Uploaded October 2025 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
Ever wondered what really happens during compressor oil overheat? In this groundbreaking experiment, Roman Baugh and Ty Branaman find out what happens when oil is cooked to its limit.
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.
Read all the tech tips, take the quizzes, and find our handy calculators at hvacrschool.com or the HVAC School Mobile App on the Google Play Store (hvacrschool.com/play-store) or App Store (hvacrschool.com/app-store).
Ever wondered what really happens during compressor oil overheat? In this groundbreaking experiment, Roman Baugh and Ty Branaman find out what happens when oil is cooked to its limit.
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.
Read all the tech tips, take the quizzes, and find our handy calculators at hvacrschool.com or the HVAC School Mobile App on the Google Play Store (hvacrschool.com/play-store) or App Store (hvacrschool.com/app-store).
