Oil Level Check

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

The oil used in the compressor is a 500 SUS viscosity, wax-free refrigerant oil. Only refrigerant oil of the same type should be used to service the system. Do not use any other 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.

It will not be necessary to check oil level in the compressor or to add oil unless there has been an oil loss due to ruptured line, shaft seal leakage, leakage from the evaporator, condenser, filter drier or loss due to a collision. Oil loss at a leak point will be evident by the presence of a wet, shiny surface around the leak.


REFRIGERANT OIL LEVEL CHECK
When an air-conditioning system is first assembled at the factory all of the components (except the compressor) are refrigerant oil free. After the system has been charged with R134a (refrigerant) and operated the oil in the compressor is dispursed through the lines and components. The evaporator, condenser, and filter-drier will retain a significant amount of oil, see A/C Component Refrigerant Oil Capacities chart. 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 refrigerant line or component has ruptured and has released an unknown amount of oil, the A/C compressor should be removed and drained through the suction port. The filter-drier must be replaced along with the ruptured part and 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: evaporator retains 60ml (2 oz), condenser retains 30ml (1 oz) of oil, system capacity may be 214ml (7.25 oz) of oil-214ml - 90ml = 124ml (4.25 oz).

Component Oil Capacity:

TO VERIFY REFRIGERANT OIL LEVEL
1. Discharge refrigerant system.
2. Remove refrigerant lines from A/C compressor.
3. Remove compressor from vehicle.
4. From suction port on top of compressor drain refrigerant oil from compressor.
5. Add system capacity minus the capacity of components that have not been replaced through suction port on compressor.
6. Install compressor, connect refrigerant lines, evacuate, and charge refrigerant system.