A/C Compressor Refrigerant Oil Charge: Notes

When an A/C system is assembled at the factory, all components except the A/C compressor are refrigerant oil free. After the refrigerant system has been charged and operated, the refrigerant oil in the A/C compressor is dispersed throughout the refrigerant system. The A/C receiver/drier, A/C evaporator, A/C condenser and the A/C compressor will each retain a significant amount of the needed refrigerant oil.

It is important to have the correct amount of refrigerant oil in the A/C system. This ensures proper lubrication of the A/C compressor. Too little oil will result in damage to the A/C compressor, while too much oil will reduce the cooling capacity of the A/C system and consequently result in higher discharge air temperatures.

CAUTION:

ND-8 PAG R-134a refrigerant oil is used in the A/C compressor. Only refrigerant oil of the same type should be used to service the A/C system. Do not use any other refrigerant oil. The oil container should be kept tightly capped until it is ready for use and then tightly capped after use to prevent contamination from dirt and moisture. Refrigerant oil will quickly absorb any moisture it comes in contact with, therefore, special effort must be used to keep all R-134a system components moisture-free. Moisture in the refrigerant oil is very difficult to remove and will cause a reliability problem with the A/C compressor.

NOTE:

Most reclaim/recycling equipment will measure the lubricant being removed during recovery. This amount of lubricant should be added back into the system. Refer to the reclaim/recycling equipment manufacturers instructions.

It will not be necessary to check the oil level in the A/C compressor or to add oil, unless there has been an oil loss. An oil loss may occur due to a rupture or leak from a refrigerant line, a connector fitting, a component, or a component seal. If a leak occurs, add 30 milliliters (1 fluid ounce) of refrigerant oil to the refrigerant system after the repair has been made. Refrigerant oil loss will be evident at the leak point by the presence of a wet, shiny surface around the leak.

Refrigerant oil must be added when an A/C condenser, A/C receiver/drier or A/C evaporator is replaced, refer to the Refrigerant Oil Capacities chart.

The refrigerant oil level in a new A/C compressor must first be adjusted prior to compressor installation. Refer to A/C COMPRESSOR REFRIGERANT OIL CHARGE .

REFRIGERANT OIL CAPACITIES

Component	ml	fl oz
Total System Fill - Front A/C only	120	4.05
Total System Fill - Front and Rear A/C	150	5.07
A/C Condenser	30	1
A/C Receiver/drier	30	1
Front A/C Evaporator	60	2
Rear A/C Evaporator	30	1
A/C Compressor	Drain and measure the oil from the old compressor. See COMPRESSOR OIL DRAIN PROCEDURE .