I have used "air tool oil" for some years and recently had my air powered paint shaker stop working. I took the air motor apart and didn't really find anything significant except that possibly the nylon check valve was covered in congealed oil. I wiped off all the old oil and gave the motor a liberal dose of fresh oil upon reassembly. Now it works OK.
I'm wondering if not all air tool oils are created equal. The stuff I've been using says "MMO Air Tool Oil" and it smells suspiciously like the stuff that some people put in their gas tank.
What do you experts use to lubricate your air tools ?
Thanks, Dick
Get a bottle of the cheap stuff at Harbor freight,It works and doesn't stink.
I use anything from straight mineral oil to Marvel Mystery Oil in my air tools. Have for 35 years and haven't broken anything in all that time. Wore out a few nail guns after years and years of heavy use and had to replace the O-rings, but still use the same Hitachi framing gun I bought in 1985 after building 100's (if not 1000's) of houses and other large projects.
Congealing sounds like you are getting water in your system. Is the paint shaker a captive oil system ?
I agree with Burger it sounds like you got moisture in there. In the South we have to keep the air port "plugged"when not in use with a plastic cap to keep insects from clogging the hole with mud and to keep the humidity out and a good moisture separator, regulator, oiler in the air line and drain the tank daily when used heavily.
Sure does sound like water in the air Dick. Any sort of oil is fine. I use left over oil from engine oil bottles in my Ford script oil can.
Never thought of water being the problem. There wasn't any rust or visible moisture when I took the air motor apart, but I will incorporate a separator just to be sure.
Dick
I have never used anything but Marvel Mystery oil in my air tools. I have never had a failure. Possibly it could be that it's just that there is oil present in the tools, but I'll stick with MMO.
I have been using ATF in my air tools for about 30 years and have had no problems.
How many drops of oil do I put in my paint gun?
ATF forever. At least it's actually oil.
Tyrone,
It depends on how many fish eyes you want in the paint job! That was funny.
One drop should be more than sufficient for the paint gun.
I just get in these smart azz moods now and again. Thanks for the advice.