 |
FREQUENTLY
ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT MIXING DIFFERENT OILS
Can I
top off the existing compressor oil with another oil?
Will I invalidate the compressor warranty by using
aftermarket oils?
What does mixing ifferent oils� mean?
What about mixing oolants�?
Why are there so many problems identified with mixing
oolants�?
What is the condition of the old oil that is already
in the compressor?
Can I top off the existing compressor oil with
another oil?
Ultrachem does not recommend mixing two different oils. When doing
so, a third oil is created. The resulting third oil may vary significantly
depending on the mixing ratio, i.e. 50/50, 90/10, 10/90, etc. Additionally,
these different mixtures have never been tested for extended periods
of time in various makes of compressors. This means that expected
oil life is not predictable.
Back to top ^
Will I invalidate the compressor warranty by
using aftermarket oils?
Strictly speaking, the compressor manufacturer cannot require a
customer to use their oil unless it is an xtended warranty� whereby
the customer purchases a kit that comes with that warranty. Most
oils contain identifiable components, additives or tracers. Oil
manufacturers can tell when their oil has been blended with another
oil. Contaminating one oil with another is typically
sufficient grounds to invalidate warranty or insurance claims.
Back to top ^
What does mixing different oils mean?
We mean different chemistries. Generally, oils of a similar base
fluid, such as PAO, may be mixed with another PAO. A diester may
be mixed with another diester, and a petroleum may be mixed with
another petroleum of the same quality. The small additive differences
are usually not significant.
Back to top ^
What about mixing oolants�?
The compressor oils referred to as oolants� are oils like Sullube
and Ingersoll-Rand SSR Ultracoolant. They are comprised of a particular
ester and a polyalkylene glycol. Due to the popularity of these
oils there are many aftermarket products that are referred to as
oolants�, when in fact they may contain neither of the two key base
fluids found in the original oolants�.
The only oolants� that we are familiar with that may be mixed with
Sullube or Ultracoolant are Coolant 32PE and Ultrachem Coolant PE,
respectively. Other formulations may deteriorate oil life span and/or
cause foaming in the compressor.
Back to top ^
Why are there so many problems identified with
mixing oolants�?
The glycol contained in the coolants is a close cousin to ethylene
glycol found in anti-freeze, and like anti-freeze, it may cause
abnormal thickening and gelation if mixed with petroleum or PAO
oils. Ultrachem recommends a short flush with Ultraclean any time
OEM Coolants are being changed out and replaced with PAOs or petroleum-based
oils.
Ultrachem also manufactures Coolant 32 and Ultrachem Coolant, which
some customers have successfully mixed with Sullube and Ultracoolant
in the past. However, we do not recommend the practice of mixing
those oils. It is good practice to run an Ultraclean flush when
changing over from an OEM Coolant to Coolant 32 or Ultrachem Coolant.
These formulas are stronger leaners� than the OEM formulas, and
they may lift and suspend residues left behind by the OEM formulas.
This can lead to foaming.
Back to top ^
What is the condition of the old oil that is
already in the compressor?
The old oil may have been run past or nearly past its normal useful
life. If it is topped off, and then there is a failure, the new
oil gets blamed.
The old oil should not be topped off with another oil if the old
oil is not in good condition. Top-off with the same fluid, as required,
and schedule the compressor for a change-out as soon as convenient.
Sometimes the old oil is topped off with the same fluid to replenish
additives that may have been depleted.
If the old oil has developed an acid number well in excess of 1.0,
then schedule the compressor for a flush with Ultraclean.
Back to top ^
|
|
