Sullair Compressor Oil: What to Use & Why
Choosing the right oil is one of the simplest ways to protect your Sullair compressor. The correct lubricant controls heat, resists varnish, and helps your machine run longer with less downtime.
What Oil Do I Need? (Quick Answer)
- Stationary rotary screw: Sullube 32 (standard) or Pristine FG (food grade)
- Portable units: AWF (All Weather Fluid) or SRF oils (1/4000 or II/8000)
Why These Oils
- Sullube 32: The flagship oil for stationary rotary screws. Extended life, varnish control, and system cleanliness.
- Pristine FG: Food-grade oil for regulated industries. NSF H1, halal, kosher, and ISO 21469 certified.
- AWF: Built for portable compressors. Handles hot summers, cold winters, and variable loads in the field.
- SRF 1/4000 & II/8000: Hydro-treated petroleum-based oils for portables. Choose SRF 1/4000 for annual/4,000-hour changes or SRF II/8000 for extended drains.
How to Choose (Fast Guide)
- Compressor type: Stationary rotary → Sullube or Pristine FG. Portable → AWF or SRF.
- Environment: Food/beverage/pharma → Pristine FG. Extreme climate → AWF.
- Maintenance strategy: Need fewer oil changes? → Sullube 32 (8,000 hrs) or SRF II/8000. Prefer annual routine? → SRF 1/4000.
Which Oil Do I Need?
| Compressor Type | Typical Use | Oil to Use |
|---|---|---|
| Stationary Rotary Screw | Bolted down in a plant, production duty | Sullube 32 • Pristine FG |
| Portable Rotary Screw | Tow-behind units (185, 375, 600, 1600 CFM; HH, XH, RH high-pressure) | AWF • SRF 1/4000 • SRF II/8000 |
Sullube 32 vs. Pristine FG (Stationary Rotary)
- Sullube 32: PAG-based extended-life oil. Designed for ~8,000 hours of service, with excellent varnish resistance and cooling.
- Pristine FG: Food-grade synthetic oil with a flash point of ~505°F (263°C). NSF H1, kosher, halal, ISO 21469 certified. Provides 8,000–10,000 hours depending on conditions, with superior rust and corrosion protection.
| Feature | Sullube 32 | Pristine FG |
|---|---|---|
| Service Life | ~8,000 hours | 8,000–10,000 hours |
| Flash Point | 464°F (240°C) | 505°F (263°C) |
| Compliance | Industrial duty | NSF H1 • Kosher • Halal • ISO 21469 |
| Best Fit | General plant use | Food & beverage, pharmaceuticals |
Sullair 185 & Portable Compressor Oil Types (185, 375, 600, 1600 CFM)
Portable compressors are often referred to by their CFM size. Whether you run a Sullair 185, 375, 600, or even a 1600, choosing the right oil protects your engine and air end in tough outdoor conditions. Sullair also designates HH (High Pressure), XH (Extra High Pressure), and RH (Reheat) models — these use the same oils, but run hotter and demand consistent maintenance.
- AWF (All Weather Fluid): Multi-viscosity oil engineered for portables. Best choice for contractors running Sullair 185 and 375 units in variable climates.
- SRF 1/4000: Hydro-treated petroleum oil with an annual/4,000-hour change interval. A good fit for fleets that stick to routine maintenance on 185–600 CFM machines.
- SRF II/8000: Extended-life option (up to 8,000 hours). Ideal for larger machines (600–1600 CFM, HH/XH/RH) where downtime is expensive.
| Feature | AWF | SRF 1/4000 | SRF II/8000 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Service Life | ~1,500 hours typical | ~4,000 hours | ~8,000 hours |
| Best Fit | Sullair 185 / 375 in mixed climates | 185–600 CFM fleets with annual PM | 600–1600 CFM, HH/XH/RH high-demand |
| Notes | All-weather multiviscosity | Hydro-treated petroleum | Extended drain to cut downtime |
Common Sullair Part Numbers
Match your Sullair part number to the correct oil family:
| Part Number | Oil Family | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 250022-669 / 250022-670 / 02250180-260 | Sullube 32 | Stationary rotary screw |
| 02250196-470 / 250029-008 | Pristine FG | Food grade |
| 250030-757 | AWF | Portable compressors (e.g., 185/375) |
| 250019-662 | SRF 1/4000 | Portable oil; 4k-hour |
| 02250118-160 | SRF II/8000 | Portable oil; 8k-hour |
| 241443-001 / LLL-4-46 | LLL fluids | Legacy oils |
| 24KT | 24KT silicone | Specialty long-life oil |
| HPL 1500 | HPL 1500 | High-pressure portables (~1,500 hrs) |
Basic Maintenance Tips
- Monitor oil level: Always top off as needed to avoid heat and wear.
- Check oil condition: Dark, sludgy, or metallic oil means it’s time to change.
- Use quality filters: Pair your oil with the correct Sullair oil filter to keep contaminants out.
Ready to buy? Shop Sullair oils & coolants: