AC Compressor oil
 

Getting ready to replace the compressor and drier on my 1998 Civic.....308,000 miles and going strong........

Anyway can someone tell me how much and what weight oil to put in the compressor and or drier? The kit I purchased came with oil....but would not confirm it was the right weight or what amount to use....I found a you tube video.....but I trust you all more......

Thanks
Rick

Re: AC Compressor oil
 

If you bought a new or re-built compressor, it should come pre-oiled.

Here is the fun part. Take your old compressor off and drain the oil out of it into a bottle and measure it. Then drain that same amount of oil from the replacement compressor and you should be good. It doesn't have to be precise but it should be close. A little too much oil is better then too little.

The system oil capacity is 4oz but not all of that sits in the compressor. It sits throughout the A/C system.

If you do need to add the oil yourself (new compressor didn't come pre-oiled), I believe Pag46 is the stuff you're after. Same deal though, drain the old compressor and then add that much oil to the new one.

If you're unsure of the amount of oil in the system, just remember, too much oil is better than not enough. Too little and you risk of destroying the new compressor, too much and your A/C may run a few degrees warmer.

Re: AC Compressor oil
 

About to do the same. SP-10 is the oil. p/n's listed in pics.

http://i40.tinypic.com/35nc8j6.jpg
http://i40.tinypic.com/ejsp5g.jpg

Re: AC Compressor oil
 

thanks....oil came in the kit.....they said to drain any oil out of the new compressor and add fresh.......I did not look at the bottle of oil but it looks like everyone agrees on 46.........do you add some to the drier as well? on the compressor add it to the suction side?

Thanks
Rick

Re: AC Compressor oil
 

so a second question...so I install the new compressor and drier...and take it to a shop to be vacuumed.....what are they vacuuming? Does that have any effect on the oil?

Re: AC Compressor oil
 

changing oil on your replacement compressor is fine. follow the directions above. add oil on the suction side of compressor.

receiver/drier takes 1/3 fl oz.

an air conditioning system is put under a vacuum to serve a few purposes.

1- boil off any moisture in the system (moisture is the enemy in an A/C system)
2- it simulates pressure in the system (albeit negative) helping to identify or confirm leaks in the system safely


EDIT**the system is put under a vacuum after you have re-installed the compressor and are in preparation to charge the system.

Before taking the compressor out the system needs to be evacuated of refrigerant by a shop with a refrigerant recycle/collect machine.

Re: AC Compressor oil
 

If the oil you drain from the old compressor is off colored or turbid, then flush the system and add all fresh oil.