AMSOIL PC Series Synthetic Compressor Oil is a premium, long-life lubricant engineered to improve compressor efficiency and reduce maintenance costs. It is formulated with the highest quality, thermally stable synthetic base oils and premium non-detergent additives to provide maximum protection in high-temperature applications. It can last up to 8,000 hours, significantly reducing the downtime and waste-oil disposal costs associated with more frequent oil changes.
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Product data sheets
View, download, or save a copy of the Product Data Sheet or Safety Data Sheet for AMSOIL ISO 32 100% Synthetic Compressor Oil.
AMSOIL ISO 32 100% Synthetic Compressor Oil (PCH) is the lightest viscosity in the PC Series family, formulated for single and multistage rotary screw, vane, and centrifugal compressors that call for ISO VG 32 in moderate ambient temperatures. The ashless, non-detergent chemistry combines thermally stable synthetic base oils with anti-wear, anti-foam, anti-rust, and antioxidant additives to extend oil life, control varnish, and protect components at high discharge temperatures.
Up to 8,000-hour service life in rotary screw compressors
PCH supports drain intervals of up to 8,000 hours in rotary screw compressors under normal operating conditions, subject to operating environment, maintenance practices, and used-oil analysis. In an 8,000-hour run of PC Series ISO 46 (PCI) against a leading competitor synthetic compressor oil in an industrial rotary-screw compressor under matched conditions, the foam resistance and air-release properties of the PC Series formula cut oil consumption by 35 percent, lowering top-off frequency and waste-oil disposal costs across the family.
Superior varnish resistance at 200°F
Varnish is the leading cause of efficiency loss and mechanical breakdown in high-temperature compressor service. In a Membrane Patch Colorimetry Test (ASTM D7843) comparing PC Series ISO 46 (PCI) and a leading competitor synthetic compressor oil in industrial rotary-screw compressors with a 200°F oil discharge temperature, the competing oil reached critical varnish potential after only 6,228 hours of service while the PC Series formulation continued to show ultra-low varnish potential after 8,000 hours. The same premium synthetic base oils and antioxidant chemistry are used in PCH, helping resist varnish, carbon, and acid formation in ISO VG 32 service.
Wear protection and foam control
The formula posts a 0.40 mm Four-Ball Wear scar (ASTM D4172, 40 kg, 1,200 rpm, 75°C, 1 hour), supporting load-bearing surfaces in rotors, vanes, gears, and bearings. Anti-foam chemistry delivers a 0/0, 0/0, 0/0 result across Sequences I, II, and III of the foam test (ASTM D892), maintaining clean separation of air from oil so air release and lubrication stay consistent in continuous-duty service.
Water separation, rust, and corrosion control
Condensation inside compressor sumps creates oil and water emulsions that drive rust, additive depletion, and acid formation. PCH is hydrolytically stable and anti-rust fortified, posting a 40/40/0 demulsibility result with a 15-minute separation time (ASTM D1401) and passing both fresh and synthetic sea water rust tests (ASTM D665 A and B). A 1A rating on the Copper Strip Corrosion Test (ASTM D130) confirms compatibility with brass, bronze, and other yellow metals in air-end and valve assemblies.
Cold-flow and viscosity stability
A pour point of -40°F (ASTM D97) supports start-up in unheated shops and cold outdoor enclosures, and a viscosity index of 139 (ASTM D2270) holds film thickness steady across operating temperature swings. Kinematic viscosity registers 32.3 cSt at 40°C and 6.1 cSt at 100°C (ASTM D445), placing PCH squarely in the ISO VG 32 grade preferred by many rotary screw compressor manufacturers for moderate ambient temperatures.
Safety advantage
PCH is an ashless, high-flash-point formulation with very low carbon-forming tendencies that minimize ignition-promoting hot spots. A 486°F flash point and 522°F fire point (ASTM D92) provide improved fire-safety performance compared with conventional petroleum compressor oils, though PCH is not classified as a fire-resistant fluid.
