Too_Many_Tools wrote in article
.com...
The reason why they say "non-detergent" is that without a filter in the
system you want the abrasive material to settle to the bottom of the
crankcase. With a "detergent" oil, the abrasive material is held in
suspension to accelerate compressor wear.



That all sounds nice, but........

.......why is non-detergent specified by manufacturers for oiling electric
motor bearings, bushings, and other non-automotive-engine, lubricating
situations??

Is it so the contaminants will settle to the bottom of the bearing's
crankcase????

The reason why non-detergent is usually specified for general-purpose
oiling of such things as bearings, bushings, and other
non-automotive-engine mechanisms is that detergents in engine oils absorb
moisture.

In an internal combustion engine, that's no problem since, when the
engine's normal operating temperature has been reached, the temperature of
the oil gets high enough to "burn off" the moisture.

But, when using straight-grade oils for oiling motors and compressors, a
detergent additive will absorb any moisture from the air - and with the
component operating in comparitively low heat - will eventually sludge up,
with the likelihood of losing its lubricating capacity.