Do the "big box" distributors have expertise with compressor oil?

Our customer was questioning the aftermarket Ultra Coolant compressor oil he received, which replaces the Ingersoll Rand oil. The OEM Ultra Coolant from Ingersoll Rand is ISO 46, but other well-known websites had it listed as ISO 100.

He thought that he received the wrong oil and that it should be ISO 100.

Once a website like Grainger has an incorrect ISO rating, it can trickle down to other websites, such as its sister site, Zoro. Then, other sites add the product to their website and use the same incorrect ISO rating!

The Ultra Coolant oil, whether OEM or aftermarket, is an ISO 46 compressor oil commonly used in rotary screw compressors. 

The ISO 100 compressor oil is most often used with large reciprocating compressors, in hot ambient environments, and for other applications.

What can happen when you use ISO 100 oil in an air compressor designed for ISO 46 oil?

• Restrict oil flow
• Raise the oil temperature
• Increase power consumption
• Reduce efficiency
• Increase wear at startup

You would absolutely need to first flush the compressor with ISO 100 oil to avoid foaming, but despite what the big boys say, Ingersoll Rand Ultra Coolant oil is only ISO 46. If you ever have any concerns about compressor oil, feel free to contact us to double-check your oil selection.

We sell aftermarket compressor oil made in the USA and have no affiliation with Ingersoll Rand.