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Do I Need To Add Oil To My Air Conditioning Compressor?

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Customers often ask whether or not they need to add oil to an air conditioning compressor they purchase from us. This question comes up because people want to avoid poor cooling or failure problems resulting from improper oil levels. Fortunately most people realize the harm to the system and potential danger of running an AC compressor with no oil.

Classic Auto Air sells new rotary (Sanden style) compressors in 2 variations: those that are compatible with the older, R12 refrigerant and compressors compatible with 134a refrigerant. In addition, we also rebuild compressors that customers send in.

In all cases, Classic Auto Air customers receive a compressor that is fully charged WITH THE APPROPRIATE AMOUNT OIL.

Compressors that Classic Auto Air rebuilds come with a full system charge of Ester 100 oil, which is compatible with both the old R12 refrigerant and newer 134a.  New, R12 Rotary compressors come with a full system charge of Mineral Oil, which is compatible only with R12 refrigerant.  New 134a rotary compressors come with a full system charge of PAG oil, which is compatible only with 134a refrigerant.

If your compressor is going into a system that has previously been installed, it’s important to get as much of the original oil charge out of the system as possible to protect against an oil overcharge.  It’s typically ok for an extra ounce or two of oil to remain in the system, provided it is contaminant free.  A significant overcharge of oil (over 2 ounces) however, can cause multiple problems, including inefficient cooling and immediate or premature compressor failure.

As stated above, it is important to fully evacuate your air conditioning system to assure that any contaminants have been removed before attaching a new compressor. Contamination is one of the biggest causes of component failure. Failure to ensure the system is contaminant free can cause your newly replaced compressor (and other components) to fail and void component warranty.

Have an AC compressor or other component question? We love ‘em! Just give us a call or send in a tech help request form.


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