Concerns using a HPA compressor in VERY COLD winter garage

id probably no-load run it a few to warm it up before putting a load on it anyway .. other than that a non environmentally controlled environment promotes condensation corrosion and vermin damage lol ...

Hi,

Lived in Northern Iowa in my youth. Starting the Honda should not be a problem. I'd use Mobile 1 motor oil per the manufacturer's recommendation in the Honda. Bauer already runs synthetic or they have for many years now. The synthetics don't turn into jello when it gets cold in my experience.

Had the opposite problem down here in Florida. I got a Bauer Jr. 4 years old, dual pressure set-up at a fantastic price off a yacht. I converted the compressor from gas power to electric. Now I can run the compressor in a climate controlled room in the summer (think outside is very hot, very humid). It is also much, much quieter. 

Congratulations on the compressor. With correct care it will easily run for years. Only problem you will likely have is all your friends lined-up on your driveway

Enjoy,

Nugria

ps. I can still lift my Bauer Jr. If you can lift yours you might just bring it inside to warm-up before you initially start it.

Internet search found the attached Bauer manual.

Page 51 says operating range is 41 to 122 F. 

View attachment betreiberhandbuch_e.1634611161.pdf

"Assuming that I get the motor started and give the compressor a good long warm up what problems does the bitter cold present? " Bet a Bauer engineer could give you a couple good answers.

Grew up in Chicago. We used to keep an electric blanket on the engine block to keep it warmer than sub-freezing. Wonder if that would work for the compressor too. Even at a low setting it should keep fluids from freezing. Just a thought. 

I don't have that compressor but I do have a Hill EC 3000.

The Hill is programmed to NOT start below 40 deg F. I don't like it but I work around it.

I see this:

You start the engine and have it run until hand warm filling a scuzzbuclet bottle. That way the compressor sees work and warms up just fine.

After some minutes you stop completly or just ventilate and switch to a good bottle and fill it.

The best part is: Next to zero moisture at all.



And the trash bottle you can empty at will, it's just there to give the compressor a little work for it's $. With no resistence at all it will just fill valves and hoses with fridgid air and ice. You need hand warm all over!!!

No worries mate ;-)

Experience and toys are not much good if you dont share them