Air Conditioning Compressor Oil Balancing

Air Conditioning Compressor Oil Balancing

Draining Procedure

Important: Drain and measure as much of the refrigerant oil as possible from the removed compressor.


1. Drain the oil from both the suction and discharge ports of the removed compressor into a clean, graduated container.
Rotate the compressor shaft to assist in draining the compressor.




2. Measure and record the amount of oil drained from the removed compressor.
This measurement will be used during installation of the replacement compressor.
3. Inspect the oil drained from the compressor. Refer to Air Conditioning Compressor Oil Diagnosis (Air Conditioning Compressor Oil Diagnosis).
4. Properly discard the used refrigerant oil.

Balancing Procedure

Important: The refrigerant oil in the A/C system must be balanced during compressor replacement.


1. The replacement compressor is shipped with 74 ml (2.5 oz) of refrigerant oil.




2. Compare the amount of refrigerant oil recorded during compressor removal to the amount of refrigerant oil shipped in the replacement compressor.
If the amount of refrigerant oil drained and recorded from the removed compressor is:

* Less than 74 ml (2.5 oz)
Leave the 74 ml (2.5 oz) in the replacement compressor.
* More than 74 ml (2.5 oz)
Add to the compressor the difference between the 74 ml (2.5 oz) and the amount drained.