Re: Oil for Vespa 1/2 hp air compressor

HI there again Havenofear,

I have a Vespa compressor too and uses sae20w50 Mobil 1 premium synthetic oil, you can also use Castrol synthetic oil if you prefer a more expensive one. 😮 I guess for now the ordinary motor oil will do but you will be changing or replacing oil often plus engine/motor noise when running will not be reduced.

Make yourself a dip-stick to check the amount of oil inside the engine, see if you can measure by means of eye balling the depth of the engines using the dip-stick, then fill oil more than halfway of the stick. 😉

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An OT reminder :

Bro, already on your third post and yet no introduction coming from you ! :rolleyes:
It would be nice for a new member to introduce oneself in the forum under MEMBER INTRODUCTIONS , we would like to know you better as a person being a newbie here, nothing really personal but something about yourself, your interest or hobbies. Do you do wood works or metal works or into electronics or cars, things like these bro.

Thanks !

Re: Oil for Vespa 1/2 hp air compressor

I use 5GS compressor oil w/c I get from local aircon supply stores per bottle or per liter. I change oil more frequently being in a country w/ high temperature and also due to heavy usage. Replacement parts for that oil view window cap are available here in Manila if not in your region. Try to google the specs of your unit just to get an idea of how much oil you need to put in. Be careful in putting too much oil as some compressors perform differently or worst their parts deform with a slight increase in oil level or if you use the wrong oil viscosity. Also watch out for metal shavings in your oil. If you find some you may have to check the condition of the internal parts. This might lead to loose compression or worst a bent or deformed rod not to mention a defective piston ring. Good luck!

Re: Oil for Vespa 1/2 hp air compressor

Thanks bro Willy. The trouble I have here in Aklan is most shops sell air compressors but so far none sell compressor oil. They said they usually use motor oils to fill the compressors for the buyers and worst, don't carry spare parts. When I ask for the oil view window cap, most of them shrugged their shoulders and said something to the effect that I have to buy a new one....this is really absurd.
I bought a litre of Castrol RX 3 SAE 40 oil and I do not know whether I can use it.

Re: Oil for Vespa 1/2 hp air compressor

Thanks bro Willy. The trouble I have here in Aklan is most shops sell air compressors but so far none sell compressor oil. They said they usually use motor oils to fill the compressors for the buyers and worst, don't carry spare parts. When I ask for the oil view window cap, most of them shrugged their shoulders and said something to the effect that I have to buy a new one....this is really absurd.
I bought a litre of Castrol RX 3 SAE 40 oil and I do not know whether I can use it.

If there are car aircon shops there for sure they get their supplies from somewhere near or maybe you could offer to buy a bottle or two from their stock. There's a compressor thread here somewhere whereby a member used motor oil in his compressor but then again it will boil down to the make of your unit when it comes to engine oil. The 5GS or it's equivalent is specifically designed for general use for air compressors regardless of brand. I noticed the unit runs slower and the motor hotter whenever we use motor oil. That's just what I have observed so I opted to go 5GS. I am a pro finisher with at least 12 compressors ranging from the smallest to the 3-headed models(1/4hp to 7.5hp) so we test a lot of oil for our maintenance. If you have someone in Manila who can meet me I can help you get that part you need as well as the oil. It might cost less than 200 now as I got the same part last 2010 for P120/pc. The oil is less than 100/bottle of small gin w/c I guess is around 300ml. Just PM me your contact details if you need my help with these items.:)

Re: Oil for Vespa 1/2 hp air compressor

@bro Willy

Thanks for your offer to help me purchase some compressor oil. I have not been to shops dealing with air-conditioning. I will try those shops first before I consider your kind offer. I have replaced the oil with the R3 SAE 40 oil. The compressor is running quite normal. I just use it to fill tires.

Btw, must I let all the air out of the tank each time I use the compressor and drain the water out too?

Re: Oil for Vespa 1/2 hp air compressor

No need to let all the air out.

