Oil Charge Additions

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 filter-drier will retain a significant amount of oil, refer to the 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 line or component has ruptured and oil has escaped, the compressor should be removed and drained. The filter-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.

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 ND8 PAG (polyalkalene glycol).

Recovery/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.

1. Discharge refrigerant system using recovery/recycling equipment if 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 port on top of compressor, drain lubricant from compressor.

Component ml oz
Total System 140 ml 4.75 oz
Filter-Drier 30 ml 1.0 oz
Condenser 30 ml 1.0 oz
Evaporator 59 ml 2.0 oz
All Refrigerant 44 ml 1.5 oz
Lines

5. Add system capacity minus the capacity of components that have not been replaced. Refer to the Lubricant Capacity Chart. Add lubricant through the suction port on compressor. This is not to exceed 140 ml (4.75 oz.) in total.
6. Install compressor and connect refrigerant lines. Then evacuate and charge refrigerant system.