Oil Level Check

It is important to have the correct amount of lubricant in the A/C system to ensure proper lubrication of the compressor. Too little lubricant will result in damage to the compressor. Too much lubricant will reduce the cooling capacity of the system and consequently result in higher discharge air temperatures.

The lubricant used in the compressor is polyalkalene glycol PAG lubricant. Only refrigerant lubricant approved for use with R-134a should be used to service the system. Do not use any other lubricant. The lubricant container should be kept tightly capped until it is ready for use. Refrigerant lubricant will quickly absorb any moisture it comes in contact with.

It is not necessary to check or add lubricant unless it has been lost. Lubricant loss at the leak point will be evident by the presence of a wet, shiny surface around the leak.

Refrigerant Oil Level Check

A/C Component Refrigerant Oil Capacities:

When an air conditioning system is first assembled, all components (except the compressor) are refrigerant oil free. After the system has been charged with (R-134a) refrigerant and operated, the oil in the compressor is dispersed through the lines and components. The evaporator, condenser, and receiver/drier will retain a significant amount of oil. Refer to the A/C Component Refrigerant Oil Capacities table. When a component is replaced, the specified amount of refrigerant oil must be added. When the compressor is replaced, the amount of oil that is retained in the rest of the system must be drained from the replacement compressor. When a line or component has ruptured and oil has escaped, the compressor should be removed and drained. The receiver/drier must be replaced along with the ruptured part. The oil capacity of the system minus the amount of oil still in the remaining components, can be measured and poured into the suction port of the compressor.

Example: On an A/C system the evaporator retains 60 ml. (2 oz.). The condenser retains 30 ml. (1 oz.) of oil, and system capacity may be 150 ml. (5.00 oz.) of oil.

150 ml. minus 90 ml. equals 60 ml. (2.00 oz.).

CAUTION: The refrigerant oil used in a R-134a A/C system is unique. Use only oils which were designed to work with R-134a refrigerant. The oil designated for this vehicle is ND 8 PAG (polyalkalene glycol).

Verify Refrigerant Lubricant Level
1. Discharge refrigerant system using a recycling/reclaiming equipment if a charge is present.
2. Disconnect refrigerant lines from A/C compressor. Cap the open lines to prevent moisture from entering system.
3. Remove compressor from vehicle.
4. From suction and discharge ports on top of compressor, drain lubricant from compressor.
5. Add system capacity minus the capacity of components that have not been replaced. Refer to the A/C Component Refrigerant Oil Capacities chart above. Add lubricant through the suction and discharge ports on compressor. This is not to exceed 150 ml. (5.00 oz.) in total.
6. Install compressor and connect refrigerant lines. Then evacuate and charge refrigerant system.
7. Most reclaim/recycling equipment will measure the lubricant being removed. This is the amount of lubricant to be added back to the system. If a new compressor is being installed, drain lubricant from old compressor, measure the amount drained and discard old lubricant. Drain the lubricant from the new compressor into a clean container. Return the amount of lubricant measured from the old compressor, plus the amount reclaimed from the system back into the new compressor.