I've been using engine oil as a coolant for high power resistors but
am wondering whether something like peanut, sunflower or avocado oil
would be better. Engine oil gives off an awful smell when it breaks
down, smells like rotten eggs. Can't find transformer oil. Any
thoughts?

On Apr 1, 6:14*pm, " wrote:
I've been using engine oil as a coolant for high power resistors but
am wondering whether something like peanut, sunflower or avocado oil
would be better. Engine oil gives off an awful smell when it breaks
down, smells like rotten eggs. Can't find transformer oil. Any
thoughts?

Yucky things will grow in vegetable oil. May I suggest hydraulic oil?
The only additive is anti-foaming stuff. Hydraulic oil can get really,
really hot before it begins to break down. You are probably smelling
additives in the oil, not the oil itself.

Can your oil move up through the resistors as it gets hot?

Paul

Transmission oil would be much better. It is a heat coolant.

Martin

wrote:
I've been using engine oil as a coolant for high power resistors but
am wondering whether something like peanut, sunflower or avocado oil
would be better. Engine oil gives off an awful smell when it breaks
down, smells like rotten eggs. Can't find transformer oil. Any
thoughts?

wrote in message
...
I've been using engine oil as a coolant for high power resistors but
am wondering whether something like peanut, sunflower or avocado oil
would be better. Engine oil gives off an awful smell when it breaks
down, smells like rotten eggs. Can't find transformer oil. Any
thoughts?

Mineral oil.
Art

In article ,
"Artemus" wrote:

wrote in message
...
I've been using engine oil as a coolant for high power resistors but
am wondering whether something like peanut, sunflower or avocado oil
would be better. Engine oil gives off an awful smell when it breaks
down, smells like rotten eggs. Can't find transformer oil. Any
thoughts?

Mineral oil.
Art

PCB Oil. You might have to take the Wayback Machine back a few years to
buy it though.

Oh, and don't mention it to the EPA. Double-

As for real transformer oil: They gotta be getting it somewhere. It's
just highly refined mineral oil.

Google yielded 760,000 listings. Grainger is one supplier.

There's even one product made from soybeans.

/stream-of-unconsciousness

On Apr 1, 7:14*pm, " wrote:
I've been using engine oil as a coolant for high power resistors but
am wondering whether something like peanut, sunflower or avocado oil
would be better. Engine oil gives off an awful smell when it breaks
down, smells like rotten eggs. Can't find transformer oil. Any
thoughts?

The Heath Cantenna just used mineral oil, used to be available by the
gallon from the drug store. Handled a kilowatt and was parked in a
gallon can, so that might give you some idea of what you might need
for volume.

There are various additives that are in engine oil for anti-wear
properties, added to the mineral oil base. You aren't going to need
those and they're the source of the smell, they contain sulfur. If
your project gets that hot, you need more oil!

Vegetable oils generally will go rancid, jell, get wildlife growing in
them, absorb water and do other things that mineral oils don't.
Unless you're making a turkey fryer, give them a pass.

Transformer oil is just purified mineral oil, moisture-free. Can
still be had from the right suppliers. Might have to buy a barrel,
the retail market is kind of small.

Stan

wrote:
I've been using engine oil as a coolant for high power resistors but
am wondering whether something like peanut, sunflower or avocado oil
would be better. Engine oil gives off an awful smell when it breaks
down, smells like rotten eggs. Can't find transformer oil. Any
thoughts?

Peanut oil is what you want. High smoke
point with a pleasant smell. It's also
far and away the best oil for making
popcorn for the same reason.

On Apr 1, 10:36*pm, "Artemus" wrote:
Mineral oil.
Art

Mineral oil it is. Thanks.