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Old 10-27-2013, 05:12 PM   #1
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Unhappy Oil lines in my AS?

I bought a used air compressor to blow the water lines in my AS. I noticed, at the end of the process, a slight odor of oil in the compressed air coming out of a faucet. I THEN realized my oil- compressor was the source. It did not cross my mind that oil would wind up in the compressed air! Has anyone done the same thing - what were the results? I was on street water so the tank and pump were not affected. I'm hoping this episode will not result in major recovery operations.
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Old 10-27-2013, 05:49 PM   #2
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Traditional compressors have oil in their crankcase just like engines - for the same reasons. That's why you can't use a regular compressor to fill diving air tanks - or breathing tanks for fire fighters, etc.

A lot of new (cheap) compressors are 'oil-less'. These use tuflon cylinder liners and would work better for your airlines. Go to Lowe's or Home Depot and look for compressors without oil fill and drain holes.
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Old 10-27-2013, 06:11 PM   #3
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If your water lines have been contaminated with oil, I would guess a tedious process of flushing the pipes is in your future.

As RV antifreeze is alcohol based, I guess I would start with it. It might mix with the oil residue and allow one to flush it clean with copious amount of water.

If not, one might gave to use a detergent of some sort.

An oil less compressor or good quality separator is a must.

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Old 10-27-2013, 06:45 PM   #4
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jdalrymple View Post
If your water lines have been contaminated with oil, I would guess a tedious process of flushing the pipes is in your future.

As RV antifreeze is alcohol based, I guess I would start with it. It might mix with the oil residue and allow one to flush it clean with copious amount of water.


JD
RV antifreeze flush is a good idea, I'll try it this weekend. I'll taste the water 1st to get an idea of how much oil may have stayed in the lines. I hope the anti freeze works - detergent may be hard to wash out too.
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Old 10-27-2013, 08:34 PM   #5
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I would use cheap vodka. (See my thread on the topic)
I hate the taste of RV antifreeze, and who can hate the taste of cheap vodka?
Make sure the hot water heater is by-passed and install an anti-freeze intake at the water pump, and it takes less than two gallons to clean the lines with clean tasting vodka. Oh yeah!
P.S. Don't be putting soap in your fresh-water lines.
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Old 10-28-2013, 05:24 AM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by tvanwave View Post
RV antifreeze flush is a good idea, I'll try it this weekend. I'll taste the water 1st to get an idea of how much oil may have stayed in the lines. I hope the anti freeze works - detergent may be hard to wash out too.
Considering that oil is a carcinogen, maybe tasting the water to check for the presence of oil isn't such a good idea.

The problem with oil in your fresh water is Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) in the oil. The best way to remove it is steam-cleaning, but that might be difficult in an Airstream's water supply system. Instead, flush your freshwater system with HOT water, from inlet to faucet, then go through another winterizing procedure to get rid of the hot water.
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Old 10-28-2013, 07:47 AM   #7
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Originally Posted by Protagonist View Post
Considering that oil is a carcinogen, maybe tasting the water to check for the presence of oil isn't such a good idea.

The problem with oil in your fresh water is Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) in the oil. The best way to remove it is steam-cleaning, but that might be difficult in an Airstream's water supply system. Instead, flush your freshwater system with HOT water, from inlet to faucet, then go through another winterizing procedure to get rid of the hot water.
Another good point - thanks! I could use hot vodka if I Alumaholic is right
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