Watch as we systematically cook three different types of compressor oil – mineral oil, POE (Polyolester), and PVE (Polyvinyl Ether) – at temperatures reaching 340-350°F to simulate real-world compressor overheat scenarios. What happens when oil is cooked to its breaking point will surprise even experienced HVAC technicians.

What We Discovered:

• Compressor oil breakdown: See actual carbon contamination form in real-time
• Oil overheat effects: Witness dramatic color changes and particle formation
• Temperature limits: Learn exactly when each oil type reaches its breaking point
• Microscopic analysis: View contamination particles under high magnification
• System implications: Understand how cooked oil damages expansion valves, strainers, and scroll plates

Key Findings:

• Mineral oil started smoking much earlier than expected
• POE oil showed superior heat resistance compared to mineral oil
• PVE oil created extensive contamination when pushed to its limit
• Carbon particles settle at the bottom, where oil pumps draw from
• Oil breakdown happens in minutes, not hours

This experiment reveals why high discharge temperatures (245°F+) are so dangerous for compressor longevity. When internal compressor temperatures reach 320-340°F, the oil literally cooks, creating abrasive particles that act like sandpaper on bearings, scroll plates, and other moving components.

Safety Warning: This is a controlled scientific experiment conducted with proper safety equipment. DO NOT attempt this at home. Hot oil is extremely dangerous and can cause severe burns or fires.

Perfect for HVAC technicians, students, and anyone who wants to understand the real science behind compressor failures. This hands-on experiment provides visual proof of what textbooks can only describe.