I leave my compressor tank pressurized most of the time. However I don't do this for the hoses connected.

From time to time you have to drain the water out. I consider this a must do task.

Re: Oil for Vespa 1/2 hp air compressor

HI again havenofear,

Bro how many times do you use your compressor ? Letting air out can be done on a regular basis so you have a definite schedule, say ones or twice a month. Others drain their tanks more often than that, depends on the frequency of usage so there will be no water trapped inside the tank and not be sucked during spray painting or inflating tires or whatever.

OH by the way how's the motor running with the new oil, does the motor housing feels cooler when it is running ? Is it running smoother than before ? I do believe the Castrol synthetic oil will help a lot. 😉

Re: Oil for Vespa 1/2 hp air compressor

I drain every time i use my compressor to prevent corrosion inside the tank..
Nakaugalian ko na lang siguro..

Re: Oil for Vespa 1/2 hp air compressor

Thank you all for enlightening me on the use of my air compressor.

@rosy
When I acquired the air compressor way back in 2004, I did not know how much oil to pour into the compressor, I think I poured about .8 l of oil into it. After 9 years, I noticed oil leaking from the oil view cap. I tightened it but it still leaked. That was the time I decided to change the oil. When the oil came out, it was dark grey. Took out the oil view cap and discovered that the o-ring has passed its service-life. Luckily I have a box of assorted o-rings, Replaced it and tefloned the thread (this was my bad mistake). Put it back on and began to tighten it and then the cap broke with the threads stuck inside. Fortunately I have a small chisel and managed to get it out, and replaced it with a 1/2" plumbing plug. Again I made the same mistake by pouring in .8 l of multi-grade oil. Cleaned it up and started the compressor. It did not sound normal so I turned it off and searched the web for answers and that is where I discovered PHM. I have now changed the oil to R3 SAE40. Oh yes, just poured in about .4 l of oil. Anyway, I made a dipstick to check the level. It is running very much quieter without the sound of clapping of pistons. It runs cooler too.

Re: Oil for Vespa 1/2 hp air compressor

@ havenofear,

Bro, I'm glad to know your Vespa compressor is running smoother, quieter and cooler now. Just two things to remember to prolong life/usage of an air compressor, ALAGA sa LANGIS and regular draining of water/moisture trapped inside the tank.

CHEERS, have fun and enjoy life under Gods' graces ! 😉 :fishing1: :2thumbsup: :groupwave:

Re: Oil for Vespa 1/2 hp air compressor

For a 1hp vespa unit, is the bolt below the oil window the drain plug?

1 year since first used oil still clear but i want to replace it as preventive maintenance. I guess its capacity is about 0.5L

Instead of specific vespa air compressor oil are the following choices safe; #1 good na. Question will now be for items 2 to 4.

1. helix diesel semi-syn 10w30 engine oil (just read dito ok ang 30 oil answered by sir jayL)
2. Oil used for auto a/c compressor
3. Accumulated but unused diesel 15w40 motor oil
4. Either mineral or semi-syn 4T 10w40 motorbike engine oil.

Madami ako 4T oil kaya ito ang pinaka gusto ko gamitin : eliminated the 4T. recalled sa wet clutch may neccessary "grip" sa oil para mag change ng gears.
already used SAE40 rimula. cheapest oil i could find

Air compressor used moderate to heavy i guess at least 2x w week for air dusting and other air tools.

Thanks in advance guys.
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Mga sir meron po ako vespa air compresor 1/4 hp. Ask ko lang kung san yung oil drain plug? Salamat

I have just changed the oil in my vespa ey 23 with full synthetic oil. According to what I know from advertisements on this model, the max pressure is only 85 psi. I have been keeping it at 100 psi for 6 years and there is no problem. According the the plate on the vespa, it shows max pressure = 8 kgf/cm2 and that is about 113 psi. Will I be damaging the air compressor if I continue to fill it to 100 psi?