Compressor Oil

Repair Procedures

Oil Specification

1. 1
   The R-134a or R-1234yf system requires synthetic (PAG) compressor oil, while the R-12 system requires mineral compressor oil. The two oils must never be mixed.
2. 2
   Compressor oil (PAG) depends on the compressor model. Be sure to use the oil specified for the compressor model.
3. 3
   The oil must not contain moisture, dust, metal powder, or the like.
4. 4
   Do not mix with other oil.
5. 5
   The water content in the oil increases when exposed to air. After use, immediately seal the oil from air. (R-134a or R-1234yf compressor oil absorbs moisture very easily.)
6. 6
   Compressor oil must be stored in steel containers, not plastic containers.

Oil Handling, Compressor Oil Inspection. The oil used to lubricate the compressor circulates with the refrigerant. Whenever any system component is replaced or in case of a large refrigerant leak, add oil to maintain the original oil quantity.

Total oil quantity in the system: PAG 30: 180 ± 10 cm3 (6.3 ± 0.3 oz)

Oil Return Operation. There is a close relationship between the oil and the refrigerant. During normal operation, part of the oil circulates with the refrigerant in the system. When checking the oil quantity in the system or replacing any system component, the compressor must be run in advance for the oil return operation. The procedure is as follows:

1. 1
   Open all doors and the hood.
2. 2
   Start the engine, set the air conditioner switch to "ON", and turn on the blower fan. Set the blower control knob to the highest position.
3. 3
   Run the compressor for more than 20 minutes at 800 to 1000 rpm to stabilize system operation.
4. 4
   Stop the engine.