi oil level using the oil sump dipstick.
First, remove the dipstick from the sump and clean it well. Then, push the dipstick back into the sump before removing it again and checking the markings when doing so to gauge the Hitachi oil level.
Alternative Method for Checking Hitachi Oil
An alternative method if you don’t have a sight glass or dipstick on your Hitachi compressor is to drain the Hitachi oil from the tank into a reservoir and gauge the level of the Hitachi oil inside it.
How to Drain Hitachi Oil from the Sump
Start by locating your Hitachi oil plug and unscrewing it. This will then allow you to drain the Hitachi oil out from the sump into a reservoir and then proceed to gauge how much Hitachi oil was in your pump.
Tip: I would recommend laying a dust sheet or something similar out on the floor below the compressor to avoid getting any spillages when draining the Hitachi oil.
How to Change Hitachi Compressor Oil
Changing the Hitachi oil on a Hitachi compressor may vary slightly from model to model. Therefore, before you start anything, you should check the Hitachi compressor model manual or contact Hitachi directly to ensure that your compressor can take oil.
Changing Hitachi Compressor Oil Process
Follow the steps previously described for draining the Hitachi oil from the compressor into a reservoir and then securely tighten the plug back into the bottom of the sump so nothing leaks out.
Now you are able to add the replacement Hitachi oil you have at hand into the intake port at the top of the compressor sump. It is very difficult to be any more specific than this due to the fact that the process does vary, depending on your Hitachi compressor model.
You should aim to add near the same amount of Hitachi oil you’ve removed or gauge it using the sight glass or dipstick if you have either.
Note: when filling the compressor with Hitachi oil, make sure you do not fill the air intake on the pump or overfill the sump as this can lead to significant internal damage.
Summary
The above methodology is simplified for ease into the following steps:
- Check Hitachi ompressor oil level
- Locate sump plug on the Hitachi compressor
- Drain the Hitachi oil from the sump
- Securely tighten sump plug
- Locate Hitachi compressor oil intake port
- Replenish compressor with the same amount of Hitachi oil as removed or gauge it using the sight glass or dipstick (do not overfill)
Note: Without having access to each and every Hitachi compressor model manual, and assuming that each manual tells the reader what the Hitachi oil volume is, there is no way to be anything but vague when providing advice about changing Hitachi compressor oil and the amount you should add. Hence, why I have strongly recommended referring to your compressor manual!
If you have any questions about Hitachi compressor oil, changing it, which to use and how to use it, please leave a comment below, with photos if applicable, so that someone can help you!