Recommended applications and service intervals
PCH is the ISO VG 32 fill for single and multistage rotary screw, vane, and centrifugal compressors in moderate ambient temperatures. The PC Series family also covers compressor crankcases and cylinders, vacuum pumps, pressure washer pumps, and ancillary equipment such as gears, bearings, blowers, and pumps; reciprocating compressors and single-piston, single-stage vacuum pumps typically call for the heavier ISO 68 (PCJ) or ISO 100 (PCK) grades. Match the viscosity grade to the equipment manufacturer specification and the operating temperature range before changing oil.
Rotary screw service: drain intervals of up to 8,000 hours at a 200°F oil discharge temperature under normal operating conditions, subject to maintenance practices and used-oil analysis.
Vane and centrifugal compressors: follow the equipment manufacturer drain interval and confirm ISO VG 32 is the called-for viscosity for the operating temperature range.
Exclusions: not recommended for breathing air or refrigeration compressors.
Material compatibility: not for use with polycarbonate or PVC plastics or butyl, ethylene-propylene, or SBR rubber, and not compatible with polyalkylene glycol or silicone oils.
PCH is compatible with petroleum oils and most other synthetic compressor oils, seals, paints, and materials. For best performance, flush the old oil, remove carbon deposits per the compressor manufacturer procedure, and change all filters before installation. Used-oil analysis is recommended for any extended-drain program, and aftermarket oil additives are not required and not recommended.
AMSOIL ISO 32 100% Synthetic Compressor Oil (PCH) is available in a 5-gallon pail (PCH05-EA) and 55-gallon drum (PCH55-EA). All AMSOIL lubricants are covered by the AMSOIL Limited Warranty. Match the right ISO viscosity grade and compressor type with the Compressor Oil Guide, confirm the lubricant lineup for the equipment with the AMSOIL Vehicle Lookup Guide, then order AMSOIL ISO 32 100% Synthetic Compressor Oil.
What compressors call for ISO VG 32 compressor oil?
ISO VG 32 is the lighter end of the standard rotary screw viscosity range and is commonly specified for single and multistage rotary screw, vane, and centrifugal compressors in moderate ambient temperatures. The grade also fits ancillary gears, bearings, blowers, and pumps that call for an ISO 32 industrial lubricant. Confirm the grade against the equipment manufacturer specification before changing oil.
How long can PCH stay in service?
Drain intervals of up to 8,000 hours can be expected in rotary screw compressors under normal operating conditions, subject to operating environment and maintenance practices. Routine used-oil analysis is recommended to govern any extended-drain program, and the equipment manufacturer or AMSOIL Technical Services can advise on intervals for specific applications.
Can synthetic motor oil be used in an air compressor instead of compressor oil?
Synthetic motor oil carries detergent and dispersant additive chemistry that is not required in a sealed compressor sump. PCH is a dedicated, non-detergent, ashless synthetic compressor oil engineered for foam control, varnish resistance, water separation, and long oil life. Compressor manufacturers specify ISO industrial grades, not API engine grades, for this reason.
Is PCH compatible with the compressor oil already in service?
PCH is compatible with petroleum oils and most other synthetic compressor oils, seals, paints, and materials, but it is not compatible with polyalkylene glycol or silicone oils. For best results, drain the existing fill, remove any carbon deposits per the equipment manufacturer procedure, and change all filters before installing fresh PCH. Mixing oils shortens service life and reduces the extended-drain benefit.
Why ISO 32 instead of ISO 46, 68, or 100?
ISO viscosity grade is selected based on compressor design, discharge temperature, and ambient operating range. ISO 32 (PCH) is the lighter PC Series option used in rotary screw, vane, and centrifugal compressors that call for a thinner film at moderate temperatures. ISO 46 (PCI) and ISO 68 (PCJ) cover heavier rotary screw service, and the PCJ and ISO 100 (PCK) grades are listed for single-piston, single-stage reciprocating vacuum pump duty. Match the grade to the equipment manufacturer specification.
Does running synthetic compressor oil affect the compressor warranty?
Using AMSOIL synthetic lubricants does not void a new equipment manufacturer warranty, and AMSOIL lubricants are covered by the AMSOIL Limited Warranty. Confirm the required ISO viscosity grade and any specific oil-type requirements in the compressor manufacturer service manual before changing oil.
